Achterhoek Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Achterhoek with this comprehensive travel guide that features the top attractions, activities, places to stay, and more.


Introduction to Achterhoek

Located in Eastern Netherlands, Achterhoek is a beautiful region that offers a perfect blend of Dutch culture and natural beauty. The region is often considered as one of the hidden gems of the Netherlands, where tourists can visit picturesque villages, and breathtaking landscapes.

In this travel guide, we will take a closer look at Achterhoek, explore its attractions, and give you a comprehensive itinerary to make the most of your visit.

List of Places to Visit in Achterhoek

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Achterhoek has a rich history and culture, and there are many museums and historical places that tourists can visit to learn more about it. Some of the popular museums and historical sites are:

  • Het Land van Jan Klaassen: A fun and educational theme park for children where they can enjoy puppet shows, games, and rides.
  • Castle Ruurlo: A beautiful castle with an exhibition of contemporary art which includes works of famous artists like Carel Willink.
  • St. Walburgiskerk: A Gothic church dating back to the 14th century, located in Zutphen.

Natural Attractions of Achterhoek: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Achterhoek is famous for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Here are some of the popular outdoor attractions:

  • De Slangenburg: A beautiful forest with hiking and biking trails, located near the Slangenburg Castle.
  • Montferland: A hilly region with amazing views and hiking trails.
  • National Landscape Winterswijk: A unique landscape with sandy soils and heaths that are home to several rare species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Achterhoek

Achterhoek is a paradise for hikers and bikers, and there are numerous trails ranging from easy to difficult levels. Some popular hiking and biking routes are:

  • Vragenderveen: A 10-kilometer trail that takes you through the beautiful moors of Achterhoek.
  • Zutphen city walk: A 5-kilometer route that takes you through the scenic streets of Zutphen.
  • Pieterpad: A famous long-distance hiking trail in the Netherlands that runs through Achterhoek.

Best Things to Do in Achterhoek: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are many other activities and tours that tourists can enjoy in Achterhoek. Some of the best things to do in Achterhoek are:

  • Hot-air balloon ride: A scenic ride over the landscapes of Achterhoek, which will give you a bird’s eye view of the region.
  • Wine tasting: Achterhoek is home to several vineyards, and tourists can enjoy wine tasting at these vineyards.
  • Art and culture tours: Several companies offer tours that focus on the rich culture and heritage of Achterhoek.

Week-Long Itinerary for Achterhoek

Here is a perfect itinerary for a week-long trip to Achterhoek:

Day 1: Arrival and leisure day Day 2: Explore the city of Zutphen Day 3: Visit Montferland and its nearby castles Day 4: Hike in the Slangenburg forest and visit the Slangenburg Castle Day 5: Visit Het Land van Jan Klaassen and enjoy the theme park Day 6: Take a wine-tasting tour and visit a nearby vineyard
Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Achterhoek

Achterhoek is famous for its regional dishes and local products. Here is a list of must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Boerenkoolstamppot: A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes, kale, and smoked sausage.
  • Stroopwafel: A sweet treat that consists of two thin waffles with caramel filling in between.
  • Rookworst: A smoked sausage that is a popular Dutch snack.

Local Beverages

  • Bokbier: A dark beer that is brewed in Achterhoek during the autumn season.
  • Schipperke: A gin-like drink that is made with juniper berries and other botanicals.

Where to Stay in Achterhoek: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Achterhoek has several accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some popular accommodations:

  • Hotel ‘t Schippertje: A cozy hotel with an excellent location in the village of Lochem.
  • Stayokay Gorssel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the forested area near Gorssel.
  • Villa Ruimzicht: A luxurious hotel located near the center of Doetinchem.

What to Buy in Achterhoek: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Achterhoek is famous for its local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Some popular souvenirs and local products that tourists can buy are:

  • Cheese made in Achterhoek
  • Local wines
  • Handmade pottery and ceramics

Local Culture and Customs of Achterhoek

Achterhoek has a unique culture, and its inhabitants have their own dialect. Some of the customs and festivals that you can experience in Achterhoek are:

  • Bloemencorso: A flower parade that takes place in the city of Lichtenvoorde every September.
  • Zwarte Cross: A music and motocross festival that takes place every July in Lichtenvoorde.

Best Time to Visit Achterhoek

Achterhoek is beautiful throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn seasons. During these seasons, the landscapes change color and offer scenic views.

Do’s and Don’ts of Achterhoek

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try local dishes and wines.
  • Be friendly to the locals and fellow tourists.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or vandalize public property.
  • Don’t speak loudly or use inappropriate language in public.
  • Don’t photograph people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Achterhoek

Achterhoek is a safe region, and tourists generally face no safety issues. However, it is advisable to take standard precautionary measures like not leaving valuables in cars or in public spaces and avoiding dark and poorly lit areas at night.

Health in Achterhoek

The health facilities in Achterhoek are good, and tourists can find medical help in case of any emergencies.

Getting to Achterhoek: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Achterhoek

The nearest airports to Achterhoek are:

  • Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam.
  • Eindhoven Airport.

Bus Stations Near Achterhoek

The main bus stations in Achterhoek are:

  • Doetinchem Station
  • Ruurlo Station.

Other Options

Tourists can also travel to Achterhoek by train, as the region is well-connected to the rest of the Netherlands.

How to Get Around in Achterhoek

Tourists can get around Achterhoek by train, bus, bike, or car.

Where to Go Next from Achterhoek: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Achterhoek, tourists can visit the nearby destinations of:

  • Utrecht
  • Deventer
  • Arnhem

Conclusion

Achterhoek is a beautiful region that offers a perfect combination of culture and nature. In this travel guide, we have discussed the top attractions, activities, places to stay, and more to help you plan a perfect trip to Achterhoek. So pack your bags and get ready to explore this hidden gem of the Netherlands.

Doetinchem's city centre Doetinchem's city centre Heritage Railway ''Museumbuurtspoorweg'' between Haaksbergen and Boekelo Heritage Railway ''Museumbuurtspoorweg'' between Haaksbergen and Boekelo Rough landscapes along the river Boven-Slinge near Winterswijk Rough landscapes along the river Boven-Slinge near Winterswijk The battle of Grolle, reenacted bi-annually in Groenlo. The battle of Grolle, reenacted bi-annually in Groenlo. Kasteel Keppel Kasteel Keppel Old house in Lathum, near Zevenaar Old house in Lathum, near Zevenaar The river Berkel at the Graaf Ottoweg The river Berkel at the Graaf Ottoweg Water mill near Winterswijk Water mill near Winterswijk Castle near Ruurlo Castle near Ruurlo


    Berkelland
    Doesburg
    Doetinchem
    Lochem
    Zutphen