Discover the Characteristic Beauty of Gelderland from Your Holiday Home in the Achterhoek!

The Achterhoek has a unique charm. The landscape looks slightly different from nature reserves in other provinces, making it an intriguing destination for hiking and cycling! One moment you're walking down a majestic beech-lined avenue, and the next you're overlooking meadows and farmlands. Taking your bike on holiday? On a cycling trip, the stunning bocage landscape rolls past you—filled with ancient forests, lazy streams, and monumental farmhouses. Curious to discover what else lies beyond the IJssel River? Let the following article convince you and book a holiday home in the Achterhoek!

Unique Cycling Routes from Your Holiday Home in the Achterhoek!

Planning a cycling holiday in the Achterhoek? Make sure you're well prepared, because the options are endless. Cycling routes in this region lead you past countless scenic spots—from castles and windmills to picturesque villages and cozy tea gardens. Be sure to add the following routes to your list:

Borculo Windmill Route

The town of Borculo is the starting point for a cycle loop along several windmills. The first is a watermill located right in the center of Borculo. Cross the Berkel River and arrive at the second mill in Geesteren, called Molen de Ster. Two more mills near Neede and Eibergen follow, with the final one also being a watermill.

Cycling Through the Rolling Hills of Montferland

Rolling woodlands, vineyards, and windmills—that’s what you’ll encounter on a bike ride through Montferland. With its hilly terrain, you might think you've crossed the border, but you're surprisingly close to the IJssel River and towns like Doesburg and Doetinchem. From the Hulzenberg lookout tower, you can see how far the Montferland ridge stretches. On a clear day, you may even spot Zutphen and Nijmegen.

Aalten Tea Garden Route

Leave your lunch and thermos of coffee at home when cycling through the Achterhoek—multiple tea gardens await you along the border region near Aalten and Winterswijk! Cycle from Varsseveld toward Dinxperlo, where the route includes a short cross-border stretch. On your way back in the Netherlands, you’ll pass Wijngoed Montferland, a vineyard where the winemaker happily introduces you to Montferland’s wine culture.

Castle Route

Admire no fewer than eight castles on a cycling route through the Achterhoek. Between Vorden and Ruurlo, eight castles and stately mansions are tucked away in the greenery. Kasteel Vorden might be the crown jewel, with its surrounding moat and picturesque drawbridge. At Kasteel Hackfort, the coach house offers the perfect spot for a snack or drink. Tip: don’t miss the local watermill. It's in operation every Saturday and demonstrates how grain is ground.

Holiday Home in the Achterhoek: From Scenic Walks and Cheese Tasting to Browsing in Book Town Bredevoort

If you're looking to enjoy hiking adventures from your holiday home in the Achterhoek, take your time and stroll slowly to fully appreciate the region’s unique surroundings. Want to make memorable treks during a short getaway? The following hiking routes in the Achterhoek promise truly delightful walks:

Cheese Tasting on the Eefsele Walking Route

This special walking tour with several stops takes you through the hamlet of Eefsele. Start in the charming fortified town of Groenlo and follow the former tramway toward Lievelde. There, you can visit local farm shop Weenink to see how cheese is made—and sample it, too. Ready for a bite? Enjoy pancakes at restaurant Erve Kots. Just before closing the loop back in Groenlo, you’ll pass the Groenlose Slinge stream.

Scholtenpad Winterswijk

Hike through the charming stream valley of Winterswijk and be surprised along the way by impressive “Scholtenboerderijen”—large farms once owned by affluent Scholten farmers who settled here in the past. The Scholtenpad can be followed in seven separate day trips.

Aalten-Bredevoort Walk

From Aalten, a marked walking trail leads you to the book town of Bredevoort. Beautiful farms, streams, and forests characterize the path. Bring a spacious backpack—you might stumble upon a literary treasure at the Bredevoort book fair!

Keizersbeek Route

Between Aalten and Varsseveld lies a roughly 10-kilometer walking route that partially follows the Keizersbeek stream. Since it’s relatively short, you’ll have plenty of time for a long break with coffee and a handmade nut tart at Rest Point De Maote. Bird lover? Keep your eyes open! You might spot a partridge, pheasant, or lapwing. Slightly off the route is Tea Garden Rensink, where you can enjoy a high tea along with the usual treats.

Discover Centuries of Hanseatic Glory Along the IJssel River!

The Achterhoek lies beyond the IJssel River, which means you can visit several charming Hanseatic cities. Did you know that Doesburg and Zutphen were granted city rights even before Amsterdam? Judging by the historic buildings, it’s clear these cities have a deep-rooted past.

If you can cycle to Zutphen from your holiday home in the Achterhoek, don’t hesitate. You’ll see the city’s historic skyline appear in the distance as you approach. Church towers dominate the cityscape, and café terraces crowd the old market square! Looking to add another Hanseatic city to your itinerary? Doesburg has one of the best-preserved historic centers in the Netherlands—and that’s no exaggeration. Tip for hungry cyclists: try the mustard soup at Restaurant De Waag. Doesburg is famous for its mustard and even boasts a mustard museum!

Holiday Home in the Achterhoek

Stay overnight in a countryside holiday home in the Achterhoek and soak up the region’s serene charm! The next day, explore the magnificent bocage landscape from countless nearby starting points. Admire beautiful castles, windmills, and old Scholten farms, or head out on your bike along the IJssel for a visit to Doesburg and Zutphen! Dreaming of cycling past hidden gems and historic farmsteads? Or does your hiker's heart leap at the thought of meandering streams, rolling fields, and stately forest lanes? Don’t wait—book a holiday home in the Achterhoek, because the land beyond the IJssel has everything for a character-filled vacation!