Things To Do
in Rheden

Rheden is a green municipality in Gelderland, Netherlands, just east of Arnhem. It comprises towns such as Velp, Dieren and Oosterbeek, linked by quiet lanes and the IJssel river. The area sits on the edge of Veluwezoom National Park, offering woodlands, heathlands and scenic cycling routes.

It is a convenient base for day trips to Arnhem’s museums, the Veluwe landscapes, and river scenery.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Rheden
morning
:

Arrive in Rheden and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood to stretch your legs after your journey. Grab a coffee at a local café while soaking in the charming atmosphere of this Dutch village.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby Veluwe National Park, where stunning nature trails beckon. Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by the picturesque scenery and the sounds of nature. Consider renting a bike to discover more of the park's hidden gems.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at a local restaurant to savor traditional Dutch cuisine. Share stories from your travels with fellow diners to immerse yourself in local culture. Wind down with a walk through the quiet streets, enjoying the tranquility of the evening.

day 2
Discovering the Veluwe
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading back to Veluwe National Park. Take a guided nature walk to learn about the unique flora and fauna of this beautiful area. Enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking views as you traverse through the park.

afternoon
:

Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to an impressive collection of Van Gogh paintings and modern art. Wander through the museum's sculpture garden, where art meets nature in a stunning setting. Indulge in lunch at the museum's café offering local delicacies.

evening
:

Return to Rheden and visit a traditional Dutch pancake house for dinner. Enjoy a variety of sweet and savory pancakes while mingling with locals. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk along the nearby river and reflect on the day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🚆Public transport (day pass)$10-15
🏨Hotel per night$90-150
🛒Groceries (weekly)$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful natural landscapes and easy access to Veluwezoom National Park
  • Compact towns with a relaxed pace and good biking routes
  • Limited nightlife within Rheden; more options in nearby Arnhem
  • Some services and dining options are seasonal or smaller than big cities
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is de supermarkt?" - Where is the supermarket?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand
  • "Kunt u het menu laten zien?" - Can I see the menu?

Places to Visit in Rheden

Visit one of these nice places.

Posbank, Veluwezoom National Park

A superb viewpoint along the Veluwezoom with sweeping hills, forests and heathlands—great for sunrise shots.

Rozendaal Castle and Gardens

Historic manor with manicured gardens and scenic angles, ideal for landscape and architectural photography.

Oosterbeek War Cemetery

Serene memorial site with reflective grounds and well-placed perspective shots of the trees and paths.

IJssel River Dieren lock and shores

Waterfront scenes with boats and riverside meadows for tranquil compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Rheden

Rheden sits in a region where Dutch classics meet local produce from Gelderland farms; you’ll find hearty Dutch staples, cheese and seasonal dishes, with convenient cafés in Velp and Dieren.

Rheden Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Stamppot with sausage

A traditional Dutch dish of mashed potatoes with vegetables, often served with rookwurst or sausage; commonly available in local brasseries.

Must-Try!

Appeltaart (apple pie)

A classic Dutch dessert found in many bakeries and cafés throughout Velp and Dieren.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Velp Market (weekly)

A local market offering fresh produce, cheese and seasonal treats in Velp.

IJssel riverfront stalls (seasonal)

Street stalls and snack options along the river in Dieren during market days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Rheden has a temperate maritime climate; summers are mild to warm, winters are cool, and rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Average temperatures range roughly from 2-6°C in winter to 17-22°C in summer, with occasional heatwaves in summer and late frosts in spring.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is common; maintain polite language and eye contact; address people with formal 'U' in initial interactions.

Biking etiquette

Stay to the right on cycle paths, signal before turning, and give way to pedestrians.

Quiet and order

In public spaces and cafés, speak at a moderate volume; respect queues and personal space.

Safety Guide

Safety

The area is generally very safe for visitors. Basic safety tips include staying aware of traffic on rural roads, using bike lights at night, and taking usual travel precautions in crowded areas. In case of emergencies, dial 112.

Tipping in Rheden

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafés.

Payment Methods

Most places accept cards and contactless payments; cash is accepted but card payments are preferred in towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours, lush greenery, and comfortable biking weather; occasional showers, plan for sun and rain protection.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and harvest vibes; crisp air and shorter days; great for golden-hour photography.

Winter

Cool temperatures, potential frost or snow; quieter landscapes but festive lights in nearby Arnhem.

Spring

Blooming trees, milder temps; ideal for nature walks and the start of the flower season in the region.

Nightlife Guide

Rheden at Night

In Rheden itself, nightlife is low-key with cozy pubs and cafés in Velp and Oosterbeek. For more options, the nearby city of Arnhem offers a broader nightlife scene with bars, live music venues and clubs within a short train ride.

Hiking in Rheden

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Veluwezoom National Park trails

Various loop and linear hikes through heath, forest and viewpoints such as Posbank.

Dieren-Erlecom Wall Trail

Rural trails around Dieren along the IJssel with gentle terrain.

Rozendaal to Heelsum Ridge Walk

Scenic routes linking forested hills and traditional villages near Veluwe.

Airports

How to reach Rheden by plane.

Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Major international hub about 1.5 hours by train/car from Rheden, with frequent connections to Arnhem and Velp.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Secondary international airport offering European routes; accessible by road/train with a transfer to Arnhem region.

Weeze Airport (NRN)

Small international airport in Germany serving select destinations; reachable via road connections to the region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is strong in Velp, Dieren, and Oosterbeek town centers with good pedestrian paths. Outside town centers, mobility relies more on cycling and driving, as rural roads can be less pedestrian-friendly. Overall, the area is very bike-friendly and compact enough for day trips on foot or by bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A mix of local Dutch families, commuters and retirees; a growing number of international residents near Arnhem and Velp.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

The Netherlands is bike-friendly; cycling is a popular way to explore Velp, Dieren and Veluwezoom.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and amateur matches are common in towns within the municipality.

Tennis

Public courts and clubs offer recreational play for all ages.

Transportation

Traffic

The region relies on a combination of rail, bus and road transport. Trains connect Rheden with Arnhem, Nijmegen and Amsterdam via a convenient network; roads like the A12 facilitate access to larger cities. Biking is popular and well-supported with dedicated bike lanes and signage, especially along rivers and in town centers.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Rheden.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer meat-free options; look for veggie sides, salads and pasta. In Dutch towns, you can ask for 'zonder vlees' (no meat) or 'vegetarisch' options; many menus label vegetarian dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in the Netherlands is high quality; residents use private health insurance funded through employers or individuals. Major hospitals in Arnhem and nearby cities (e.g., Rijnstate in Arnhem) offer comprehensive emergency and specialty care. For visitors, travel insurance with coverage for medical expenses is recommended. In emergencies, dial 112.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide