Attractions and Places To See around Rijnwaarden - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Rijnwaarden are centered where the Rhine River enters the Netherlands, offering a blend of historical sites and natural beauty. This area, formerly a municipality, is characterized by its riverine landscape, shaped by the Rhine and Waal. It provides opportunities to explore significant cultural heritage, such as ancient toll houses, alongside diverse outdoor activities. The region is ideal for those interested in history, river landscapes, and active exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Rijnwaarden
- The most popular attractions is Sunken Path in the Forest, a trail that adds charm to a hike. This path is considered a highlight on many hikes through the area.
- Another must-see spot is Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg, a historical site. This location features the remains of an 11th-century motte castle and offers views of the surrounding wooded area and floodplains.
- Visitors also love Steep Climbs Around Duivelsberg, a climb. This area provides challenging ascents for hikers and leads to a viewpoint.
- Rijnwaarden is known for historical sites, natural monuments, and various trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient structures to scenic viewpoints and challenging climbs.
- The attractions around Rijnwaarden are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1600 upvotes and over 300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg
Highlight • Historical Site
There are many stories about the history of De Duivelsberg. For example, in the 11th century it was the strategic location of a motte (wooden) castle called Mergelp. From the first motte on the edge of De Duivelsberg it was easy to keep an eye on the surroundings.
In addition, the hill has a sacred meaning for many and is still used for ceremonies. There are also stories that women who were accused of being witches, were drowned and bandaged in this place.
This area originally belonged to Germany and was called Wylerberg or Teufelsberg, but was annexed after the Second World War. Unlike the other areas, the Duivelsberg was not returned, but it is still Dutch land property.
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Emmerich on the Rhine Promenade
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Sunken Path in the Forest
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Griethausen Railway Bridge
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Hulzenberg Lookout Tower
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It can be busy on weekends. It is a popular hiking area.
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Experience ancient bridge building art up close...
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Climb the 75.9 meter high Duivelsberg and you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the wooded area and the meadows of the floodplains below the moraine. The Duivelsberg nature reserve of the same name is approximately 125 hectares in size and is covered with deciduous trees, including a large collection of sweet chestnuts. There are many stories about the history of De Duivelsberg. For example, in the 11th century it was the strategic location of a motte (wooden) castle called Mergelp. From the first motte on the edge of De Duivelsberg it was easy to keep an eye on the surroundings. In addition, the hill has a sacred meaning for many and is still used for ceremonies. There are also stories that women who were accused of being witches, were drowned and bandaged in this place. This area originally belonged to Germany and was called Wylerberg or Teufelsberg, but was annexed after the Second World War. Unlike the other areas, the Duivelsberg was not returned, but it is still Dutch land property.
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Beautiful route, but with some steep height differences.
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THE ORIGINAL DEVIL MOUNTAIN After Christianization, this holy place was given the name Duivelsberg and much later this name was attributed to the larger of the two motte hills. Presumably the original Duivelsberg or Zonneberg is a hill located near the pancake restaurant the Witches' Dance in the forest of Berg en Dal. This hill is visibly artificially raised. Behind the hill, a flat, open area has been created. This clearing is easily accessible from the path and today there is a huge beech in the middle. It is a beautiful place whose power and holiness are still palpable. Various shamanic and pagan groups still use this ancient sacred site for their rituals and celebrations. Source: devilsberg.nl
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SACRED FOREST Another special aspect of Devil's Mountain is that it was considered a sacred forest for our ancestors. In the villages of Beek-Ubbergen and Berg en Dal there are two hills named Maanberg and Sterrenberg; it is likely that one of the hills in the forest was once Mount Zonneberg. Wikipedia
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Devil's Mountain After the Second World War, the Duivelsberg was one of the small German areas that the Netherlands annexed on April 23, 1949. Unlike the other areas, the Duivelsberg was not returned on August 1, 1963, but remained Dutch land property. The politician Marinus van der Goes van Naters – living in nearby Nijmegen – is said to have urged the politicians involved during negotiations with the Federal Republic to allow the nature reserve to remain Dutch. At the bottom of the hill is the Wijlermeer, which is partly part of the area reserved for the Netherlands. The Duivelsberg belonged, through inheritance, from 1906 to Marie Schuster-Hiby, who had an expressionist villa built on the hill between 1921 and 1924, designed by the German architect Otto Bartning. In 1965, the Schuster-Hiby family sold the villa to the State of the Netherlands. Since 1985, Huis Wylerberg has been a protected building as a national monument, where nature conservation organizations are located. There is a pancake restaurant of the same name located near the top of the Duivelsberg.
