Things To Do
in Renkum

Renkum is a green municipality in Gelderland, just west of Arnhem, offering rolling landscapes, quiet villages, and easy access to the Veluwe. Its forests, rivers, and bike-friendly routes make it a great base for outdoor lovers and history enthusiasts. The towns of Renkum, Heelsum, and Oosterbeek preserve a rural charm with easy connections to larger cities by rail and road.

Visitors can expect tranquil nature, historical sites, and cozy Dutch hospitality year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Renkum
morning
:

Arrive in Renkum and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the village to familiarize yourself with the local atmosphere. Grab a coffee at a nearby café while enjoying views of the scenic landscape.

afternoon
:

Explore the historic sites nearby, including the Dutch Reformed Church and surrounding quaint streets. Visit local shops for handcrafted goods and souvenirs. Relish a light lunch at a bistro offering traditional Dutch cuisine.

evening
:

Enjoy a peaceful dinner at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table menu. After dinner, take a sunset walk along the Rhine River, capturing the beauty of the evening light. Relax in your hotel or guesthouse, reflecting on a fulfilling first day.

day 2
Culinary Delights of Renkum
morning
:

Start your day with a cooking class that highlights traditional Dutch recipes. Visit a local market to select fresh ingredients alongside experienced chefs. Once back, prepare a delectable breakfast while learning the art of Dutch cuisine.

afternoon
:

After lunch, join a guided food tour through Renkum, where you'll sample local delicacies. Visit various eateries and food producers to understand the region's culinary culture. End your tour with a visit to a local brewery for craft beer tasting.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy restaurant that serves the evening's masterpieces created during the morning class. Engage in conversations with locals who share stories about their culinary heritage. Enjoy a quiet evening, perhaps with a dessert at a café under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$15-25
🚆One-way public transport ticket$3-4
🧀Local cheese or snack (100g)$5-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful, scenic landscapes and easy access to the Veluwe
  • Friendly locals and high safety standards
  • Great for cycling, walking, and history enthusiasts
  • Limited nightlife within Renkum itself
  • Smaller dining scene compared with bigger Dutch cities
  • Travel time needed to reach some attractions in the Veluwe region
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please/Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Renkum

Visit one of these nice places.

Airborne Museum Hartenstein and Oosterbeek War Cemetery

Iconic memorials and tree-lined avenues ideal for reflective landscape and architectural shots.

Doorwerth Castle

Medieval castle set in a scenic river valley with moats, towers, and forest backdrop.

Renkums Beekdal nature reserve

Wetlands, meadows, and cycling paths offering birdlife and seasonal colors.

Rhine River viewpoints near Oosterbeek

Water reflections, boats, and meadows along the riverbank—great during sunrise or sunset.

Park Lingezegen (nearby region)

Expansive landscaped park with water features and long walking paths.

Culinary Guide

Food in Renkum

Renkum and the Gelderland region offer wholesome Dutch fare made with local produce. Expect hearty dishes, fresh dairy, and seasonal specialties, with plenty of cafés and farms serving simple, satisfying meals.

Renkum Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Stamppot

A hearty mash of potatoes with kale or sauerkraut, usually served with smoked sausage or bacon.

Must-Try!

Erwtensoep (Snert)

A thick pea soup eaten in winter, traditionally served with rookworst (smoked sausage) and rye bread.

Pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes)

Thin, large pancakes enjoyed with sweet toppings or savory fillings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Arnhem Markt (city market)

Vibrant weekly market in Arnhem with fresh produce, cheeses, and quick bites like bitterballen and kroket.

Local farm markets (Ede/Wageningen nearby)

Seasonal produce, dairy, breads, and regional snacks from nearby farms.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Expect rainfall year-round, with occasional heat waves in summer and occasional frost in winter. Spring and autumn are highly changeable, so layer clothing and be prepared for shifting weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Dutch people greet with a handshake; maintain direct eye contact and a friendly tone.

Biking etiquette

Keep to the right on bike paths; ring your bell when passing and give way to pedestrians.

Quiet hours and respect

Be mindful of neighbors in residential areas; keep noise to a reasonable level at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is high, but be mindful of bike theft in busy areas and near train stations. Water safety around the Rhine and Beekdal is important; in emergencies dial 112. Always check weather and daylight hours for outdoor activities, especially in autumn and winter.

Tipping in Renkum

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common; some small cafes may prefer card or cash only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Becoming-green landscapes with wildflowers; perfect for cycling and gentle hikes; often mild and rainy.

Summer

Warm, long days; enjoy outdoor terraces, riverside walks, and outdoor markets; expect occasional showers.

Autumn

Foliage turns gold and brown; great for photography and forest walks; temperatures cool but pleasant.

Winter

Cold with occasional frost or light snow; many outdoor spots quiet but cozy indoors are inviting.

Nightlife Guide

Renkum at Night

Renkum’s nightlife is low-key, with cozy pubs and riverside terraces. For a livelier scene, head to nearby Arnhem or Oosterbeek, which offer craft beer bars, live music, and evening markets on certain days.

Hiking in Renkum

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Renkums Beekdal trails

Easy to moderate hikes along the Beekdal with diverse habitats.

Doorwerth to Wolfheze trail

Forest and valley routes offering long, scenic walks.

Veluwe Heath and Forest routes nearby

Classic Veluwe landscapes with expansive heathlands and forests.

Airports

How to reach Renkum by plane.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Major international hub about 75-90 minutes by car/train from Renkum.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Regional airport offering many European connections; about 1.5-2 hours by train or car.

Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

Larger international airport in Germany, reachable within 2 hours by car or train routes via the Netherlands.

Getting Around

Walkability

Renkum is very walkable within its villages and along the Rhine and Beekdal, with good bike paths. However, for broader city experiences you’ll rely on nearby Arnhem or Wageningen via train or bus. The area is very bike-friendly, with well-marked routes and scenic detours.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Dutch locals

Residents of Renkum and nearby villages; families and retirees are common.

Families and commuters

Many people commute to Arnhem and Wageningen for work and study.

Students and academics

Nearby universities and research centers attract students and professionals.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

A staple activity in the Netherlands; many scenic routes in and around Renkum.

Football (soccer)

Popular at clubs and community teams.

Horseback riding

Available in rural areas and near parks.

Transportation

Traffic

The region is bike-friendly with extensive cycling paths. Car traffic is typical for the Netherlands; public transport via train (NS) and local buses serves Arnhem, Wageningen, and Ede. Parking is available in towns; expect narrow streets in villages and occasional congestion near popular sites in peak season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Renkum.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most cafes offer vegetarian versions of Dutch staples; ask for meat-free stamppot or vegetable soups; look for cheese and eggs as protein options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare follows the Dutch system: you register with a GP and use local clinics for routine care. Major hospitals are in Arnhem (Rijnstate) and Wageningen/Ede for more specialized care. Emergency services use 112. Travel times to hospitals are typically short by car or bike via regional roads and public transport.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide