Ooijpolder cycling route from Nijmegen (32 km)

The cycle route through the Ooijpolder is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cycle routes around Nijmegen. From the center of Nijmegen, you can cycle out of the city in just a few minutes and find yourself in the middle of a vast polder landscape with dikes, floodplains, and small villages. This route takes you past places such as Ooij, Persingen, Leuth, and Millingen aan de Rijn and offers beautiful views of the Waal River and the surrounding nature reserves along the way.

The Ooijpolder is known as one of the most unique nature reserves in Gelderland. The area is located between Nijmegen and the German border and consists of a combination of river landscape, meadows, and bird-rich nature. This is an ideal environment for cyclists: quiet dike roads, little car traffic, and beautiful views everywhere.

This cycling route is approximately 32 kilometers long, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon of cycling. Along the way, there are several places where you can stop for a drink or lunch, for example in Millingen aan de Rijn or in one of the charming villages along the route.

Overview of the bike route

Distance: approximately 32 kilometers
Starting point: Nijmegen city center
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Type of route: nature route along dikes and polders
Suitable for: city bike, electric bike, and touring bike

The route is mostly flat and therefore suitable for almost everyone. This route is also very popular with e-bike riders because you can easily extend your trip towards Germany or the Betuwe region.

Directions to the Ooijpolder cycle route

The route starts in the center of Nijmegen. From here, you cycle across the Waal Bridge towards Lent. As soon as you cross the bridge, you will immediately notice that the landscape changes. The hustle and bustle of the city gives way to open space, meadows, and floodplains.

From Lent, cycle towards the village of Ooij. This small village is located in the middle of the Ooijpolder and is a great starting point for exploring the area further. The road winds along the dike, offering views of the Waal river on one side and the polder landscape on the other.

After Ooij, you continue cycling towards Persingen. This village is known as the smallest village in the Netherlands and consists of just a few houses and a small church. It is a special place where many cyclists stop for a photo.

From Persingen, the route continues to Leuth. This village is located slightly higher on the dike and offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding nature. Along the way, you will often see large groups of birds such as geese and storks, which live here in the floodplains.

From Leuth, you cycle on towards Kekerdom and Millingen aan de Rijn. Millingen is a lively village with several restaurants and terraces where you can take a break. Especially on sunny days, this is a popular stop for cyclists exploring the Ooijpolder.

After Millingen, the last part of the route follows the Waal. This section runs mostly along the dike and offers beautiful views of the river. Eventually, you cycle back along the dike towards Nijmegen, where you cross the Waal bridge again and return to the city center.

Highlights of this cycling route

During this cycling route through the Ooijpolder, you will pass several special places:

The Ooijpolder nature reserve with its extensive floodplains
The smallest village in the Netherlands: Persingen
The dikes along the Waal river with beautiful views
The charming village of Millingen aan de Rijn
Many bird species and nature reserves along the route

The combination of nature, water, and small villages makes this route one of the most varied cycling routes around Nijmegen.

Rent a bike for this route

Would you like to cycle this route through the Ooijpolder but don't have your own bike with you? You can easily rent a bike in Nijmegen. From the city center, it's only a few minutes' cycle to the Ooijpolder.

Our city bikes and electric bikes are perfect for this route. With an e-bike in particular, you can easily take a longer trip towards Germany or the Betuwe region.

Simply book online and discover one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Gelderland.