Nature house in Kekerdom

In Kekerdom, just outside Nijmegen and within biking distance of Millingen aan de Rijn, this historic semi-detached house is located just outside the dike at the entrance to the “De Millingerwaard” nature reserve. Through the shared front door, you enter the hallway, where both cottages have their own lockable entrance doors. There is a large shared garden, but each cottage has its own seating area. The nature house, inscribed with the words “Natura speculum creatoris” (nature is the mirror of creation), was formerly used as a farmhouse but is now available for you to use as a nature house! From the cottage, you can step right out into the marshlands or start your bike ride along the dikes by the major rivers. Swimming is available within walking distance in one of the ponds in the nature reserve. For food and drinks, visit “De Millinger Theetuin” or “De Waard van Kekerdom.” Did you know that you have the best chance of spotting a beaver in the very early morning or in the evening?

The Millingerwaard is a nature reserve in Gelderland and forms part of the Gelderse Poort, which has been designated a Natura 2000 site. The area is located west of Millingen in the Ooijpolder along the Waal River and covers approximately 800 hectares. The Millingerwaard is managed by the World Wildlife Fund and Staatsbosbeheer, and the goal is to allow nature to take its course as much as possible. Eighty hectares consist of a forest reserve with white willows, and the remainder consists of marshes, meadows, forest, and surface water. In the Gelderse Poort, there are approximately 160 Konik horses and 120 Galloway cattle. Beavers have been released into the Millingerwaard, and sightings have been made of the small copper butterfly and the forest bat. Along the Waal River, sand drifts occur and river dunes have formed. There are a few farms and houses in the area, home to about 20 people. The Millinger Tea Garden is also located in the Millingerwaard and can be reached on foot from the cottage.