Large Rhine barges and cruise ships pass just a few metres from the terraces along Europakade. Tolkamer is also defined by historic buildings connected with customs and the water sports available at De Bijland. These themes are easy to distinguish when planning your trip: the buildings are chiefly about architecture and history, while De Bijland is about sailing, boating and water skiing. You can focus on the details of the town according to whether you are more interested in architecture, shipping or activities on the water.
Historic buildings: customs and architectural styles
Hoofdstraat 28 is a national monument in the Netherlands. At Tolstraat 39, a listed residential block contains six apartments built around 1906 for customs officers. Its side façades are clearly visible from the street. The address and original use give the residential block a tangible connection to customs history, while the visible façades offer a glimpse of its exterior design.
Geerlingshof is also a national monument in the Netherlands, but a different type of building: a farm complex in Tolkamer situated on a terp, a raised mound. The former post office at Hoofdstraat 2–4 adds another architectural feature. The partly plastered building dates from 1872 and is in the neoclassical style. By comparison, the residential block for customs officers was built around 1906. The dates and building types therefore provide two specific points of reference for distinguishing these historic buildings.
The former customs office is still standing and is currently used as a hotel; the building can be viewed from public areas. As its use may change, check its current status if you are considering it as part of your accommodation plans.
Europakade: shipping and flood protection
Alongside its views of shipping, Europakade offers an example of local flood protection. The Coupure there is a lowered break in the flood defence structure. It can be closed when flooding threatens. Two distinct features thus sit side by side at Europakade: passing large ships and a structure with a clear protective function.
The Toeristisch Informatiecentrum 't Gelders Eiland is located at Europakade 5. It provides tourist information and details about walking and cycling routes and places of interest. Walking and cycling maps, regional products and souvenirs are also available. The offerings may change; check which services are currently available before visiting.
De Bijland: water sports, art and ferry
Sailing, boating and water skiing are available at De Bijland. On the shore of De Bijland in Tolkamer stands the Romeinse Baadster: a ten-metre-high artwork made of Corten steel. De Tribune has another historical connection: it was erected in 1998 to mark the 200th anniversary of Rijkswaterstaat. Together, these details show different sides of the area: water sports, outdoor art and a work created for a specific occasion.
The Rondje Bijland route is marked in yellow. A ferry also runs for pedestrians and cyclists from De Bijland near Tolkamer to Millingen aan de Rijn; the crossing takes about five minutes. The ferry may operate seasonally. Check the service before travelling if you would like to include it in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Spijk, Lobith, Pannerden, Herwen.
For the overview of the wider area: Rijnwaarden.
