Wijk Bij Duurstede between River, Castle and Cherries

Wijk Bij Duurstede lies where the Nederrijn and Lek rivers divide. River landscapes, architectural history and cherry-growing culture give a trip several different points of focus. In Wijk Bij Duurstede, the castle, church, windmill and museum offer glimpses into different chapters of the town’s history; Cothen offers a different perspective, with its orchards, cherry cultivation and protected historic townscape. You can shape your days around what interests you most, whether it’s historic architecture, a museum or paths through waterside landscapes.

River Landscapes and Town History

Kasteel Duurstede stands on an island in the castle moat, reached by a drawbridge. The ruins are surrounded by a public landscape park. The castle and park are of considerable cultural-historical and garden-historical significance. So the castle itself is not the only thing that matters when taking in the site: the history of the surrounding parkland is part of it too.

Bishop David of Burgundy expanded the Grote Kerk into a three-aisled cruciform church. Molen Rijn en Lek, meanwhile, stands atop the Leuterpoort city gate. When the miller is there, he is happy to explain the windmill’s history and how it works. The Oog In ’t Zeil windmill in Cothen is open to the public and still regularly grinds grain for human consumption; check access information before your visit.

Museum Dorestad is dedicated to the history of the once-important trading centre on the Rhine, one of the most significant places in northwestern Europe. Archaeological finds illustrate everyday life, trade and encounters between cultures. Visitors can also board a reconstructed Scandinavian cargo ship there. Guided tours are available on request and last about an hour; check availability in advance. Exhibition details may change.

Cothen: Orchards and Cherry-Growing Traditions

Orchards, extensive natural areas, the Kromme Rijn, castles and country estates shape Cothen. The old town centre is a designated protected townscape. Cherry cultivation is part of the landscape here, and you can learn about it at an interactive museum: the Kersenmuseum Cothen explores the history of cherry growing.

Rondje Kersenpracht is an eight-kilometre walking route that passes Kasteel Rhijnestein and the inundation sluice in Cothen. Fruit trees blossom along the route in spring. In summer and autumn, fruit is sold at various cherry stands in the area; what is available at the stands may vary. The annual Kersenfestival also explores different aspects of cherry growing. It lasts two days, and the dates change from year to year.

At the Kersenmuseum, you can try bidding in an auction game set in a reconstructed auction hall. The museum also preserves the auction bell, benches and a tile tableau from the former fruit auction in Wijk Bij Duurstede. For another glimpse into the area’s craft history, visit the Oog In ’t Zeil windmill: it was built in 1869 and still regularly grinds grain for human consumption. Exhibitions and access information may change.

Riverside Areas, Waterways and Practical Information

Gravenbol combines a nature and recreation area by the river with ponds and wetlands, some of which are directly connected to the river. The area is designated as a Natura 2000 site; swimming is one of the activities offered there. Work or seasonal conditions may affect access. A boat ramp lets you launch boats onto the river. Check current conditions before visiting.

A replica trekschuit with a quiet electric motor travels from Wijk Bij Duurstede to Cothen and back with the Krommerijnder, offering a peaceful way to experience nature. Trips may depend on the weather. There is also a canoe route between Wijk Bij Duurstede and Utrecht. At locks, including those in Cothen and Werkhoven, you will need to lift your canoe out of the water briefly.

The Gerrit Achterbergpad leads through the countryside around Doorn, Langbroek and Wijk Bij Duurstede, along the foot of the Heuvelrug and through forests, river landscapes and strip landscapes. Signs along the route display works by poet Gerrit Achterberg and point to the coachman’s house at Landgoed Sandenburg as his birthplace. For a starting point for walking, cycling and boating, visit TOP Stadshaven Wijk Bij Duurstede, which also has an information board with route networks and parking facilities.

U-link bus route 41 connects Wijk Bij Duurstede with Utrecht Centraal via Bunnik. Check the current timetable before travelling. From 1 September 2025, a closure of the Rijndijk/Lekdijk between Wijk Bij Duurstede and Amerongen was planned to last about a year and a half, affecting through motor traffic, cyclists and pedestrians. Motor traffic was to be diverted via the N229, N227 and N225. As this was a time-limited plan, check the latest information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Wijk Bij Duurstede, Cothen, Montfoort, Zeist, Soest, Breukelen, Houten, Loenen.

For the main travel overview: Utrecht.