Holiday apartment in Opheusden between river floodplains and history

Holiday apartment in Opheusden: floodplains, trails and history

A holiday apartment in Opheusden takes you to the Betuwe, where river floodplains, cycling routes and traces of local history make a variety of holiday experiences possible. When choosing your holiday apartment in Opheusden, you can decide whether nature observation, exercise or culture should be the main focus. De Spees, the Laanboomhuis and local history each add a different emphasis.

River floodplains, water and trails

De Spees is a floodplain on the southern side of the Nederrijn. The extraction of gravel and clay for nearby brickworks created large bodies of water that provide a habitat for many waterbirds. Walking is possible there in all seasons, provided the water level is not too high. The visible De Spees fortification is a Rijksmonument, a designated national monument, and part of the extension of the Grebbelinie.

The Heuzesepad runs through the varied countryside around Opheusden, along rivers and through floodplains, as well as through the river dike landscape with centuries-old tree cultivation.

Routes with their own character

The Doorbraakkolkenroute Neder-Betuwe is 60 kilometres long and can be shortened to 30 or 36 kilometres. The Laanboomroute Betuwe is a cycling route through landscapes and tree nursery plots with terraces and welcoming food and leisure options in Neder-Betuwe, Overbetuwe and Buren. The Monumentenroute Neder-Betuwe is a route for bicycles or classic cars; its official starting point is in Opheusden at the Laanboomcentrum on Dodewaardsestraat.

The Laanboomhuis garden

The Laanboomhuis garden is a park-like tree nursery setting with small tree nursery plots and a nature, play and learning area. At the Laanboomhuis, visitors can learn about crafts as well as the latest ideas and techniques. The Laanboomhuis is located near the A15 and Opheusden railway station on the Arnhem–Tiel railway line.

Traces of local history

On the inland side of the dike at De Spees stands a replica of a Roman watchtower from the 2nd century. The watchtower can be climbed and offers views across the site, over the Rhine to Grebbeberg and towards Rhenen. An old church register from 1395 mentions a church in “Heusden”; the church of Opheusden was probably rebuilt after its destruction as a result of civil conflicts at the end of the 15th century.

A memorial stone in the church of Opheusden commemorates Reverend A. van Herwaarden, who was fatally struck by lightning during an evening service on 29 July 1855. Opheusden was liberated on 18 April 1945 by the Belgian Brigade Piron.

Veerweg and river connection

The FietStop at the Veerhuis, Veerweg 1 in Opheusden, offers free parking for cars, food and drinks, electric bicycle charging and facilities for minor repairs. The former ferry house, with an attached farm at Veerweg 1, stands on higher ground, dates mainly from the second half of the 19th century and also contains older structural elements. The ferry between Opheusden and Wageningen is a historic connection between the Betuwe and the southern edge of the Veluwe.

Further destinations

For further travel planning, you can also discover Kesteren, Ochten and Echteld.

For the higher-level travel overview: Neder-Betuwe.