Ruins of Batenburg

Two picturesque small fortified towns

Batenburg
The ruins of Batenburg Castle are on the outskirts of the town. Although Batenburg is small, it is one of the oldest towns in Gelderland. Once one of the most important in Gelderland, the castle was largely destroyed by French troops in 1794. What remained of it continued to fall into disrepair. The vegetation has gradually made it a beautiful idyllic picture. Some parts of the castle are still intact. The ruins include a duck decoy and the tranquillity of the area makes it a wonderful place for many animals. Apart from the ruins, there are many historic, mostly white-plastered farmhouses to be admired.

If you want to visit Batenburg, you can moor at the little port (daily fee: €10). Did you get hungry from your walk? You can grab a bite to eat at Uitbaeterij De Viersprong.

Ravenstein
Just after the railway bridge, Ravenstein is on your right. A small, beautiful fortified town. Outside, the Meuse flows; inside the city gates, you feast your eyes. Among other things, you will find a tower mill, an old water pump and beautiful old houses. If the blue jetty on the Meuse is empty, you may moor there for a short visit to Ravenstein. You are not allowed to enter the port yourself here, call the port master in advance to avoid disappointment. You can eat out at Brass aan de Maas.