Gelderse Poort and Ooijpolder Cycle Route
Gelderse Poort and Ooijpolder Cycle Route
4.7
(186)
960
riders
Gelderse Poort and Ooijpolder Cycle Route
02:42
46.7km
80m
Cycling
Cycle the moderate 29.0-mile (46.7 km) 'Blue Gold' route along the Waal River in Gelderland, enjoying flat terrain, historic castles, and sc
Last updated: February 26, 2026
This route includes a ferry crossing
Tips
Includes ferry crossings
Check ferry timetable.
After 2.28 km for 158 m
After 7.74 km for 543 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.28 km
Doornenburg–Pannerden Ferry
Highlight • Rest Area
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7.20 km
View of the River Waal
Highlight • Viewpoint
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14.6 km
Gravel Path Between the Lakes, Millingerwaard
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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20.6 km
Beautiful little beaches
Highlight (Segment) • Beach
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29.2 km
Belvedere Tower, Nijmegen
Highlight • Monument
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46.6 km
Doornenburg Castle
Highlight • Castle
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46.7 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
30.3 km
11.8 km
2.52 km
1.45 km
622 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
32.4 km
10.6 km
1.77 km
1.30 km
504 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Tuesday 26 May
24°C
13°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difficulty level of The Blue Gold: Along the river Waal - Gelderland cycling route?
This touring bicycle route is considered easy, making it suitable for cyclists of various abilities. The terrain is predominantly flat with well-maintained paths, so you won't encounter significant climbs or challenging technical sections. It's ideal for a relaxed cycling experience.
What kind of terrain can I expect along the route?
You will mostly ride on flat, well-maintained paths, typical of the Dutch riverine landscape. Expect a mix of paved sections and packed gravel paths, especially along the dikes. The route is designed to be easily navigable using the green bicycle junction signs.
What are the main points of interest and landmarks along the way?
The route is rich in natural beauty and cultural history. You'll see forts, castles, locks, and mills. Highlights include the Doornenburg Castle, the Doornenburg–Pannerden Ferry, and the Belvedere Tower, Nijmegen. You'll also pass through the beautiful Millingerwaard Nature Reserve and enjoy a View of the River Waal.
Are there any ferries I need to take on this route?
Yes, the route incorporates unique experiences like crossing the Pannerdensch Kanaal and the Rhine via ferries. One notable crossing is the Doornenburg–Pannerden Ferry. Be sure to check their operating times, especially outside of peak season.
What is the best time of year to cycle this route?
The best time to cycle this route is generally from spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is usually pleasant for cycling, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Is the route suitable for families with children?
Yes, given its easy difficulty and predominantly flat terrain, this route is very suitable for families. The well-maintained paths and scenic views make for an enjoyable outing for all ages. There are also beautiful little beaches along the way that can be fun for a break.
Is the route dog-friendly?
While dogs are generally welcome in the Netherlands, specific rules may apply in nature reserves like the Millingerwaard. It's best to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock. Always carry waste bags and ensure your dog is comfortable with cycling alongside you for this distance.
Do I need any special permits or pay entrance fees for this route?
No, you do not need special permits or to pay entrance fees to cycle this route. It passes through Nationaal Landschap De Gelderse Poort, which is freely accessible. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions like castles or museums along the way, they may have their own admission fees.
Where can I park my car to start the cycling tour?
Parking options are available in towns and villages along the route, such as Nijmegen or near Doornenburg Castle. For specific parking locations and current availability, it's advisable to check local municipality websites or resources like visitnijmegen.com if starting from there.
Does this route connect with other cycling paths?
Yes, this route intersects with several other well-known cycling paths. You will find sections that overlap with the LF3 Maasroute, Ooijenroute, and the Rijnfietsroute - Waalvariant, among others. This offers opportunities to extend your ride or explore different areas if you wish.
Are there places to eat and drink along the route?
Yes, the route passes through many beautiful towns and villages where you can find cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Nijmegen, in particular, offers a wide range of dining options. It's always a good idea to carry some snacks and water, especially for sections between villages.
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Trail Reviews
What a wonderful round of cycling. So nice with the feathers beautiful surroundings
Nice round with carla Lunch Millinger Theetuin
Today we went on a lovely bike ride along the Waal and its flood plains, starting in Tolkamer. After just 5 km we reached the first ferry crossing and passed Millingen aan de Rijn where we made a mandatory stop at the cafe "De Millinger Theetuin" with its beautiful gardens. From there we continued to Nijmegen where we crossed the Waal on a bridge that is for train traffic and has an attached bike path - just fantastic! On the way back we discovered nature reserves with storks raising their young and wild horses used for landscape maintenance. Just before our destination in Tolkamer we enjoyed another ferry ride across the Pannerdensch canal. It is advisable to do this tour as we did, as the first ferry stops operating for the day early in the afternoon!!
Today mainly in the country of the Fietsers NL 😊. After dark clouds came up again in Millingen an de Rijn, I discarded the tour to Anrnheim saved by Koga Willi. Then I started through the NSG Millinger Waard, with wild horses and a special water crossing. The weather developed positively, after the junction system along the Waal to Nijmegen and back on the other bank. The view on the dike was always special. Sometimes polder, sometimes NSG, sometimes wild horses or old war positions. At the end of the day 2 ferry trips, you don't have to go every day. All's well that ends well, seen a lot of water, but none from above.
A sunny day in May (just a bit windy) and a bike ride – they somehow belong together. We cycled along many beautiful paths from the "Lingewaard Gendt" RV park to Nijmegen. We then continued along the south bank of the Waal River into the Millingerwaard to the Theetuin (The Garden). A wonderful spot for a long break! On the way back, we took a small bike ferry across the Waal River and later a car ferry across the Pannerdensch Canal. A quick stop at Doornenburg Castle and along the Linge River back to the campsite.
This round wasn't actually planned at all. It was supposed to be a chill day with my wife on one of the hottest days of the year. We then drove a very nice lap, which I have now created later. So please don't pay attention to the data, we were on the road for 11 hours, with umpteen breaks, by the way. The loop is beautiful and highly recommended, all flat, great bike paths although some roads had to be shared with speeding car idiots. But OK, meanwhile e-bike riders are also a danger if they only know 25km/h ;-) Parking is easy everywhere in Tolkamer and the small promenade along the Waal invites you to eat at the end. There must be two ferries, one at Millingen and then again at Pannenden.
Tuesday, 18°, cloudy in the morning, sunny in the afternoon - but also quite windy. The five of us went from Bimmen in Millingen across the Rhine to Pannerden. There via the Pannerden canal again on the Rhine or Waal dike always along the shore to Nijmegen. Most of the time we had a headwind on the piece. In Nijmegen, the refreshment took place (hunger was already noticeable) and then a short trip towards the market square and down to the Waalkade. The return journey (with a tailwind) always led back to Bimmen as far as possible via dyke roads close to the shore. All in all a nice ride, although one or the other section could have been closer to the shore. But then the risk of getting on unpaved paths is quite high...