Land van Maas and Waal route

\\\"WE TALK AND WE SING AND WE ALL LAUGH, BECAUSE BEHIND THE HIGH MOUNTAINS LIES THE LAND OF MAAS AND WAAL.\\\"

In this well-known song by Boudewijn de Groot, the beautiful Land of Maas and Waal is sung about. The Land van Maas en Waal, in the southwest of Gelderland, is actually no more than a narrow strip of land between two wide water streams. Together with outer polders, duck decoys, floodplains and tree-rich islands, Maas and Waal make this part of the Netherlands a quintessentially Dutch piece of land. Here you share the polders and floodplains with geese and waders.

You can also enjoy water recreation in this area at the Groene Heuvels recreation area (near 71). The sandy beach, spacious sunbathing areas and various facilities make it the ideal place for a relaxing stop. Groene Heuvels offers a wide range of activities such as swimming, walking, flyboarding, diving and a climbing park.

During the cycle route you will also pass the ruins of Batenburg (near 73). As the name suggests, there is an impressive ruin of what was once one of the oldest castles in Gelderland. The medieval castle, Hernen Castle (near 68), is still standing. The castle with unique covered walkways can be explored on your own with a talking lamp. At the end of the route, be sure to visit the iconic Wijchen Castle Museum (near 64). In short: plenty to see and do in the Land van Maas en Waal.