Neerijnen, Rossum and Waardenburg

Armed with binoculars, you can follow the water of the De Waal River with this fun cycling route. This pushing water mass is created at the Pannerden, which is by far the most water-rich river branch of the Rhine. The Waal carries approximately 65% of the water of the Rhine. Enjoy a breath of fresh air on the banks and because it is an important artery for water transport, it is not difficult to spot various ships. You see the boats coming and going and the water birds skimming over the water.

You can park your car for free at the Tourist Transfer Point (TOP) in Neerijnen, where Stroomhuis Neerijnen is located on the Neerijnen Estate. Neerijnen Estate is therefore home to a regional center for art, culture and landscape of the Rivierenland. Theater performances, films, exhibitions, lectures, nature excursions, workshops and all kinds of other events are organized in the old Nuon switching station, a monumental building with a lot of atmosphere and an industrial appearance. In addition to a relaxing outing, this bike tour also offers an educational element. Before or after your bike ride, lighten up in Stroomhuis Neerijnen, or pop in for a bite to eat or a drink.

The Neerijnen estate, which covers a total of more than 200 hectares, dates from the fourteenth century. The current house dates from around 1600. It was built on the foundations of an older castle called Klingelenburg. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the appearance of the house was drastically modified and expanded. Nowadays the building functions as a town hall.

In the next village, Waardenburg, you will encounter the castle of the same name. Sometimes Waardenburg Castle is also called Weerdenburg. The complex dates from 1265, when a wooden castle was built on this site. In 1355 a large square tower of four floors was built and a ring wall with a rampart and ark turrets was built around it. The outer bailey of the castle also dates from this time. A moat was constructed to protect the fortress from invaders. In 1957, the complex was declared uninhabitable, partly due to war damage the castle suffered during the Second World War. After a major restoration, the castle is approximately half its original size. Old parts are still well preserved and can be recognized as such.

The mill in Waardenburg is also called the hexagonal mill. The ground sailor dates from the eighteenth century, but the exact year of construction of this mill is unknown. Presumably there was a post mill on the same spot in front of this mill. What is special about this mill is that it was used to generate electricity during the First World War. The mill has been restored twice, in 1965 and in 1975. After the flood in 1995, the adjacent Waaldijk was raised and the mill as a whole was raised.

About halfway through the bike ride it is time to take a break. Bistro'In Petto\\\' is a nice establishment where you can sit comfortably on various outdoor terraces. We recommend that you find a spot on the dike terrace, where you can enjoy a beautiful view while sipping your drink and eating a delicious piece of apple pie.

Half a kilometer away from the bistro, there is a classic defense structure that is part of the New Dutch Waterline. The pentagonal Fort Sint Andries was built during the Siege of Zaltbommel in 1599. The complex is located in a strategic location, because from this position defenders could have a good view of the river area everywhere. The fort was replaced in 1812. A new fort, named New Fort St. Andries, was built a few hundred meters further to the west.