Opijnen can be explored through specific places of remembrance, historic buildings and a walking route. The “Monument voor Amerikaanse Militairen”, the Hervormde Kerk and Huize Uytterwaerde each offer a different focus: from remembering the events of 1943 to a 19th-century organ and the grounds of an estate. The Ynenpad complements these themes with a route through the surrounding area. When visiting Opijnen, you can focus on remembrance, architectural history or walking, depending on your interests.

Remembering the occupation

The “Monument voor Amerikaanse Militairen” stands next to the N.H. kerk on Stoepstraat. The memorial stone is made of polished Balmoral granite and commemorates eight crew members of the 91st Bomb Group who lost their lives in Opijnen on 30 July 1943. The stone thus links a specific, named place with a clearly defined historical remembrance.

A memorial service for those who died in 1943 is held in Opijnen every year. If you would like to make a point of attending this service during your stay, check the date before travelling. This separates the historical significance of the place from the practical question of whether your visit coincides with the annual event.

Church and organ

The Hervormde Kerk at Stoepstraat 2 is a Rijksmonument, listed under number 30337. The church houses a two-manual organ built by H. Knipscheer in 1859. Its protected status and organ offer two specific points of interest for exploring Opijnen’s architectural and musical history; the organ can be clearly dated to 1859.

Huize Uytterwaerde and the estate

The present-day Huize Uytterwaerde was built in 1911 on the ground floor of a predecessor building dating from 1849. The estate lies close to the village centre and stands prominently between the Waaldijk and Repensestraat. Its grounds include a network of paths with gates and landscaped gardens; terracotta fragments from the Opijnensche Steenfabriek are also part of the site.

Nine terracotta figures and seven figure fragments stand by the garden wall at Huize Uytterwaerde. Most of the figures probably originated from designs by the sculptor H.A. van den Eijnde. A different aspect of the architectural history can be seen at the FRUITSCHUUR: it was originally built as a “Flutscheune” and is still used as a fruit barn. It later received an elaborate cooling and ventilation system for this purpose. The estate therefore offers an opportunity to consider building phases, garden features and the barn’s traditional function as distinct aspects.

Walking routes and itineraries

The Ynenpad is a walking route through the area around Neerijnen and Opijnen. A temporary route associated with dike reinforcement works runs past old clay pits, former river channels, small beaches, floodplain woodland and marshland in the Heesseltsche uiterwaarden. As this route is temporary and details may change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.

Another route is the “Dijk van een route”: after crossing the Waal via the Bommelse brug, it continues through Opijnen and Ophemert to Tiel. The “Dijk van een route” should not be confused with the temporary route of the Ynenpad. You should also check the tourism portal for changes to the “Dijk van een route” before setting off.

Events and choosing a location

Opijnen holds an annual village festival with a fair and a Zeskamp; the memorial service for those who died in 1943 is also held every year. If you plan to travel for one of these events, check the specific date before your trip. If these activities fit your travel plans, you can search specifically for a holiday rental in Opijnen.

Discover more destinations: Neerijnen, Varik, Ophemert, Tuil

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