Elst: Roman heritage, routes and Paardenmarkt

There are several reasons to stay in Elst: Roman history in the town centre, the Paardenmarkt tradition, or routes through nature and recreation areas. If you are looking for a hotel in Elst, you can plan your trip around these highlights and consider which places and activities matter most for your visit.

Roman heritage in the town centre

At the Tempel-Kerkmuseum Elst, the remains of two Roman temples can be seen beneath the floor of the Grote Kerk. The larger of the temples was dedicated to Hercules Magusanus. Since 2021, the museum has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site as a component of the Neder-Germaanse Limes. A visit to the Grote Kerk therefore brings together archaeological evidence and a place that also plays a role in local tradition.

The Romeinse wandelroute Elst runs for 3.9 kilometres through the town centre and focuses on Roman history. It passes the Grote Kerk, beneath which the foundations of Roman temples from two different periods have been preserved. The recommended starting point is junction S5 at Elst railway station. Another link to the Roman past can be found in Aamsepark: a life-size ground plan there depicts the second Gallo-Roman temple, which was discovered in the Westerraam neighbourhood.

Paardenmarkt and local tradition

The Elster Paardenmarkt is both an event and part of the local cultural heritage. It has been on the intangible cultural heritage list since 2014; the market takes place on the first Monday in September. There is also a bronze statue depicting the Paardenmarkt at the foot of the Grote Kerk tower.

Walking routes with different highlights

Routes in and around Elst vary in both length and theme. The Romeinse wandelroute combines a walk through the town centre with Roman history. Rondje Van Langen is considerably shorter, at 800 metres: this circular route runs between 1e Weteringse Wal and the passage on Mozartstraat in Elst.

Waterrijk-West offers a different perspective on the landscape. This family-friendly, accessible route is about three kilometres long and passes reed beds and the edge of the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen. It starts at the Park Lingezegen car park on 1e Weteringsewal in Elst. Those interested in a cycling tour can start the Doortraproute Elst at Sociaal cultureel centrum De Wieken, Pr. Irenestraat 49, 6661 EA.

Park Lingezegen and activities on the water

Waterrijk-West is a nature and recreation area with reed beds and walking trails. Canoeing is permitted there; purpose-built jetties also provide access to the Rijkerswoerdse Plassen and the Linge. Check local conditions before going out on the water. The De Rijkerswoerdse Plassen recreation area is in Elst, on the edge of Arnhem-Zuid, and is a good destination for a day trip. Activities available there include swimming, cycling, walking, fishing and diving. Check the local conditions for each activity before taking part.

Landerij De Park is located on the Romeinse Lint in Park Lingezegen and offers a place to rest after a walk or cycle ride through the park. Visitors can explore the garden, Struinpad, maze, water wheel, beehives and butterfly garden. The eastern section of the Kunstfietsroute Overbetuwe starts and ends at Landerij De Park and is 27 kilometres long. The Romeinse Lint also includes a five-kilometre paved and elevated circular route for walking, running and inline skating. Another circular route, Ommetje De Park, starts and ends at Projectbureau Park Lingezegen, De Park 10 in Elst.

Discover more destinations: Slijk-Ewijk, Hemmen, Randwijk

Go to the main travel overview: Overbetuwe.