Discover Arnhem by bike: 8 beautiful cycling routes
Arnhem is a paradise for cyclists. With its beautiful landscapes, impressive nature and rich history, the city and its surroundings offer something for everyone. With its authentic buildings and the Sla om Arnhem, the city breathes history. Fancy a short, cultural tour or would you rather have an active day through the hills of the Veluwezoom? Below you will find eight cycling routes so that you can discover Arnhem at its best.
1. Soak up culture on two wheels (24 km)
This cultural route is perfect for those who love stories, architecture and surprising places. During the tour you cycle past museums, parks, old neighborhoods and modern buildings, and discover how Arnhem has developed over the years.
Park Sonsbeek
You start in the middle of the greenery at Park Sonsbeek. This city park is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. With flowing streams, waterfalls, stately trees and the impressive white Huis Sonsbeek where you imagine yourself in an 18th century country estate. In Park Sonsbeek you will also find the Water Museum. Here you will learn everything about the influence of water on our daily lives.
History and creativity
A little further on you will find the Dutch Open Air Museum, where old crafts and farms bring the past to life. Definitely worth a trip while cycling!
Then you cycle towards Klarendal, a district that has been transformed from a working-class neighbourhood into a creative hotspot. The beating heart of this is the Fashion Quarter. Here you will find a good mix of fashion designers where you can buy unique garments, take a look in a studio or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the cosy cafés.
More information about the route? Click here.
2. A tour around the Posbank
Whoever says Posbank, says heathlands, differences in height and breathtaking views. This route is a favorite with many and that is not without reason. It is even one of the classics among the cycling routes. The beauty of nature and the challenging terrain make it an unforgettable ride. The route starts on the edge of Arnhem after which you quickly enter the Veluwezoom National Park.
A varied landscape
Witness how the landscape is constantly changing: dense forests, alternating with open heathlands and sand drifts. Along the way you will come across picturesque country roads and viewpoints that invite you to take a break. Each season the Veluwezoom shows itself in a different colour palette, from spring green to autumnal gold.
The absolute highlight is of course the Posbank itself. From the lookout point you can see for dozens of kilometres in clear weather. In August the heath turns a beautiful purple and you can easily come face to face with Scottish Highlanders or wild boars along the way.
Enjoy the flora and fauna
The route treats you not only to beautiful views, but also to the smell of pine needles and the sound of the soft rustling of leaves. The variation in terrain makes this area the ideal trip for both the recreational and the sporty cyclist. An ideal route for those who want to combine nature, effort and relaxation.
An educational stopover
There are plenty of places to take a break along the way, such as Paviljoen de Posbank or the Veluwezoom visitor centre. Learn more about the flora and fauna of the area, enjoy a drink or give your legs a rest with a view of the beautiful heathlands.
3. Cycling through history and stateliness (44 km)
This cycle route takes you along beautiful estates such as Mariëndael, Warnsborn and Oranje Nassau's Oord. Many of these estates date from the 18th and 19th century and are surrounded by beautiful forests and gardens. The English landscape gardens really give you the feeling of stepping back in time.
Highlights on the route
A special highlight along the way is the imposing Doorwerth Castle, located on the Lower Rhine. This medieval castle has been rebuilt several times since the 13th century and now houses three museums. It is the perfect place to get off and wander around the courtyard.
Halfway along the route you will reach the Ginkelse Heide. Every year in September the airborne landings of Market Garden are commemorated here. A place where nature and history go hand in hand.
Click here for more information about the route.
4. Cycle through the history of the Battle of Arnhem (42 km)
The Liberation Route Arnhem is part of the larger Liberation Route Europe and tells the story of Operation Market Garden. Follow the tracks of Allied troops who tried to cross the Rhine in September 1944. You cycle past listening points, war memorials and museums that keep the memory of the Second World War alive.
John Frost Bridge “A Bridge Too Far”
At the John Frost Bridge, known from “A Bridge Too Far”, you pause for a moment. Feel the weight of history here while you have a beautiful view of the Rhine. Further on you pass the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek where you learn everything about the fierce battle that was fought here.
5. Beer fun from Arnhem to Wageningen (58 km)
For lovers of nature and specialty beer, there is the beer pleasure cycling route! This route combines nature with the best of local beer culture. Along the way, you cycle along winding dikes, green floodplains and picturesque villages.
Breweries with character
From Arnhem you cycle via the river area to Wageningen. Make a stop at Stadsbrouwerij Wageningen where you can drink a freshly tapped beer on the terrace. Nice tip: near junction 35 and 61 you cycle past the grain fields where the brewery gets its ingredients from.
More than just beer
For those who are less into beer, this route is still recommended. You cycle past beautiful places such as the floodplains of the Nederrijn, historic villages such as Renkum and you have a view of castles and old farms. Culture lovers can take a short side road to Kasteel Doorwerth.
6. From Arnhem to Nijmegen via the RijnWaalpad (16 km)
Looking for a tight, safe route without traffic lights? Then the RijnWaalpad is for you! During the route you have a view of the Betuwe landscape: orchards, sheep and sometimes a view of the Waal. The road is wide, flat and completely free of car traffic.
Fast and sustainable
The RijnWaalpad is part of the cycle route network in Gelderland and was specially constructed to make cycling more attractive. The paths are lit, well maintained and provided with clear signage.
You can combine the route with a visit to Arnhem or Nijmegen. You can easily cycle there and back.
Click here for more information about the cycle route.
7. A tour on the Ferry (36 km)
During this route you cycle over rivers and through beautiful floodplains. You cross a river three times with small ferries, while enjoying the vast river landscape and grazing cows in the floodplains.
Surprising water landscape
You cycle past orchards, charming villages and historic dikes. The route takes you along the Rhine, the Waal and the Linge. On warmer days it is wonderful to take a break with your feet in the water or get an ice cream in one of the villages along the way
Don't forget to bring change, as not all ferries accept PIN payments.
8. Over the Veluwezoom (46 km)
The Veluwezoom route takes you to one of the oldest national parks in the Netherlands. The area is situated between the wooded, hilly landscapes of the Veluwe and the floodplains of the Rhine and IJssel. In addition, the area is extremely diverse. Where one moment you cycle on sandy roads between conifers, the next moment you pass over rolling heathlands.
With a bit of luck you will see red deer, roe deer or a wild boar along the side of the path. Stop along the way at the Visitors Centre Veluwezoom to learn more about the flora, fauna and history of the area.
More information? Click here to discover the cycle route.
Cycling package in Arnhem
For those who want to combine a bike ride with a comfortable overnight stay, Bastion Hotel Arnhem offers a bike package! The package offers a comfortable overnight stay in the hotel including breakfast. Optionally, you can choose a packed lunch and a three-course dinner.
|
Arrangement |
Price per person per person |
Price per person per night for 2 persons |
|
Bed and breakfast + cycling routes |
€102.25 |
€120.50 |
|
Bed and breakfast, packed lunch + cycling routes |
€121.25 |
€154.50 |
|
Bed and breakfast, packed lunch, dinner* + cycling routes |
€141.25 |
€199.50 |
*3-course à la carte dinner (excl. drinks)
