Montferland and Anholt Castle Loop

The route offers a diverse experience. You'll find largely flat river landscapes along the Oude IJssel, characterized by dikes and floodplains, providing relaxed riding. As you move into areas like the Veluwe, the landscape becomes gently rolling with forests and heathlands. While there are some climbs, they are generally not very high. Most of the route is paved, though some sections might be on unpaved or semi-paved paths, especially when crossing into Germany.

You can expect exceptionally picturesque and varied scenery. In Gelderland, you'll see idyllic countrysides with estates, castles, historic manor houses, and charming villages. River regions offer wide-open views, quaint dike villages, and orchards. The route also passes through dense forests and expansive heathlands. On the German side, particularly in the Lower Rhine region, you'll cycle through beautiful natural landscapes, including nature reserves and romantic forests, with historic cities like Geldern and Xanten nearby.

Along the way, you'll encounter several interesting sights. You'll cycle along the Path Along the Oude IJssel, pass by the historic Maria Chapel, and have the opportunity to see the impressive Anholt Castle. The region is also dotted with charming villages, country estates, and unique natural features.

The best time to cycle this route is generally from late spring to early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant for cycling, and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide beautiful foliage and fewer crowds.

This route is rated as 'moderate' for racebikes. While much of the terrain is relatively flat, especially in the river regions, there are gently rolling sections and some slight elevation changes, particularly in the Veluwe and potentially in Germany. It's generally accessible, but a basic level of fitness for the 67 km distance is recommended.

The route is a circular tour, so you can technically start at any point. For parking, consider starting points in towns near the border or within the Bergherbos area, which often have public parking facilities. Specific parking details would depend on your chosen starting location along the loop.

While the route is primarily designed for road cycling, dogs are generally welcome in the Dutch and German countryside, provided they are kept on a leash, especially in nature reserves or near livestock. However, bringing a dog on a racebike tour of this length might be challenging unless they are accustomed to running alongside or you have a suitable trailer.

No, you do not need any special permits or pay entrance fees to cycle this route or to access the Bergherbos area. The cycling paths are publicly accessible. However, if you visit specific attractions like castles or museums along the way, they may have their own entrance fees.

Yes, this route intersects with many other official cycling paths, reflecting the excellent cycling infrastructure in the region. You'll find yourself on sections of routes like the IJssel-Route, Noaberpad etappe 21, Sydeheimroute, Lichtenbergroute, Oude IJsselroute, and the NiederRheinroute (Nord), among others. This allows for easy extensions or variations of your ride.

The cycling infrastructure in the Netherlands, particularly Gelderland, is outstanding, with an extensive network of well-maintained cycle paths and the 'knooppunten' (node) system for easy navigation. Crossing into Germany is typically seamless, with minimal physical barriers. While German signposting might be less consistent than in the Netherlands, the overall experience remains pleasant, often following dedicated cycling routes.

Yes, the route passes through or near several charming villages and towns in both the Netherlands and Germany. You'll find opportunities to stop at cafes, restaurants, and pubs for refreshments. For those considering an overnight stay, there are various accommodation options available in the larger towns along the route, such as 's-Heerenberg or towns in the Lower Rhine region of Germany.