Varik: Dikke Toren, History and Walking Routes

Varik combines medieval architectural history with paths through the floodplains near Varik and Heesselt. The Dikke Toren, historic buildings and the regional distillery Stokerij Lubberhuizen are different highlights to focus on during a stay. If you are looking for a hotel in Varik, you can plan your visit around the tower’s opening days and seasonal ferry connections. When hiking, it is also worth checking route information, water levels and operating dates.

Dikke Toren and Architectural History

The Dikke Toren is the best-known surviving part of Varik’s medieval church and dates from around 1300. It is about 35 metres high, and the view from the gallery stretches far into the distance. Its three storeys show different construction methods: the lower one is made of tuff stone, the middle one of brick with tuff stone bands, and the upper one entirely of brick. The tower’s structure can therefore also be understood through its materials. In 2026, the Dikke Toren is open every Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm, starting on 31 May. Check the schedule before travelling.

Other historic buildings also form part of Varik’s architectural history. The H.H. Petrus en Paulus complex was built in the Neo-Gothic style to a design by A. Tepe between 1877 and 1879. Varik’s Neo-Gothic Reformed church has a pulpit dating from 1660 and a bell frame with a bell by Petit and Fritsen, probably dating from 1880. The De Bol grain mill also has a clearly traceable history: it was built in 1867, replacing a wooden post mill that burned down in the summer of 1865. These tangible details about the buildings and their fittings therefore span the 17th century through to the late 19th century.

Walking Routes and Ferry Connections

The Dikke Torenpad runs through the floodplains near Varik and Heesselt, close to the Waal. Along the way, it passes an authentic flood shelter. In the Heesseltse uiterwaarden, the route loops around a body of water with riparian woodland, then continues along the river on an unpaved path. High water can affect access; check the latest route information before setting out.

A seasonal ferry runs from the De Bol ferry landing to Heerewaarden, where walkers can connect to the Zandslagenpad. It operates from April to October. Check water levels and operating dates in advance. The routes have different landmarks: the Dikke Torenpad starts at the De Bol ferry landing in Varik; the Zaltbommel–Varik Struinroute takes the ferry at Heerewaarden to Varik, where a solitary tower on the dike welcomes walkers.

Regional Distilling in Varik

Stokerij Lubberhuizen is located in a beautifully restored fire station right next to the distinctive Dikke Toren in Betuwe’s Varik, on the Waal. The distillery makes Eau de Vie, liqueurs and genever from fruit and other local ingredients. It regularly offers private or extended tours, including a special tasting of its own Eaux de Vie and cheese from Oudwijker. If you are interested in a tour, contact the distillery in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ophemert, Neerijnen, Opijnen, Tuil

Go to the main travel overview: Neerijnen.