Arnhem, Oosterbeek, Renkum

Arnhem is actually wrong On the map: Westervoort is in the east, Noord-Brabant in the south and Oosterbeek in the west (and the Zuiderzee used to be in the north as well). Perhaps that is why the city is so full of contradictions: a city with medieval buildings and ultramodern architecture, a city full of tranquillity in its many parks and full of activity as the capital of the province, a city on the low banks of the Rhine and high hills of the Veluwe. In short: a city with something for everyone.


This town played an important role in World War II: Hotel Hartenstein (now the Airborne Museum) was the headquarters of the British First Airborne Division; the church served as a dressing station for Allied troops. The Airborne March is held annually on the first Saturday in September to commemorate the Battle of Arnhem.


The modern station building has supporters and detractors, but it is definitely a huge eye-catcher. On the outskirts of Arnhem, you can see the spot where the wealthy citizens of Arnhem used to have their retreats built. Much of this was lost during the war and has since been replaced by quirky new buildings. Fortunately, some very fine buildings have also survived history.


From the bustling city centre you cycle in no time into the beautiful parks, where you can unwind. You discover that Arnhem has plenty of greenery. Outside the city, you also notice how rolling the countryside is. Past the Dutch Open Air Museum and Burgers Zoo, you reach the highest point.


The route also takes you to Doorwerth. In the floodplains of the Rhine, you will find Doorwerth castle, the oldest part of which dates back to the 13th century. In the courtyard stands the oldest Robinia tree in our country. This tree was planted in 1579. Despite severe damage by shellfire, the tree has stood the test of time well. Actually, just like the city of Arnhem!




Note!
Along the way, you will encounter two bicycle ferries. Do you cycle the route when the ferries do not sail? Then cycle round, at Renkum via junctions 02-20-06-81-Lexkesveer-95-50-76 (or the other way round from the other direction, the Lexkesveer does sail daily all year round). At Driel, follow from junction 59-27-87-86-29-22-35 (or again the other way round if cycling in the other direction.)