Is prior booking required?

Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your spot for the boat and tour.

Is the tour accessible for all ages?

Yes, it is suitable for most ages, but children should be supervised during walking around the fort.

Are the beers included in the tour?

Participants can sample various beers at the brewery, but additional purchases are optional.

How long does the entire experience last?

The full tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, including boat, fort walk, and tasting.

Is there any food available?

Basic snacks and beverages are available, but it is suggested to bring your own if desired.

What are the weather conditions for the trip?

Good weather enhances the experience, but rain does not cancel the tour; dress accordingly.

Water Activities & Culture Tour at De Blauwe Bever | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

Located along the picturesque Lek River, the town of Van Wijk bij Duurstede offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and local craftsmanship. The highlight is a boat trip that takes visitors from the town to the renowned Fort Everdingen, where a unique beer-brewing experience awaits. As your boat glides over the calm waters, you'll enjoy panoramic views of lush riverbanks and rolling Dutch landscapes, setting the perfect tone for this immersive outing. At Fort Everdingen, a historic site dating back to its 19th-century military origins, guests can walk through the fortress grounds, soaking in the architecture and heritage that have stood the test of time. The brewery tour that follows provides a behind-the-scenes look at artisanal beer production—discovering the brewing techniques and ingredients that make this craft stand out. Participants get the chance to sample a variety of locally brewed beers in a setting rich with history and natural beauty. This trip enriches the understanding of regional culture while offering a relaxing excursion on the water, making it a perfect day out for history lovers, beer enthusiasts, or anyone seeking to combine outdoor adventure with cultural discovery. De Blauwe Bever’s careful integration of outdoor, historical, and culinary elements makes it a unique stop in the Utrecht province, where nature and tradition converge. Whether you're interested in history, craft brewing, or a scenic boat ride, this experience offers a memorable glimpse of Dutch rural life and craftsmanship. It’s an easy yet engaging adventure that allows guests to appreciate the tranquil waters, historic sites, and local flavors that define this scenic area.

About De Blauwe Bever

De Blauwe Bever is a river safari operator based in Renkum, Gelderland. The company operates the safari ship De Blauwe Bever and offers guided boat trips and walks along the Rhine, Nederrijn, Pannerdensch Kanaal and local nature reserves. Trips range from historical tours tracing Operation Market Garden between Oosterbeek and Arnhem to wildlife and birdwatching excursions in areas such as the Blauwe Kamer, Eckse Waarden and the Wageningse Bovenpolder. De Blauwe Bever runs themed itineraries including evening cruises, family-oriented pirate and detective trips, and combined boat-and-walk experiences that visit Kasteel Doorwerth, the Loowaard and the brewery at Fort Everdingen.

Guides provide narration about local history, wartime events, regional ecology and cultural sites; highlights include sailing past the John Frostbrug, exploring remnants of a former brick factory, spotting beavers, Konik horses and Galloway cattle, and observing migratory and wetland species such as porseleinhoen and watersnip. Several departures begin in towns including Oosterbeek, Rhenen, Wageningen, Elst and Wijk bij Duurstede, with itineraries named for start and end points like Van Oosterbeek naar de Loowaard and Van Wageningen naar Kasteel Doorwerth.

De Blauwe Bever emphasizes accessible nature experiences and regional storytelling. Bookings combine boat passages with guided struinsafari walks or standalone sailing-only trips. The operator’s variety of routes supports discovery of Gelderland’s river landscapes, local history and wildlife from the water. Travelers seeking historical context, birdwatching or family adventures can select from multiple set itineraries or evening cruises to match interests and schedules. Offerings include Avondvaart cruises, Professor Speurneus and Piratenvaart trips also.