Exploring the picturesque Achterhoek region – pictured here: Lochem Castle De Cloese. The e-bike tour passed by it, among other landmarks. (Photo: © Verena S. Ulbrich/DHB)
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January 2026
Directly bordering North Rhine-Westphalia, the Dutch Achterhoek region is the perfect destination for anyone who simply wants to unwind, revel in nature, and enjoy culture and cuisine.
The journey begins at Cologne Central Station. Many people are out and about today – admittedly no surprise in a city with around one million inhabitants that receives several million visitors annually – and the morning is bustling. hustle and bustle characterized by: people running, trying to catch their connection at the last second, general pushing and shoving, and noise from all corners.
The train carrying the passengers departs from platform number 1. Journey to the "back corner" (that is, "Achterhoek" literally translated) the Netherlands It starts, well ahead of schedule – always a good sign. Upon arrival, it feels as if one is entering a another world Entering: Travelers stroll leisurely along the tracks, and the only thing that is clearly audible is the peaceful chirping of birds amidst nature – There was no sign of stress.The Achterhoek region presents itself in its best light upon arrival – and with exactly what makes it special.
The Achterhoek – between forests, castles and vineyardsslowing Fancy a visit? In the Achterhoek – which is not only the "back corner" but also one of the most beautiful corners of the Netherlands – that's definitely possible: be it at Hiking or cycling through peaceful forests or along babbling brooks – or even while culinary enjoyment of handcrafted products from the region.
But also at Action fans The idea is to include everything from stand-up paddling and trail running to climbing in a high ropes course.
From a leisurely brunch in nature to an exciting safari: the Achterhoek offers a wide range of activities. Leisure activities and discovery tours. A couple Insights and tips for anyone who wants to explore the region.
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Operations management
Operations management
First stop in the Achterhoek: the Teehuis De Busker. In the heart of nature, you will find here in ghosts the perfect spots to enjoy and linger.. They have been operating since 2009 Ashley and Kevin Rhebergen The tea house offers delicious teas and coffees, drinks, homemade cakes or crispy toasts, as well as generous breakfast boxes, lunches, snack platters and various baked goods.
After a hearty meal, exercise is needed – and there's plenty of space for that right next to the tea house, where E-bikes for a tour around Lochem Ready, taken care of. The route leads through peaceful natural landscapes, including passing the Lochemse Mountains.
A special stop: the Silo Art artwork "Connected", which the History of the hay harvest helpers honors. The impressive mural by the artist duo TelmoMiel has an area of 1300 square meters one of the largest street art installations in the Netherlands.
The self-harvest farm ComBIJn in Westendorp It's definitely worth a visit, especially for Nature loversRob Plomp, a gardener and beekeeper, and his partner Jacqueline Niemeijer, a garden and landscape designer and also a beekeeper, "combine" flowers, fruit, vegetables, and bees – hence the name. The couple's shared goal: Promote biodiversity and make gardens, cities and landscapes greener..
ComBIJn is, incidentally, part of the "Lekker Lokaal" route - More information about local products from Achterkhoek can be found here. – and also offers Courses and workshops in matters of bees, biodiversity and nature conservation.
Worth seeing: the Slangenburg Castle from 17. centuryFrom there, four hiking routes lead through beech avenues, colorful meadows, past ponds and fields, and a deer park.
For people which are looking for high quality french cuisine in Doetinchem Anyone traveling should consider visiting the Stadsboerin (in German "Stadtbäuerin") not to be missed. The Stadsboerin, also known as Ellen Willems, has transformed the 3,5-hectare site of the former De Kruisberg prison into a sustainable Oasis with vegetable, fruit, forest and butterfly gardens as well as one Herd of Ouessant sheep repurposed. Guests can stay there Food Shopping, enjoying coffee and cake or lunch – all with in-house products.
For camping enthusiasts, a stay in Doetinchem is worthwhile. Camping Nesst (See the information box at the end of the article, where you will also find further accommodation tips).
More than Wildlife and sustainable hunting: In Winterswijk In the course of the Wild Kiek'n Safari, which takes you through nature on quiet, environmentally friendly e-buggies, offering the best chances to discover wild animals and learn more about them from wildlife management experts.
Winterswijk, by the way, has the highest deer density in the Netherlands Furthermore, hares, pheasants, and rare birds can be seen there. The safari tours start in April 2026 and run until October.
Small town, but lots to see: Bronkhorst With approximately 150 inhabitants, it is the smallest city in the Netherlands, located in the Achterhoek region. 38 of the approximately 60 buildings are listed as historical monuments.Since 1482, the historical flair of the mini-town – including the magical townscape with cobblestones and the picturesque old farmhouses – has remained virtually unchanged.
