Day 107: Arnhem to Wesel, Germany

August 19, 2025

Day 107: Arnhem to Wesel, Germany

Yesterday morning, after having some store bought croissants and a cup of coffee, I started my ride toward Wesel, Germany, by following the EuroVelo 15 Rhine Cycle Route.

The day was sunny with a few clouds and the temperature wasn’t too hot. On the route, I had to take two ferries crossing the Bijlands Kanaal. The ferries cost €1.30 and €2.50, which was surprising to me because I always thought the ferries in The Netherlands are free. Guess not.

I didn’t take many photos of the small towns I encountered because they weren’t that interesting. Millingen aan de Rijn was the last town in The Netherlands before crossing the border to Germany.

Germany has cycling paths too, but I liked the ones in The Netherlands better. I felt there were more of them. But I have to say that I might be a bit spoiled with the bike paths after cycling in The Netherlands.

I rode through many farmlands and sometimes on top of a levee. Around noon, I was hungry. I couldn’t find any restaurants on my route until I reached Xanten. By the time I arrived there it was past 2 PM. I had a döner pita and a soda for €10, which is US$11.72, the cheapest restaurant meal I’ve had so far. Dineke told me the food is cheaper in Germany compared to The Netherlands and it seems to be true.

My Warmshowers host Jan told me to visit Xanten because it’s an old town. I decided to see St. Viktor, a big Catholic church in town. Inside the church I lit a candle for my friend Tom who will be getting a heart procedure today. I hope the procedure will be a success and that he will recover to full health.

After the church, I went to see a windmill and Klever Tor, which is an old gate, before riding out of town to Wesel.

I cycled for about 55 miles from Arnhem and arrived at Jan’s house around 4:20 PM. His house is built in a modern style, which is very cool. Jan and I chatted about bike touring and politics. Along with his friend, whose name is also Jan, Jan has bike toured in many parts of Europe.

After taking a shower and doing some administrative work on my laptop, I met the other Jan who came over for dinner. He’s more extroverted and played well with kids.

For dinner, Jan prepared some vegetables and meats. The cool part of the meal was that each person has to cook his own food in the metal wok. It reminded me of a hotpot except it’s not communal. I enjoyed this a lot and it was a great time chatting with the two Jans.

After dinner, we had cola ice for dessert, which is something I never had before. I can see why the Jans both like the cola ice when touring since it’s sugary and cold, perfect to cool down a cyclist.

I had to get up at 6 AM this morning because I need to leave by 8. Today’s destination is Düsseldorf.