Steenderen: History and Walking Routes on the IJssel

Steenderen is in the municipality of Bronckhorst, on the east side of the IJssel. Open countryside with meadows and arable fields provides a setting for historic buildings, a memorial site and walking routes. Two churches represent different periods of construction; traces of the former Oud Spaensweert Castle remain at the Spijker. The walking routes also offer a clear comparison: the Tegelroute is about 3.2 kilometres long, while the Oltmansroute is approximately 5.5 kilometres. The shorter route is suitable for wheelchair users and people using a rollator.

Landscape and History of Steenderen

Meadows and arable fields characterise the open countryside around Steenderen. One historical feature in the landscape is the Plantenbos on Landlustweg. Part of today’s Plantenbos originally belonged to Huize Landlust; Evert Godevrid Planten laid out this section in 1827. The town’s history therefore extends beyond churches and other buildings to include the shaping of the landscape.

The Spijker also recalls the town’s past: it is a heavily altered remnant of the former Oud Spaensweert Castle. Remains of the former dry moat can be seen around the building. The Spijker is privately owned and cannot be visited inside; it can be seen from the public road. Check visiting options before travelling.

Churches and Memorial Site

The present-day Remigiuskerk was built in the 15th century. Since 1966, it has been listed as a Rijksmonument, a nationally protected monument in the Netherlands. The Sint-Willibrorduskerk dates from a considerably later period: it was built between 1862 and 1864. The two churches thus offer a contrast in age, without requiring any particular architectural style to be assumed.

The Steenderen war memorial commemorates three residents who died during the Second World War or the Indonesian War of Decolonisation. It consists of a steel cross and two boulders, each bearing a commemorative plaque. The memorial stands in a paved pavilion between Toldijkseweg 1 and Burgemeester Smitstraat 2. Its precise location and simple design make it recognisable as a memorial site.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The historic Tegelroute Steenderen is about 3.2 kilometres long and passes seventeen granite photo panels. It is suitable for wheelchair users and people using a rollator. At about 5.5 kilometres, the Oltmansroute is longer and runs from Steenderen through the open IJssel countryside. Along the way, it passes the Bronkhorster Molen, the Vreekolk and the Molenkolk.

Another highlight of the Oltmansroute is the three restored old orchards in ’t Paradijs. They contain standard trees bearing old and forgotten varieties of apples and pears. The route therefore differs from the Tegelroute not only in length but also in the landscape features it links: granite photo panels are the focus of one, while the other centres on a mill, pools and orchards.

For a cycling trip, numbered junction routes and country roads provide the way to get around. From Steenderen, they lead to places including Bronkhorst, the IJssel and neighbouring villages. This makes the walking routes and cycle routes different ways to experience the landscape. Route details may change; check the route information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Vorden, Hummelo, Bronckhorst, Baak, Halle, Keijenborg, Hengelo, Wichmond.

Go to the main travel overview: Bronckhorst.