Cycling route Land van Maas and Waal
Cycling through a quintessential Dutch river landscape between the Maas and Waal, with dikes, floodplains, duck decoys and charming dike villages.
The Landscape
In the Land van Maas en Waal, you cycle through a characteristic river landscape in Gelderland, where the broad Maas and the mighty Waal have shaped the land for centuries. Along and behind the dikes, floodplain polders, secondary dikes, drainage channels and fertile low-lying fields alternate, offering wide views and a strong sense of tranquillity.
Along the way, you can see how water management and settlement have gone hand in hand, from old pumping stations and historic dike breaches to duck decoys and sheltered green islands. The route around Druten and the surrounding villages keeps changing in character, with bends in the dike, wide floodplains and small villages that invite a short pause.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
You cycle past dike villages with historic churches, windmills and old pumping stations that bring the river landscape’s history to life. Places such as Batenburg, with its castle ruins and historic village centre, add extra atmosphere to the route, especially when you pause to take in the view from the dike.
Between the Maas and Waal lies an open polder landscape of grasslands, arable fields and drainage channels, typical of the clay lowlands behind the dikes. You ride along quiet dike roads and rural lanes, with orchards, farmsteads and rows of pollarded willows adding rhythm to the scenery.
Water brings light and openness, with lakes and recreational waters giving the river landscape a broad, expansive feel. De Gouden Ham is a notable landmark, while smaller pools and reed fringes along the way continually create new views.
The route reflects the presence of two major rivers, with dikes, floodplains and side channels continually changing the view. Ditches and drainage channels carry water towards the Maas, while from the dike you often have open views across the green floodplains along the Waal.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through the Land van Maas en Waal takes you right into the peaceful river landscape between the Maas and Waal, with long dike roads, wide floodplains and open polders around Druten. You look out over water, reed beds and fields, while dike villages and farmhouses provide variety and naturally keep your pace steady.
Along the way, places such as De Gouden Ham and visible signs of water management, like drainage channels and pumping stations, give the route extra character and recognisable features. Thanks to the combination of open space, wide views and quiet roads, this is an ideal virtual cycling route for home, perfect for a relaxed training ride with the feel of cycling outdoors.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 49 on the Blauwe Sluis in Appeltern. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 49 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 17 minutes
Elevation gain: 73 m
Paved roads: 100%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
