Neder-Betuwe: Hiking Trails, River Landscapes and Fruit Culture

In Neder-Betuwe, rivers, floodplains, winding dikes and flood pools shape the landscape. Centuries-old tree cultivation is a recurring theme along the river embankments; you can also learn about fruit growing at Nationaal Fruitpark Ochten. Hiking trails reveal the river landscape and traces of history, while cycling routes show you other sides of the area. The different route lengths and landscape features provide useful guidance for planning.

Hiking Along Rivers and Dikes

Near Opheusden, the Heuzesepad passes through rivers, floodplains and the river embankment landscape with its centuries-old tree cultivation. You can choose from hikes of 10, 11 or 14 km. The starting point is the car park by the Roman watchtower De Spees, near Rijnbandijk 139b. A replica of the watchtower recalls the time when the Roman northern border ran here.

On the Uchtapad, too, you can choose between two distances: the hikes are 7 or 12 km long and lead around Ochten and Eldik through the Waal floodplains, over dikes and along flood pools. The Hiensepad offers routes of 8, 12 or 14 km through Dodewaard, Hien and Wely; the route passes, among other places, the Waal floodplains and the Hiensche Uiterwaarden. The different lengths make it easier to plan your day around the distance you want to cover.

De Spees and Traces of History

De Spees is a uiterwaard on the southern side of the Nederrijn. Large bodies of water, created by gravel and clay extraction, provide a habitat for many waterbirds. You can hike at De Spees in any season, provided the water level is not too high. The visible fortification there is a Rijksmonument and part of the extension of the Grebbelinie.

You’ll also encounter the history of the river landscape along the hiking trails. The Uchtapad passes an inundation sluice that recalls the May Days of 1940, when parts of the Betuwe were flooded for defensive purposes. The Kolk van de Geer, regarded as the scar of a flood, lies along the Hiensepad. Choosing a route therefore offers different insights into the history of the landscape, without requiring a separate sightseeing tour.

Trails Around Kesteren and Echteld

The Marspad passes through the river embankment landscape around Kesteren, past old riverbeds and winding dikes, and through an area with tree nurseries. The route includes the Rhenen-Lienden ferry; a shortened version can be walked without taking the ferry. The two versions therefore differ at a specific stage, not just in length.

The Wijenburgsepad passes the site of the vanished village of Ooij as it loops around Echteld. It also runs past a centuries-old castle, impressive sluices and extensive floodplains. The Spanjaardspad XL crosses the rural outskirts of the municipality of Neder-Betuwe, along the Nederrijn and Waal and through areas with old defensive structures, floodplains and river embankment landscape. It follows a large part of the Mauritslinie, also known as the Oranje Limes, and connects several Klompenpaden.

Cycling and Exploring the Orchard Landscape

In Neder-Betuwe, Overbetuwe and Buren, the Laanboomroute Betuwe passes landscapes, tree-lined avenues, terraces, and food and leisure facilities. Its route therefore passes through three municipalities. The Doorbraakkolkenroute Neder-Betuwe is 60 km long; shorter versions are 30 or 36 km. Doorbraakkolken, also known as wielen or waaien, are monumental landscapes formed by breaches in dikes.

At Nationaal Fruitpark Ochten, visitors can experience an orchard and learn about standard fruit trees bearing plums, cherries and pears. The park is managed organically, and visitors can sample fruit and other treats on offer. Which products are available may vary with the season. TOP Fruitpark Ochten offers free parking, toilets, a restaurant, and charging facilities for bicycles and cars.

Ferries and Useful Stops

The Dodewaard-Druten bicycle and pedestrian ferry crosses the Waal on weekends from April to September; it runs daily during the summer months. Check the latest sailing information before setting out, as the service is seasonal.

FietStop at the Veerhuis in Opheusden offers free parking, food and drinks, charging facilities for electric bikes, and minor bicycle repairs. As the availability of charging and repair services may change, check what is available before your trip. When planning your stay, you can therefore take seasonal ferry schedules and useful stops into account alongside the routes.

Discover more destinations: Ochten, Kesteren, Echteld, Opheusden, Rozendaal, Winterswijk, Maasdriel, Wageningen.

For the main travel overview: Gelderland.