The Dikke Toren, paths through the floodplains along the Waal and De Bol mill give Varik a range of points of interest: architecture, riverside scenery and milling history. There is also a neo-Gothic complex, a Reformed church and regional distilling at Stokerij Lubberhuizen. This makes it easy to decide in advance what matters most to you when looking for a suitable stay: views and architectural history, walks or local production.

Dikke Toren: views and architectural history

The Dikke Toren is the best-known surviving part of Varik’s medieval church and dates from around 1300. The tower is about 35 metres high, and its gallery offers far-reaching views. In 2026, it will be open every Sunday from 31 May, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Check the schedule before you arrive.

Its structure is also clearly divided: the lower storey is made of tuff stone, the middle storey of brick with tuff-stone bands, and the upper storey entirely of brick. The height and sequence of materials offer two different perspectives on the same building: the wide-ranging view from the gallery and the arrangement of its three storeys.

Walking in the floodplain landscape

The Dikke Torenpad starts in Varik at the De Bol ferry landing. It runs through the floodplains near Varik and Heesselt, close to the Waal. Along the way, the route passes an authentic flood shelter barn, circles a body of water with floodplain woodland in the Heesseltse uiterwaarden, and then follows an unpaved path along the river. The same route thus alternates between a flood shelter barn, a body of water and the riverbank. High water can affect access; check current route information before setting out.

A seasonal ferry from the De Bol landing sails to Heerewaarden, allowing walkers to connect with the Zandslagenpad. It operates from April to October. Check water levels and operating days in advance. The Struinroute Zaltbommel–Varik crosses to Varik by ferry at Heerewaarden; the ferry service is seasonal. In Varik, a lone tower greets walkers from the dike.

Churches, a mill and regional production

The H.H. Petrus en Paulus complex in Varik was built in the neo-Gothic style between 1877 and 1879, based on a design by A. Tepe. The neo-Gothic Reformed church in Varik offers a different perspective on local architectural and furnishing history: its pulpit dates from 1660. A belfry with a bell by Petit and Fritsen is also associated with the church; the bell probably dates from 1880. The complex highlights the design and construction period, while the Reformed church draws attention to specific furnishings and their dates.

De Bol mill also has a clearly dated history. It was built as a grain mill in 1867, replacing a wooden post mill that had burned down in the summer of 1865. The interval between the fire and the new construction makes the sequence from its predecessor to the present mill particularly clear.

Stokerij Lubberhuizen distils Eau de Vie, liqueurs and genever in Varik from fruit and other raw materials sourced from the region. It is housed in a beautifully restored fire station, right next to the distinctive Dikke Toren. The distillery regularly offers private or extended tours, including a special tasting of its own Eaux de Vie and cheese from Oudwijker. Contact them in advance to arrange a visit. Regional drink production adds a culinary note to the architectural and landscape themes.

Discover more destinations: Tuil, Opijnen, Neerijnen, Ophemert.

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