Lathum

Lathum offers a range of reasons to visit: a river landscape and walking trails, activities on the water, and historic buildings. This allows you to plan around your interests rather than trying to fit every kind of outing into one itinerary.

River landscape around the Koppenwaard

The Koppenwaard is a floodplain along the upper reaches of the IJssel near Lathum. It lies in an inner bend of the river and features two distinct landscapes: open pastures and more sheltered areas with groups of trees and hedgerows. You can take in the area from the Bandijk. If you want to focus on the landscape during your stay, this offers a different experience from the waters of Rhederlaag.

The site of an old brickworks is also part of the Koppenwaard. It is currently inaccessible for safety reasons. Take this restriction into account when planning: the site cannot currently be included as a destination to visit. The view of the Koppenwaard from the Bandijk is unaffected by this restriction.

Water activities in Rhederlaag

Rhederlaag is directly connected to the IJssel. The area therefore appeals to travellers who want to spend time by the water: in Rhederlaag, you can swim, relax on sandy beaches or take a boat trip on the IJssel. Visitor facilities such as toilets and showers are also available there.

Rhederlaag is an official bathing site. During the bathing season, from 1 May to 1 October, water quality is checked regularly. This information describes the seasonal period; plan your swimming accordingly. Water sports enthusiasts also have a specific reference point: between river kilometre markers 896 and 897, they can enter the Rhederlaag area from the IJssel.

In summer, walkers and cyclists can use the foot and bicycle ferry between Rheden and Lathum. As the ferry operates seasonally, check its timetable before travelling. This helps you coordinate the crossing with your planned outing without assuming that the service runs all year round.

One of the special activities on the Rhederlaagse Meren in Lathum is working as a team to build a seaworthy raft, which you can then use to explore the lakes. A route to Rhederlaag’s naturist beach leads via Muggenwaard in Lathum. These two options offer different ways to enjoy the water: building a raft together on the lakes or following the route to a designated beach.

Walking and getting your bearings locally

Since mid-2024, the Giesepad has been the official walking trail through Lathum and Giesbeek. If walking is part of your travel plans, this trail offers a clearly identified point of reference. The Koppenwaard, meanwhile, can be viewed from the Bandijk; please note the current access restriction for the brickworks site.

Lathum’s church and history

The church in Lathum has been a Rijksmonument since 1966. Its oldest part is the chancel: originally, it was a small chapel dedicated to Mary and belonging to the castle of the lords of Lathum. The church is open to everyone during services. Plan any possible visit for this time rather than assuming it is open at all times.

Huis te Lathum is also part of the area’s history. The historic manor house has a history dating back to the 13th century and is a restored Rijksmonument. Together with the church, it offers a different travel focus from the floodplain and water activities: here, the emphasis is on architectural history and historical context.

When choosing the focus of your trip, you can distinguish clearly between the options: Rhederlaag offers swimming and other water activities, the Giesepad is the official walking trail, and the Koppenwaard offers views of a river floodplain. The church and Huis te Lathum add historic buildings to the picture.

Discover more destinations: Babberich, Zevenaar, Giesbeek

Go to the main travel overview: Zevenaar.