OOSTERBEEK BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
From Oosterbeek to the Loowaard: a tidal ribbon between city and marsh
A guided boat trip with De Blauwe Bever that follows the Pannerdensch Kanaal from Oosterbeek to the IJsselkop, finishing with a short guided struinsafari through the marshy Loowaard.
From Oosterbeek to the Loowaard: a tidal ribbon between city and marsh.
Board De Blauwe Bever at Oosterbeek and follow the river’s engineered course past Arnhem to the IJsselkop — the dramatic split between the IJssel and the Nederrijn — before continuing upstream along the Pannerdensch Kanaal to the moor- and grassland of Loowaard for a guided struinsafari through species-rich riparian vegetation.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The IJsselkop: where rivers divide
The itinerary brings you to the IJsselkop, the decisive split of the IJssel and Nederrijn, where the flow and engineered river-space are visible and the guide explains the hydrology and history of the old Rhine channels.
A summer stage for birds
Loowaard’s mosaic of marsh and grassland supports a changeable vegetation from thistle fields to rich riparian growth; in summer the area attracts many birds, including swallows and yellow wagtails.
Struinsafari through rugged floodplain
After the boat leg there’s a guided struinsafari through the Loowaard’s rough ground — a short but unpaved walk that exposes visitors to the area’s shifting vegetation and river-margin plants.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The trip opens at Oosterbeek (Drielse Veer) with an afternoon boat passage that threads past Arnhem and beneath the Andrej Sacharovbrug, revealing how human interventions have reshaped the river corridor. At the IJsselkop you feel the river’s current where channels separate; from there the vessel proceeds upstream along the Pannerdensch Kanaal past Huissen to the low, marshy meadows of Loowaard for a guided walk of roughly three quarters of an hour.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Sturdy footwear is recommended for the struinsafari through rough ground; be prepared for unpaved, muddy patches.
The walk through Loowaard requires some walking condition—participants should be comfortable on uneven terrain.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where and when does the trip start?
The trip departs from Oosterbeek (Drielse Veer); the scheduled departure is 13:30 with an approximate end time of 17:15.
How long is the total outing?
Total duration is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.
How long is the walk in Loowaard?
The guided walk in Loowaard is about three quarters of an hour.
What are the passenger and child limits?
The safari ship’s maximum capacity is 55 people; each adult may accompany up to four children.
What should I wear and expect underfoot?
Expect rough, unpaved ground on the struinsafari and bring sturdy footwear; a basic level of walking fitness is required.
Will we see wildlife?
Yes: the Loowaard’s marsh and grassland host a variety of species; in summer many birds such as swallows and yellow wagtails can be seen.