Experience a walking holiday par excellence and follow a wine route from your Groesbeek accommodation!

High lateral moraines covered in forest and, by Dutch standards, a strikingly hilly landscape. That is the natural scenery of Groesbeek, a place where the holiday feeling and walking pleasure come together in perfect harmony! It may be a small area, but it offers great diversity, ranging from forests and vineyards to heathland and floodplains. Children will also find plenty of unique experiences, such as an unforgettable ride on the rail bike and the adorable red panda in Kleve Zoo. Would you like to hike among vineyards? Rent a Groesbeek accommodation and set off through the beautiful surroundings of Berg en Dal!

Take a wine walk from your Groesbeek accommodation

Thanks to the rolling hills and loess soil, viticulture thrives in the Rijk van Nijmegen region. The wide views and steep grassy slopes merging into forest almost invite comparisons with South Limburg. And there are quite a few vineyards here! So many, in fact, that a special wine walking trail has been created starting from the Wine Centre in Groesbeek. Here you can also enjoy a tasting or purchase a bottle of regional wine.

Enjoy rolling meadows in Berg en Dal

The name Berg en Dal, an area between Groesbeek and Nijmegen, can be taken quite literally! The landscape unfolding here is strikingly hilly for the Netherlands. Thanks to its extensive network of trails and excellent facilities, Berg en Dal was even crowned “Walking Municipality of the Year” in 2020. Form your own opinion and follow the N70 hiking route, where you will conquer many metres of elevation in the forest. Now and then the climbs are rewarded with distant views, such as the panorama over the Wylerbergmeer, a former branch of the Rhine. The wooded lateral moraines are so steep in places that you may almost feel as if you are in the Ardennes.

Grenzland Draisine: the most fun activity for the whole family!

Right on the German border you can enjoy an activity that could easily be the reason to book a Groesbeek accommodation! The Grenzland Draisine railway line is not used by trains but by a duo bike that rides on the rails! The small platform even has a bench for any “passenger” children. You can start in Groesbeek or Kranenburg and follow the track all the way to Kleve in Germany. In addition to a small family bike, there is also a rail bike suitable for a larger group.

Visit the Tiergarten in Kleve and admire Schwanenburg Castle

The authentic rail bike to Kleve is a fun way to allow time for a visit to this German town—especially its zoo! This animal park is home to the red panda, dwarf otters, and meerkats. And while you are in Kleve, a walk through the centre will bring you to Schwanenburg Castle, a proud fortress perched on a hill and visible from afar. Stroll through the historic garden with its fountains and along the canal as well.

Head to the ‘Roman’ Playground De Leemkuil

Would you like to let the kids burn off energy while you relax? Your youngsters will never get bored at De Leemkuil, one of the most popular playgrounds in the Groesbeek region. With a tall slide, trampolines and a go-kart track, they can have hours of fun. The playground is atmospherically themed around the Roman era, featuring arched bridges and lookout towers.

Cycle to Wijchen Castle from your Groesbeek accommodation

Let the cheerful sunshine and Groesbeek’s landscape accompany you on a cycling trip to Wijchen Castle! This water castle between the Maas and the Waal stands out for its elegant exterior and beautiful tower. The castle also boasts a photogenic entrance: the driveway and flower-filled front lawn welcome you through a gate with wooden doors. Would you like to combine a visit to the estate with beautiful nature along the way? Stop halfway at the Hatertse and Overasseltse Vennen, an area of forest and heath dotted with picturesque fens. Follow the yellow posts to take in the pools. The route also passes meadows where cornflowers and poppies bloom.

Cycle via Germany to Doornenburg Castle

Another castle worth a cycling trip is Doornenburg Castle. To reach it you can optionally take a shortcut through Germany, passing through the Düffel-Kellener Altrhein nature reserve. After a few kilometres you cross the border again and take the small ferry at Millingen to cross the Waal. Riding through the floodplains on the other side, you eventually arrive at the impressive knight’s castle, surrounded by a strikingly long moat wall and a massive gatehouse.

Enjoy unique vistas on the Mookerheide

A nature reserve with a remarkable hunting lodge and sweeping views over the Maas valley is the Mookerheide. There are few places in the Netherlands where you can enjoy such a unique heath landscape! While walking through this area, you can look far into the distance over the Maas and the church of Cuijk. You will also be amazed by the impressive Mookerheide hunting lodge hidden in the woods. A terrace stop and perhaps a guided visit to this grand Jugendstil building provide a delightful break that perfectly rounds out your hike!

Rent a Groesbeek accommodation

The Groesbeek region shows that you don’t need to travel far to conquer steep hills and enjoy panoramic views. Prepare for rolling forests and beautiful valleys, take the children to play paradise De Leemkuil or ride the rail bike to Kleve Zoo! Each regional sight has its own charm, from the classic knight’s castle of Doornenburg to the photogenic water castle of Wijchen. Do you want to experience a true holiday feeling close to home? Walk, explore and discover the treasures of the Rijk van Nijmegen from your accommodation in Groesbeek!