Experience a unique journey from Oosterbeek to Loowaard combining sailing on the Pannerdensch Kanaal with a guided wildlife struinsafari in Gelderland’s rich floodplains.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed for a few hours of sailing combined with walking over uneven terrain during the struinsafari.
Wildlife
History
The Pannerdensch Kanaal was historically vital for controlling water flow between the Rhine and Meuse rivers, shaping local agriculture and settlements.
Conservation
De Blauwe Bever emphasizes low-impact travel and education about wetland preservation in this ecologically sensitive area.
De Blauwe Bever
Experience a unique journey from Oosterbeek to Loowaard combining sailing on the Pannerdensch Kanaal with a guided wildlife struinsafari in Gelderland’s rich floodplains.
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.
Home Base
Renkum, Gelderland
Operating from Renkum in Gelderland.
Vessel
Safarischip De Blauwe Bever
Trips depart aboard the safari ship.
Tours Offered
16 trips
Multiple named itineraries and themes.
Departure Points
Oosterbeek, Rhenen, Wageningen
Several town departures for convenience.
Select a historical tour, birdwatching trip or evening cruise — book a route that suits schedule and interests.
Bring waterproof footwear
The struinsafari involves walking through wetland areas; waterproof boots keep you comfortable.
Pack binoculars
Ideal for spotting abundant birdlife along the canal and in Loowaard’s marshes.
Wear layered clothing
Weather can change quickly on the water and during the trek; layers ensure comfort.
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Starting early maximizes quiet moments for wildlife sightings and peaceful sailing.
Waterproof hiking boots
Protects feet from damp wetlands and muddy paths during springtime excursions.
spring
Light rain jacket
Essential for sudden summer showers typical in the Netherlands.
summer
Warm fleece or mid-layer
Keeps you warm during cooler autumn sailing and trekking portions.
fall
Insulated gloves
Useful for keeping hands warm on chillier winter outings on the water.
winter