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IJssel

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IJssel

About the River

The IJssel, also known as the Gelderse IJssel, is a 125-kilometer river flowing through Gelderland and Overijssel. Branching from the Rhine system near Arnhem, it attracts visitors for riverside cycling along the dykes, walking routes, and open lowland scenery.

Getting There

From Arnhem city centre, the riverbanks are accessible in roughly 15 to 25 minutes by bicycle or local bus. Walking takes around 40 to 50 minutes along connected paths.

Time to Spend

Allow 1 to 2 hours for a stroll along the waterfront, or half a day if exploring the cycling paths along the embankment.

When to Visit

Spring through early autumn provides the best conditions for outdoor trips. Because dykes offer minimal shade, early mornings or late afternoons are best during warmer months. The area rarely becomes heavily crowded, though bike paths see regular use on sunny weekends.

Nearby Attractions

You can combine your visit with these nearby sites:

  • Nederrijn (0.2 km): Adjacent river branch diverging near Arnhem.
  • Andrei Sakharov Bridge (1.3 km): Road bridge spanning the river corridor.
  • Westervoort bridge (2 km): Combined road and rail crossing downstream.
  • John Frost Bridge (3.8 km): Historic bridge across the Nederrijn near the centre.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near IJssel

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

IJssel Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Arnhem 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Arnhem grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Arnhem 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Arnhem grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Nederrijn

Nature

Nederrijn

This is the Dutch stretch of the Rhine flowing through Arnhem, with pleasant walking paths along the riverbank north of the city center. Further downstream, it changes its name to the Lek.

0.2 km away
Andrei Sakharov Bridge

Views & landmarks

Andrei Sakharov Bridge

The Andrei Sakharov Bridge crosses the Nederrijn in the city of Arnhem, linking the city over one of the Rhine delta's waterways. It's a great spot to enjoy the view from the bridge while walking along the riverbank.

1.3 km away
Westervoort bridge

Views & landmarks

Westervoort bridge

The Westervoort Bridge is a truss railway bridge connecting Arnhem and Westervoort across the IJssel River. It carries a railway alongside a road and bike path, making it a pleasant spot to take in the scenery while crossing the river.

2.0 km away
John Frost Bridge

Views & landmarks

John Frost Bridge

A bridge spanning the Rhine in Arnhem, named after Major General John Frost, who defended it during the 1944 Battle of Arnhem. It also appeared in the film "A Bridge Too Far."

3.8 km away
Sint-Walburgisbasiliek

Temples & religious sites

Sint-Walburgisbasiliek

This is Arnhem's oldest church, a 14th-century Gothic building notable for its two side-by-side spires. It now houses a hotel and exhibition space, including a treasury displaying historic religious artifacts.

4.1 km away
St Eusebius' Church, Arnhem

Temples & religious sites

St Eusebius' Church, Arnhem

The largest building and church in Arnhem, rising to an impressive 93 meters. Visible from almost anywhere in the city, it's a landmark well worth looking up at.

4.2 km away