Holiday apartment in Rhenen – Grebbeberg, Nature and History

Rhenen combines marked trails, dynamic natural landscapes, animal experiences and historic sites. Between Grebbeberg, Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the landscapes of the Rhine, there are various ways to explore the surroundings on foot, by bicycle or through cultural attractions.

Nature

Grebbeberg is the easternmost hill of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug ice-pushed ridge and forms the abrupt end of this elevated ridge. With a difference in elevation of more than 50 metres, it offers views of the Blauwe Kamer, the Nederrijn and the Betuwe. Marked hiking trails cross Grebbeberg.

The Blauwe Kamer nature area is located nearby. There, the Nederrijn flows freely, meaning that nature is constantly changing. The area has signposted walking trails for adults and children. A wheelchair-accessible trail leads to a viewpoint. Parking facilities at the Blauwe Kamer are limited; visitors are therefore asked to travel by bicycle whenever possible.

Trails

Kwintelooijen has marked hiking trails of 1.5 and 3 kilometres in length. There is also a 2.7-kilometre mountain bike route. Kwintelooijen is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset. The Willem Sanders Trimbaan adds a 1-kilometre forest loop with wooden exercise equipment to the trail network.

Rhenen has one exercise route through the city and another through the forest. Posts with QR codes along the trails open exercise videos. A longer hike is offered by the 4-kilometre Plantage Willem III: it leads through hilly terrain across forest and open landscapes and includes a long, gradual ascent and descent. Plantage Willem III is part of Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park.

Animals

Ouwehands Dierenpark offers close encounters with polar bears, the covered jungle playground RavotAapia and the Expeditie Berenbos adventure area. The zoo is accessible to people with disabilities and wheelchair users. At Pandasia, Ouwehands Dierenpark offers encounters with giant pandas Wu Wen and Xing Ya, as well as with other Asian animal species in a traditionally Chinese-designed setting.

Culture

In the Middle Ages, Cunerakerk developed into an important pilgrimage church associated with the relics of Saint Cunera. Its tower is 82 metres high. Inside is a rare, well-preserved Renaissance rood screen dating from around 1550. Outside events and activities, Cunerakerk can be visited free of charge; a member of staff on site provides information about its history and use.

Stadsmuseum Rhenen presents archaeology, urban history and art under three themes: treasures, battle and beauty. The exhibits include a Bronze Age burial vessel found on the Koerheuvel in Rhenen, which is approximately 2,800 years old.

The Grebbelinie Information Centre offers an exhibition about the fighting in May 1940. The focus is on the battles around Grebbeberg and other events in the Netherlands. The centre was renovated in 2025.

Geographical context

The Grift en Graftenpad passes through the agricultural surroundings of Rhenen, over Laarsenberg and along the Grift. The trail owes its name to the graften on Laarsenberg in Rhenen. These are overgrown hillside terraces that probably date from the Middle Ages.

TOP Rhenen Centrum is located in the historic centre of Rhenen and serves as a starting point for exploring the landscapes of Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Rhine. Several places can also be linked by bicycle. The Fietsen langs de Rijn cycling route near Rhenen includes two river crossings by ferry. The Klimmen bij Veenendaal cycling route passes through Veenendaal, medieval Rhenen and Elst.

The farm shop offers a regional taste: there, you can try Binnenvelds Goud cheese as young or matured farmhouse cheese.

For further location options: Elst, Rhenen.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Amersfoort, Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Veenendaal, Loenen, Houten, Utrecht.

To the overview of the higher-level destination: Utrecht.