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The Griethausen Bridge is the oldest railway bridge in Central Europe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in the Rijnwaarden area?
The Rijnwaarden area, rich in history, offers several notable sites. You can visit the historic Tolhuis-Lobith, once a crucial toll house on the Rhine, where remnants of its foundations and the 'Schipperspoortje' can still be seen. Another significant historical site is Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg, featuring remains of an 11th-century motte castle. Additionally, the Griethausen Railway Bridge, the oldest railway bridge in Central Europe, is a remarkable piece of engineering history.
Are there good hiking opportunities around Rijnwaarden?
Yes, the region offers diverse hiking experiences. You can find trails like the Sunken Path in the Forest, which adds charm to any hike. For a more challenging experience, explore the Steep Climbs Around Duivelsberg, leading to rewarding viewpoints. The area also features routes like 'Wandelen along the Grens – Noaberpad (LAW 10)' and the 'Mammoth Sculpture – Cable Ferry Gelderse Poort loop from Pannerden'. For more options, check out the Hiking around Rijnwaarden guide.
What natural features define the Rijnwaarden landscape?
The most defining natural feature of the Rijnwaarden area is its position as the entry point of the Rhine River into the Netherlands. The dynamic interplay of the Rhine and Waal rivers has historically shaped the landscape, creating a unique riverine environment. The region also boasts forested areas, such as those around Duivelsberg, and offers scenic viewpoints overlooking the floodplains.
Can I find cycling routes near the attractions?
Absolutely. The Rijnwaarden area is popular for cycling, with numerous routes for road cycling. You can enjoy scenic rides along the Rhine promenade, such as the one in Emmerich on the Rhine Promenade. The region offers various loops, including those with views of Hoog Elten and Lobith. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Rijnwaarden guide.
Are there any family-friendly activities or attractions?
While specific family-focused attractions are not highlighted, the natural environment of Rijnwaarden offers plenty for families who enjoy the outdoors. Easy hiking and cycling routes, such as those along the Rhine, can be enjoyed by all ages. Exploring historical sites like Tolhuis-Lobith or the remnants of Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg can also be an educational and engaging experience for older children.
What is the best way to experience the Rhine River in this region?
To best experience the Rhine River, consider walking or cycling along its banks. The Emmerich on the Rhine Promenade offers a great opportunity to view the river, watch ships, and enjoy the atmosphere. The region's numerous hiking and cycling routes often follow the river's course, providing direct access to its scenic beauty and historical significance as the entry point into the Netherlands.
What kind of views can I expect from the viewpoints in the area?
From viewpoints like those found after the Steep Climbs Around Duivelsberg or from Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg, you can expect beautiful panoramic views. These often include the wooded areas of the nature reserve, the expansive meadows of the floodplains below the moraine, and glimpses of the Rhine River landscape.
Where can I learn more about the local history and heritage?
For those interested in delving deeper into the local history and heritage of the former Rijnwaarden villages (Aerdt, Herwen, Lobith, Pannerden, Spijk, and Tolkamer), the Heemkundekring Rijnwaarden (local historical society) is an excellent resource. They focus on preserving and researching the history of the 'Gelders Eiland' and maintain an archive in the Dijkmagazijn in Aerdt.
Are there any running trails available?
Yes, the Rijnwaarden area provides several running trails. You can find routes like the 'Bay in Gelderse Poort – The Roman Bather Sculpture loop from Gelderse Poort' or the 'Pyramid with a Panoramic View – View of the lake loop from Lobith'. These trails vary in difficulty, offering options for different fitness levels. More running options are detailed in the Running Trails around Rijnwaarden guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Rijnwaarden?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The charm of trails like the Sunken Path in the Forest, the rewarding views from Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg, and the challenging ascents of Steep Climbs Around Duivelsberg are often highlighted. The opportunity to explore ancient structures and enjoy the riverine landscape is a major draw for the komoot community.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions?
Yes, some areas are wheelchair-accessible. For instance, the Emmerich on the Rhine Promenade is noted for its accessibility, allowing visitors to enjoy the river views and amenities. While many natural trails may have varied terrain, efforts are often made to ensure key public spaces are inclusive.
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Most popular attractions around Rijnwaarden
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