Holiday apartment in Westervoort between river landscapes and history

Westervoort reveals its special character where natural surroundings, water and history come together. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Westervoort, you will discover an area offering a variety of experiences: the Driegaarden nature reserve lies on the outskirts of Westervoort near the IJssel, while historic sites and various routes shape the character of the landscape.

Holiday apartment in Westervoort between nature and water

In Driegaarden, a walk uphill can be combined with expansive views over the surrounding area. At the same time, you can observe storks, herons and cormorants there. Kingfishers may also appear and be heard. This makes the natural area suitable both for quiet observation and for enjoying exercise in the fresh air. The uphill section is part of the actual course of the walk. It should therefore be taken into account as a separate part of the route when planning your day; birdwatching does not require an additional change of location. The expansive views and birdwatching are located within the same natural area.

Near Westervoort, the Hondsbroeksche Pleij lies at the point where the Nederrijn and IJssel divide. The Rondje Westervoort route leads to the distribution structure and the point where the Rhine and IJssel divide. From there, it offers a beautiful view across the Rhine.

Paths through floodplains, parkland and dike landscapes

The twelve-kilometre Pleijenpad walking route, a Klompenpad trail, leads through the floodplains, Horsterpark and agricultural land in the rural outskirts of Westervoort. The route covers several types of landscape and, at twelve kilometres, represents a clearly defined block of time in your day plan. The Rondje Westervoort route runs mainly along cycle paths. This allows you to distinguish between a longer walking route and a route with a different type of path when planning your day. With the Pleijenpad, the length of the walking route is the main consideration, while with Rondje Westervoort, the predominantly cycle-path-based route is the key feature.

The traces of the fortifications are also part of the landscape. Today, the Schans can still be identified both inside and outside the dike by differences in elevation and reconstructions. One section of the Pleijdijk follows, outside the dike, one of the remains of a bastion belonging to the former Fort Geldersoord. The bastion remnant is therefore located along the section of the Pleijdijk that runs outside the dike, while the Schans remains recognisable both inside and outside the dike.

Culture and history in Westervoort

The Sint-Werenfriedkerk is considered Westervoort’s oldest monument. The present pseudo-basilica dates from 1475 and was extensively restored between 1854 and 1857. Huize Vredenburg was first mentioned in 1440 and was then a Havezate, meaning a residence belonging to a member of the recognised knightly class. Exhibitions and concerts are regularly held at Huize Vredenburg.

Fort Geldersoord was built between 1741 and 1742 to protect an inlet sluice. This sluice could be used to divert water from the Rhine in order to flood the area between Westervoort and Doesburg. Fort Geldersoord was a former fort built to protect the inlet sluice.

For the higher-level travel overview: Westervoort.