Discover Druten: Trails, the Waal and History

There are several ways to shape a stay in Druten: explore trails through the town, enjoy nature along the Waal, or discover its architectural and local history. A circular walking route highlights the area’s industrial past, while monuments, church windows and a car museum offer further cultural themes. You can tailor your stay to whether you prefer to get around on foot or by bike, are interested in local nature, or want to focus on individual historical details.

Hiking, Cycling and Nature

“Het Achtje van Druten” is an eight-kilometre circular walking route in the shape of a figure eight through Druten. Its themes include memories of water, clay extraction, and the brick and roof-tile industries. The route also passes monuments and attractions associated with the coarse ceramics industry. It combines exercise with a look at themes that have shaped Druten’s history.

At the starting points of the Druten walking network, information boards provide walking maps and information about routes and attractions. If you are planning a walk, you can use the maps and information there to find your way. The boards are a dedicated resource for planning routes; the Achtje circular route, in turn, offers a specific option whose shape and length make it easy to plan how long a walk will take.

Heemtuin Druten offers opportunities for walking and picnicking. It preserves characteristic plants, shrubs and trees originally native to the Gelderland river region. A walk here can therefore also be an opportunity to observe the region’s vegetation. If you prefer cycling, the cycling route through Druten’s Bosje between junctions 12 and 92 is part of the national cycle route network.

On the northern side of Druten, Veerdam lies directly alongside the Waal. The surrounding area is suitable for walking, cycling and exploring nature. During the summer months, a bicycle and passenger ferry runs from Veerdam to Dodewaard. Check the latest ferry details before travelling. The Afferdense en Deestse Waarden nature reserve is also situated along the Waal near Druten, adding to the area’s natural appeal.

Architectural History and Places of Remembrance

The Ambtshuis offers a glimpse into a long architectural history. The building probably dates from the 16th century; it was extensively remodelled in 1758 and again around 1840. In 1758 it became a courthouse, after the courts of Wamel and Bergharen were combined into a single court in Druten. Features that have been preserved include a stucco group of allegorical figures representing the Maas and Waal, created by J.M. Rieff.

The H.H. Ewaldenkerk also offers specific points of interest in art and architectural history. The present church was built from 1874 to 1877 to a design by Pierre Cuypers. Its stained-glass windows were made by stained-glass artist Frans Nicolas. The construction period and design, as well as the windows, offer several distinct points of interest for anyone interested in architecture or stained glass.

The De Engelbewaarder war memorial commemorates the evacuation of intellectually disabled girls from Druten in May 1940. This specific act of remembrance complements the area’s architectural heritage with a connection to local history during the war. Another cultural attraction is Metropole Druten, a car museum.

The Tourist Information Point Druten in the Bondsgebouw provides information about attractions and activities in the municipality of Druten and also houses a Historical Information Point. As visitor services can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit. Work is also under way at Bondsgebouw, Kattenburg 27, on an accessible centre intended to present historical information about Druten’s Roman Catholic church in connection with Pierre Cuypers.

From a Circular Walk to a Regional Cycling Route

If you are choosing between a local walk and a cycling route focused on culture, the two options offer different highlights. “Het Achtje van Druten” is a local circular route: this eight-kilometre figure-eight trail passes through Druten and explores the area’s history of water and brickmaking. By contrast, the cycling route “Cultuurhistorie in het Land van Maas en Waal” takes you to cultural and historical attractions in the area around Druten and in the area around West Maas en Waal. These destinations offer two different perspectives: a set circular route with a focus on industrial history, or a cycling route to attractions in the wider region.

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