Pannerden offers opportunities for nature watching, routes along canals and exploring local history. Two named routes offer different highlights: “Tussen Oude Rijn en Oude Waal” leads through Rijnstrangen and features nature and cultural themes; Knooppad 5 starts at H. Martinuskerk and runs alongside two canals. There are also listed historic sites and insights into an old pumping station.

Rijnstrangen and its Nature

The Rijnstrangen nature reserve lies between Lobith and Pannerden and is part of the Rijntakken Natura 2000 site. The “Tussen Oude Rijn en Oude Waal” route leads through the area, which is home to diverse flora and fauna. The area’s natural character is also reflected in specific bird species: great reed warblers, bitterns, little bitterns and penduline tits find a habitat here.

In spring, black terns also nest on artificial nests among the aquatic plants. This gives the area a distinctive seasonal focus, without requiring a visit to be devoted solely to wildlife watching. Those interested in wetland birds and plants can find both a view of the habitat and a closer look at individual species and their nesting activity in Rijnstrangen.

The route through Rijnstrangen combines nature with history. It passes the “dead” crane, a symbol of the decline of the brick industry, and explores the history of an ancient Roman settlement in Pannerden. The same route therefore brings together the landscape, a reminder of industrial history and the area’s Roman past.

Canals and Different Routes

Knooppad 5 starts in Pannerden at H. Martinuskerk and runs alongside the Pannerdensch Kanaal and the Bijlandsch Kanaal. This gives the route a different focus from “Tussen Oude Rijn en Oude Waal”: here, the clearly identified starting point at the church and the two canals are the main landmarks, while the other route leads through Rijnstrangen and also explores its natural and cultural history.

When choosing between the routes, you can first decide what interests you most: should the route combine the natural environment, wildlife and historical themes, or are you more interested in starting at the church and following the canals? The features described make it possible to compare the routes by theme without assuming a particular duration or pace.

Church, Canal History and Historic Sites

Martinuskerk in Pannerden was consecrated in 1878 and is a municipal monument. Its role as the starting point of Knooppad 5 links a specific route starting point with a historic building. The Pannerdensch Kanaal also has a history beyond its significance as a named route landmark: it was initially built as a line of defence in the early 18th century.

The built heritage also includes the De Raayhof farmstead complex and fruit wall at Pannerdense Waard 14/15; both are municipal monuments in Pannerden. Together with Martinuskerk, De Raayhof offers a different perspective on local history from the Roman settlement and the symbolically significant “dead” crane along the route. Those who choose cultural history as their focus can distinguish between these different historical connections rather than treating them as a single theme.

A Look Inside Gemaal Oude Rijn

At Gemaal Oude Rijn, visitors can tour the engine room and learn about the history of the old pumping station. Tours are available by appointment. When the large gates in the dike are open, visitors can look inside the pumping station and see the old machinery. If you are visiting to see the interior, be sure to take the tour arrangements and the opening of the gates into account beforehand.

A Crossing in the Rijnstrangen Area

In the Rijnstrangen area, the Berghoofdse Veer hand-operated cable ferry provides a self-operated crossing over an old river arm. The crossing is used on walking and cycling routes. As water conditions can affect its operation, it is a good idea to check before setting out. This practical feature adds another consideration when choosing between the named routes: would you like to include such a crossing in your plans?

When looking for a holiday rental in Pannerden, choosing a theme can be a helpful starting point: Rijnstrangen offers nature and birdlife, the routes differ in their landscape and historical features, and Gemaal Oude Rijn has specific visiting conditions. This lets you plan your stay around the places and themes that interest you, without assuming that all attractions offer the same kind of access or experience.

Discover more destinations: Tolkamer, Spijk, Herwen, Lobith

Back to the overview of the wider area: Rijnwaarden.