Druten: Waal dikes, nature trails and brickmaking history

In Druten, the landscape along the Waal meets the traces of a long brickmaking tradition. The municipality’s outskirts are characterised by farmland, broad meadows, dikes along the Waal and remnants of old river bends. The municipality’s nature areas include Afferdense en Deestse Waarden and Drutense Waarden, where you can experience the local flora and fauna.

Landscape and trails around Druten

Since the early 1980s, Heemtuin Druten has been open to everyone interested in the wild flora, fauna and vegetation of the river region. Plants, shrubs and trees originally native to the Gelderland river region attract birds, insects and amphibians; fungi can also be found there. At Heemtuin, you can go for a walk, have a picnic, look for mushrooms and pick apples. Apple picking is seasonal.

The Druten walking trail network consists of themed routes marked by colour and choice points identified by combinations of letters and numbers. The routes are well signposted and therefore easy to follow. The municipality’s outskirts also have cycle routes linked by numbered junctions, farm walks, wanderer routes, and art and heritage routes. This gives you different ways to spend time outdoors, from cycling to themed walks.

The Achtje van Druten passes reminders of water, clay extraction, and the brick and roof-tile industry. The start and finish are at the Oostersteeg exhibition space in Druten. During high water, the Waalbandijk can be used; as details about route access may change, check locally before setting out.

A cycling route also runs through Drutens Bosje: between junctions 12 and 92, it forms part of the national cycle junction network. On site, there are wanderer paths, fitness equipment, a Cooper running track, and walking and cycling trails.

Brickmaking history and local culture

The 6 km Kleigoedroute is a themed walking route exploring traces of brickmaking in and around Druten. Along the way, it passes, among other things, clay pits, Drutens Bosje, former brickworks sites, the old railway line and workers’ houses with glazed bricks. The short Kleigoedroute is 2 km long.

You can also encounter industrial history in Druten’s individual buildings. De Drie Waaien is a stone gallery Dutch windmill, built in 1869 to grind grain. Steenfabriek Vogelensangh was built in 1919 and has the last coal-fired ring kiln in the Netherlands. Bricks are made there from river clay using hand moulds or moulding boxes. The four adjoining houses known as Vier arbeidershuisjes Dericks en Geldens were once workers’ houses belonging to the brickworks of the same name.

KLeiGoed Maas en Waal offers guided heritage walks, preceded by a short presentation. An exhibition of unique decorative ceramic objects is free to visit, and experienced guides are available. As guided walks are offered on request, it is best to confirm availability before you arrive.

Activities for children and the outdoors

Drutens Bosje has a dedicated area for children, with climbing hills, climbing posts, log paths, a zip line and a large lawn. In Druten, there is also a children’s puzzle walk of about 5 km that passes 19 numbered photo signs on brown posts. The two activities offer different experiences: one focuses on play and climbing, while the other features tasks along the route.

Seasonal experiences and practical information

At Landwinkel and Fruittuin De Zandroos, experiences change with the seasons: in spring, you can enjoy the blossom; in summer, buy or enjoy cherries and strawberries; and in autumn, pick apples. From mid-November, you can shop at the farm shop. Harvest periods are seasonal; check the timing before your visit.

HIP & TIP is a point of contact for information about cycling and walking routes, ferries, historic buildings, events, exhibitions and performances. Check local opening details before your visit. The Pontje D'n Overkant connects Druten and Dodewaard across the Waal and can carry 24 passengers, with or without bicycles. The ferry service is seasonal and may change; check the timetable before crossing.

Discover more places for your trip: Druten, Puiflijk.

Discover more destinations: Buren, Neerijnen, Aalten, Brummen, Ermelo, Duiven.

Back to the main travel overview: Gelderland.