Nijkerk: Polder Landscapes, Water History and Cultural Heritage

Open polders, seasonal birdlife and a historic steam pumping station reveal different sides of Nijkerk. Add walks in the countryside, town experiences and routes along the water, and you have plenty of variety to help plan your stay.

Polder Landscapes and Birdlife

Arkemheen, a Natura 2000 site on the Randmeren lakes, lies northwest of Nijkerk. Its open, low-lying polders include the Nijkerkerpolder. The area is important for meadow birds, breeding birds and migratory birds. In winter, it provides a habitat for wigeons, geese and whooper swans; in spring, lapwings, black-tailed godwits and redshanks find suitable habitats here. The species you are particularly interested in may therefore also play a role in choosing when to travel.

Landgoed Hoevelaken offers a different natural setting, which you can explore on foot or by bicycle. The varying dry and wet soils there support a wide variety of plant species. The estate is also home to protected grass snakes and several bat species, including Nathusius’ pipistrelles, common pipistrelles and serotines. Wildlife sightings vary by season.

The Laaksepad KIDS trail runs through the Hoevelakense Bos. The discovery trail includes nature activities, a nature-inspired artwork and a barefoot path; there is also an opportunity to watch waterbirds. The route brings together a variety of nature themes without requiring you to focus on just one type of wildlife.

Water History and Culture in the Centre

The Stoomgemaal Hertog Reijnout was in operation from 1883 to 1983, pumping excess water out of the Arkemheen polder. At the visitor centre, you can learn more about Arkemheen, its special natural values and the role of water. Facilities include a permanent exhibition, search games, a photo wall and encounters with animals typical of the polder. If you have specific visitor activities in mind, check the latest information in advance.

The Grote- of St. Catharinakerk, a prominent listed monument, stands in Nijkerk’s historic centre. Built in 1461, it was reconstructed after a town fire in 1540. Guided tours that include a climb up the tower and organ concerts, including a summer concert series, are held at the church. Check the specific dates if you would like to include a tour or concert in your travel plans.

Museum Nijkerk offers exhibitions, an open storage collection, themed days, a library about Nijkerk and walking tours through the historic centre. Topics covered on the walks include the Breede Beek, Jewish history and war memorials. A museum walking tour lasts about 90 minutes and is available with or without a guide; individual museum activities may change.

Theater Streams Breede Beek is also located in the centre of Nijkerk. Well-known performers share the stage with local talent. The programme changes over time. If you are interested in public art, you can follow walking routes to artworks in the municipality of Nijkerk and read the accompanying poems by the town poet.

Walks, Cycle Routes and Experiences on the Water

For a walk between Hoevelaken and Nijkerk, the route passes through Landgoed Hoevelaken and along the Barneveldse Beek. The Appelpad is a Klompenpad (clog trail) through the municipality of Nijkerk’s rural landscape, following unpaved paths and forgotten passageways. The two routes therefore differ in the landscapes described and the paths they follow.

The 22-kilometre Doortraproute Nijkerk passes through Hell, Kruishaar, ’t Woud, Appel and Slichtenhorst. It starts at P+R Zuid by Nijkerk railway station. Another cycling route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and runs through Nijkerk along the water, the harbour, the Randmeer lake, major streams and fountains. Check the latest route information before setting off, especially if you are relying on a specific starting point.

Nijkerk aan het Water is situated on the Randmeren lakes. Visitors can rent a boat there and travel towards Bunschoten-Spakenburg or Zeewolde. Boat availability may vary by provider, so check before making plans.

Nijkerk’s centre is easy to reach by both public transport and car. When choosing where to stay, consider your priorities: would you like to focus mainly on culture in the centre, walks or experiences on the water? This can help you choose accommodation that suits the main focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hoevelaken, Nijkerk, Putten, Scherpenzeel, Nijmegen, Ermelo, Groesbeek, Arnhem.

For the broader travel overview: Gelderland.