Wijk Bij Duurstede lies where the Nederrijn and Lek rivers diverge, amid a varied river landscape. Historic buildings, park paths and the cherry-growing culture of Cothen offer different perspectives on the area: sometimes water and nature shape the scene, while at other times history and local traditions take centre stage.
River landscapes and park paths
At Gravenbol, swimming and views of a distinctive waterscape are among the things to discover. Boats can be launched onto the river there via a slipway. The area also includes ponds and a marshland partly connected directly to the river; Gravenbol is designated as a Natura 2000 site. Access for swimming may be affected by works or seasonal conditions. Check access conditions before your visit; facilities and access at the slipway may also change.
Kasteel Duurstede offers a different combination of landscape and history: the castle stands on an island and is reached by a drawbridge over the moat. It is surrounded by a public landscape park. The ruins and park are of considerable cultural-historical and garden-historical significance. You can combine a walk in the park with a glimpse of the area’s historic heritage.
Cothen and its cherry-growing culture
Orchards, extensive natural areas, the Kromme Rijn, castles and country estates define Cothen. The old village centre also has its own historic character: it is designated as a protected townscape. The Kersenmuseum Cothen explores the history of cherry growing in an interactive way. In a reconstructed auction room, visitors can try bidding in an auction game. The museum also preserves the bell, benches and a tile tableau from the former fruit auction in Wijk bij Duurstede. If you would like to take part in the interactive activity, check its availability in advance.
The eight-kilometre Rondje Kersenpracht walking route passes Kasteel Rhijnestein and the Cothen inundation sluice. Fruit trees blossom along the route in spring; in summer and autumn, fruit is sold at various cherry stalls in the surrounding area. The annual, two-day Kersenfestival explores different aspects of cherry growing. Dates vary from year to year.
Windmills, churches and Dorestad
Molen Rijn en Lek was built on the Leuterpoort city gate. When the miller is there, they are happy to explain the mill’s history and how it works; check visitor access in advance. In Cothen, the Oog In 't Zeil windmill is another attraction for mill enthusiasts: built in 1869, it is open to the public and still regularly grinds flour for human consumption. Check visitor information before travelling.
The Grote Kerk also tells the story of the town’s architectural history. Bishop David of Burgundy expanded it into a three-aisled cross-shaped church. At the Museum Dorestad, archaeological finds illustrate everyday life, trade and encounters between cultures. The museum also tells the story of Dorestad, once an important trading centre on the Rhine and one of the most significant places in north-western Europe. Visitors can board a reconstructed Scandinavian cargo ship there. Guided tours of about an hour are available on request; check availability in advance. Exhibition details may change.
Routes and practical information
The Gerrit Achterbergpad runs through the countryside around Doorn, Langbroek and Wijk bij Duurstede, along the foot of the Heuvelrug and through forests, river landscapes and strip landscapes. Signs along the route display works by the poet Gerrit Achterberg and point out the coachman’s house on Landgoed Sandenburg, his birthplace. The route thus combines views of the landscape with a literary connection.
For a trip on the water, a canoe route connects Wijk bij Duurstede with Utrecht. At locks, including those in Cothen and Werkhoven, the canoe has to be lifted briefly out of the water. Another option is the Krommerijnder: the reconstructed trekschuit travels from Wijk bij Duurstede to Cothen and back. Its quiet electric motor offers a peaceful way to experience nature; trips are weather-dependent.
TOP Stadshaven Wijk bij Duurstede is a starting point for walking, cycling and boating. Facilities there include an information panel with route networks and parking. For travel by bus, U-link line 41 connects Wijk bij Duurstede with Utrecht Centraal via Bunnik. Check the latest timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Wijk Bij Duurstede, Cothen, Loenen, Leusden, Veenendaal, Woudenberg, Montfoort, Vianen.
Back to the main travel overview: Utrecht.
