Cycling along the Waal

Discover nature and the charming villages around the Waal during this beautiful bike ride. This water-rich route is perfect for a day of fresh air on the bike.

Fortified town of Zaltbommel
The starting point of the route is in the center of Zaltbommel, a cozy fortified town with various sights. Zaltbommel is known for the stubby tower without a spire, the inhabited water tower and the city walls. History can be felt everywhere here. You leave west towards Gameren. 

Historical route
You cycle along the Waal to Zuilichem and Poederoijen. A little further you will find the Monument Separation of Maas and Waal. In 1883 the Maas and the Waal were officially separated from each other on this spot. The Maasdijken could not handle the large amount of water and a solution had to be found. The Bergse and Hollands Diep were dug as relief for both rivers. Then you cycle on to Woudrichem and at Sleeuwijk you cross the Boven-Merwede towards the picturesque Gorinchem.

Fort Vuren
On the other side of the water you pass a picnic area where you can relax for a while. A little further you will find Fort Vuren, in Vuren. Fort Vuren is a stone's throw from Slot Loevestein, across the river Waal. Fort Vuren was a strategic link in the long chain of forts built between 1815 and 1870 as part of the New Dutch Waterline. You follow the contours of the Waal eastwards towards Herwijnen and at Waardenburg you cross the water again and then return to Zaltbommel.