Discover Gelderland by River with De Blauwe Bever

De Blauwe Bever — River safaris and guided boat trips in Renkum, Gelderland

Explore river landscapes, history and wildlife

De Blauwe Bever operates guided boat tours and combined boat-and-walk experiences along the Rhine, Nederrijn and Pannerdensch Kanaal from Renkum and nearby departure towns. Popular routes include historical tours between Oosterbeek and Arnhem that pass the John Frostbrug and interpret events from Operation Market Garden, birdwatching trips to Eckse Waarden and nature excursions to the Blauwe Kamer and Loowaard.

What to expect:

• Guided narration about local history, wartime events and regional ecology.
• Wildlife spotting opportunities (beaver, Konik horses, Galloway cattle, wetland birds).
• Themed departures including Avondvaart evening cruises, Professor Speurneus and Piratenvaart family trips.

Key routes and itineraries

De Blauwe Bever lists multiple named trips that identify start and end points for clear planning. Representative itineraries include:

• Van Oosterbeek naar de Loowaard — boat passage on the Pannerdensch Kanaal and guided struinsafari in Loowaard.
• Van Rhenen naar de Wageningse Bovenpolder — guided walk along river landscapes and remnants of a former brick factory.
• Van Oosterbeek (Oude kerk) naar Arnhem (Bridge too Far) — historical tour with guided walk and river narration.
• Van Wageningen naar Kasteel Doorwerth — scenic passage and castle visit with guided exploration.
• Van Rhenen naar de Eckse Waarden — birdwatching route along the Nederrijn.

Other offerings include themed departures such as Avondvaart cruises from Rhenen and Wageningen, the brewery walk to Fort Everdingen, Proef de Betuwe visits to De Spees, and family-oriented Professor Speurneus and Piratenvaart trips.

Wildlife and nature highlights

• Birdwatching: Eckse Waarden and other wetland areas host migratory and marsh species noted on guided trips, including porseleinhoen and watersnip.
• Mammals and grazing animals: itineraries mention the chance to observe beavers along riverbanks and encounter Koniks and Galloway cattle in the Blauwe Kamer and surrounding reserves.

Historical and cultural routes

Several tours focus on the wartime history of the region, sailing past landmarks connected to Operation Market Garden and providing context through guided walks and narration. The route that passes the John Frostbrug links river passage to key Operation Market Garden sites.

Practical route information

• Departure towns include Oosterbeek, Rhenen, Wageningen, Elst and Wijk bij Duurstede.
• Trips vary between combined boat-and-walk experiences and sailing-only passages.
• Destinations include Blauwe Kamer, Loowaard, Eckse Waarden, Kasteel Doorwerth and regional river stretches of the Rhine and Lek.

Why choose De Blauwe Bever

De Blauwe Bever specializes in river-based discovery of Gelderland’s landscape, history and wildlife. The operator’s set itineraries make it straightforward to select a historical tour, birdwatching route or family cruise that fits local interests. For travelers seeking a waterborne perspective on Dutch river scenery, De Blauwe Bever offers guided narration, varied departure points and themed experiences that highlight the natural and cultural richness of the region.