Those interested in history can immerse themselves in the history of the village, which received its town charter in the 15th century, as part of a city tour.
From apples, pears, cherries and more – on the Horstink Fruit Farm at Bronkhorst Regionality lived. Since 1928 the Horstink family Fruits on, in the farm shop this is available together with Vegetables and regional products to buy. The fruit-growing company is the only one in the entire region and now also runs a own cider mill.
A rest stop is particularly suitable for cyclists and hikers. delicious lunch and unique view of the orchards the Horstink family.
Im Ruurlo Castle The artistic work of the famous Dutch painter Carel WillinThe focus is on k; the works were assembled by the collector couple Melchers. The listed building Baroque castle It is located in the middle of an English landscape park and connects Art, history and nature – it is considered one of the most beautiful in the region.
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The Achterhoek holds a A multitude of culinary surprises ready – be it excellent Wine list, traditionally produced Cheese or handmade nougatWhat all these handcrafted products What they have in common: outstanding Quality and one hundred percent Regionality.
Let the tasting begin! And that multiple awards: The Kunneman Winery at ghostsThe vineyard, which houses around 500 vines, has existed since 2003. many hours of sunshine in the Achterhoek are the perfect prerequisites for the Winegrowing, but this took time: a total of ten years passed before the grape adapted to the climate of the region.
Surrounded by idyllic greenery, the Kunnemann winery now offers the opportunity to experience various sustainable red, white and rosé wines to try. By the way: The grapes will exclusively read by hand.
The Hesselink Vineyard is a winery in Winterswijk and impresses with Mediterranean flair and 15 award-winning winesEnjoying the view of palm trees, olive groves, and vineyards evokes a feeling of a warm southern summer. Here too, relied on manual reading.
The cheese from [brand name] goes perfectly with the wine. De Brömmels. On the Goat cheese farm, on which there are rare colorful dairy goats Guests can experience the production of the product live – from a look into the barn to the cheesemaking process. Tasting of the farm-grown varieties included!
In Quadruple Landed? Then head on over to Jerom's Nougaterie! Out of regional ingredients produces Jeroen Mulder herewith carefully selected flavors his handmade Noga. Fans of sweet treats Customers will definitely get their money's worth here: In the shop, which is located right next to Jerom's "Nougat Workshop", there is freshly cut or packaged nougat and other sweets.
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All further information about the region can be found at Achterhoek Toerisme!
Overnight stay in the AchterhoekFor anyone who fancies a visit to the Achterhoek region, we have a few suggestions here. Overnight tips for your convenience.
Barchem: Landgoedhotel Woodbrooke
Ideal for cyclists and hikers: Away from all the hustle and bustle, in the middle of the forest at the foot of the Kalenberg, the four-star hotel provides Woodbrooke estate hotel with a sunny terrace or a 17-hectare natural area for pure relaxation and tranquility.
️️ woodbrookebarchem.nl/de
Doetinchem: Villa Ruimzicht
Just the sight of Villa Spacious View That's enough to make you want to stay: The monumental building, dating from 1853, is surrounded by a park with centuries-old trees and offers a truly regal ambiance. In the exceptional cuisine of the Restaurant Lokaal, craftsmanship and creativity go hand in hand.
️️ hotelvillaruimzicht.nl/de/ & restaurantlokaal.com/
The villa also includes the BuitenplaatsPark Ruimzichtwhich sees itself as a place of community, learning, and sustainable action. With the goal of preserving and strengthening nature, volunteers – be they neighbors, friends, or family – practice regenerative agriculture in the vast park. The natural and largely edible produce is served, among other places, in the villa's restaurant right next door. Delicious!
Campsites for outdoor enthusiasts
Ruurlo: Camping Schoneveld
Perfect retreat for families: On the one hand, it is convincing Camping Schoneveld With its magnificent panoramic views, birdsong, and flower meadows, the area also offers the adventure factor of being immersed in nature. Accommodation is in glamping tents and holiday homes, and there are also pitches available for camping.
️️ campingschoneveld.nl/
Doetinchem: Camping Nessst
A place of well-being for a large gathering or a romantic holiday for two: Friends Carlijn Wiltink and Annebeth Ebbers have created their Camping Nesst A truly special oasis for relaxation has been created in the middle of the meadows – complete with a fire pit, fairy lights, and opportunities to encounter animals. Visitors can choose from tents, tiny houses, cabins, or even a small house. The triple "s" in "Nessst" stands for peace and quiet.
️️ nessst.nl/Source: Achterhoek Toerisme / NBTC (Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions)DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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