Rhine Cycle Path VI, Arnheim – Rotterdam

The start of this route is in Arnhem, known for the Battle of Arnhem in WWII. Today it boasts a great zoo, a wonderful open air museum and lovely Sonsbeek Park. Arnhem is a big city located at a stone’s throw from two National Parks: Hoge Veluwe and Veluwezoom.

A diverse trip through the woods of Veluwezoom, past a 52-meter high hill called Grebbeberg. Military cemeteries bear witness to the heavy fighting that went on during WWII. In the Netherlands the Rhine divides into numerous rivers that go by different names and now you will follow the Nederrijn (Lower Rhine) to Amerongen Castle surrounded by gardens. Today’s destination is Wijk bij Duurstede. Around 800 AD, when it was known as Dorestad, it was the most important Northern European centre of trade. Enjoy the lovely historical centre and - weather permitting - sit down at a pavement café on the market square.

Wijk bij Duurstede is located at a crossroads of waterways. Cross the Lower-Rhine on Wijkse Veer ferry and head for the Netherlands’ number one fruit growing district: Betuwe. Past the historical town of Buren you will reach the Linge River. Follow it to Glass Town Leerdam which boasts a glass museum and a fantastic glass-blowing workshop as well as a crystal factory. You will find accommodation in Leerdam or in Asperen on the other side of the Linge.

From your hotel it is not far to Gorinchem (pronounced as Gorcum). Take your time to explore the historical centre of town. Then catch a ferry to the fortress town of Woudrichem. Next up is Biesbosch National Park, probably unlike any other you’ve ever been to. ‘De Biesbosch’ ferry will take you across the Nieuwe Merwede River to the town of Dordrecht. The main attraction here is the lovely old harbour quarter. Finally, a waterbus will take you across the Lower Merwede to the town of Papendrecht.

Cycling through Alblasserwaard polder you will reach Kinderdijk. This is a UNESCO world heritage site. The nineteen polder windmills are a major international attraction. Next, the route continues to the city of Rotterdam, your final destination. At this point, if you are determined to follow the Rhine all the way to where it flows into the North Sea, you could opt to prolong your trip by an extra 30 km and cycle to Hoek of Holland. From Hoek of Holland you can travel back to Rotterdam by train. One of the newest attractions in Rotterdam is the Markthal (market hall).