The IJssel river forms the western boundary of Heerde municipality, its broad floodplain a reminder that this part of the Netherlands was formed and shaped by water. The river here is still relatively natural — wide, with sandy banks and a handful of islands — compared to its channelised course further north. Cycling along the IJssel dike offers long views across the polders to the Veluwe hills.
The river is part of the IJssel Valley landscape, which has historic significance: the IJssel was an important trade route in the Hanseatic period, and the towns along its banks — particularly Deventer, Zutphen, and Zwolle — retain medieval centres from that prosperous era.