Kesteren: Routes, Fruit Growing and Cultural History

When looking for a hotel in Kesteren, your travel interests can help you decide what to focus on: the town’s highlights include a ferry loop across the Nederrijn, cycling amid avenue tree cultivation, the Rijnbandijk, cultural history and fruit growing. The differences below can help you plan a trip focused on routes, landscapes, historical traces or fruit-growing products.

Ferry, Cycling Route and Dike Landscape

The Marspad crosses the Nederrijn by ferry and then loops back to its starting point in Kesteren. Ferry services may vary by season; check the timetable before setting out. Public transport stops include the Dorpshuis bus stop in Kesteren and the railway stations in Kesteren and Rhenen. Check connections before travelling, too.

The western loop of the Laanboomroute Betuwe is 28 kilometres long. It starts at junction 93 in Kesteren and finishes there. Route signs and junction information may change, so check the current signage before setting off. The route passes avenue tree nurseries. You can learn more about this cultivation by cycling the route or visiting nurseries during their open days; check the open-day dates separately.

The two loop routes have different highlights: the Marspad includes a ferry crossing of the Nederrijn, while the Laanboomroute features avenue tree cultivation. Kesteren is part of an old centre of fruit and avenue tree cultivation around Opheusden and Kesteren, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Rijnbandijk also shapes the landscape of the stretch between Kesteren and Lienden. This old, winding dike lies between the floodplains and river embankments of Neder-Betuwe, and several listed buildings stand along it.

Railway Station, Church and Roman Traces

Kesteren’s railway station complex was built between 1885 and 1890. It includes a former ticket office and a former stationmaster’s house. It is also the only double station building designed by M.A. van Wadenooijen. The construction period and its two building sections give the complex a distinctive place in Kesteren’s cultural history.

The Hervormde Kerk was first mentioned in documents in 1395; its tower dates from the 14th century. After sustaining war damage, the church was so badly damaged in 1944 that it could not be rebuilt. In 1951, a new nave was added to the old tower. Parts of the former furnishings have been preserved in the present-day church: an oak pulpit from 1684 with cherub and lion heads, and a copper chandelier from 1650.

Kesteren’s Roman past is another point of interest. Numerous Roman finds discovered in the built-up area point to a military presence. There are also several Roman burial grounds. Together with the later buildings, they reveal a history spanning archaeological traces and preserved features of the church.

Fruit Growing, Mill and Streekfair

The De Zwaluw mill regularly grinds flour for a restaurant, a bakery and a mill shop. The Capel Fruit cherry stand is at the Betuwestraatweg/N233 junction in Kesteren and sells cherries from its own orchards; availability is seasonal. The Capel Fruit business has been growing cherries, apples and pears for four generations. Visitors can eat the products they have bought in the Pitstop orchard in Kesteren.

Another seasonal event is the Streekfair Kesteren, held every year on the second Saturday in September. Check the exact date for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Ochten, Echteld, Opheusden.

View the regional travel overview: Neder-Betuwe.