Bronkhorst is a town located on the IJssel in the province of Gelderland. In this fairytale city in the Achterhoek you really imagine yourself in a completely different world and it seems as if time has stood still. Beautiful old-fashioned houses, sweet narrow streets with original paving stones and cozy terraces. Bronkhorst describes itself as the smallest city in the Netherlands for tourism, although Staverden and Eembrugge, for example, have fewer inhabitants. Yet this town in the municipality of Bronckhorst, which received city rights in 1482, can bear this title with honor. Bronkhorst has approximately 100 inhabitants.

A beautiful Autumn morning

It is a beautiful and almost summery autumn morning, at the end of September. It is still early when we arrive from our guest accommodation in Steenderen, just a few kilometers away, into this fairytale world. The golden sun gives the now 'abandoned' town even more atmosphere. How beautiful it is here! Beautiful houses, beautiful streets with those old-fashioned cobblestones. Wow, really great! The terraces are still empty this early morning, but you can enjoy a snack and drink here later in the day. Even if you only stay here to enjoy the view.

Dickens in Bronkhorst

The Dickens Museum was located in an authentic city farm in Bronkhorst. Here you found a unique collection from the life's work of Charles Dickens. Unfortunately, the Dickens Museum has now left Bronkhorst. The collection is housed in the children's amusement park Het Land van Jan Klaassen in Braamt. The 'Dickens in Bronkhorst' festival takes place here every year in December. During this festival you can enjoy street theater, choirs, fire pits and a small-scale Christmas market in a beautiful setting. You relive the time of Charles Dickens.

Inn De Gouden Leeuw

In the heart of Bronkhorst you will find De Gouden Leeuw inn. You can come here for a snack and a drink, but did you know that you can also spend a romantic night here!? They have a total of 17 rooms here, spread over the first floors of the three monumental buildings, which are equipped with every comfort. They even have a honeymoon suite, with a double corner bath. Who wouldn't want to wake up in the morning in such an environment…

Regional shop De Olde Schuure

On the edge of the monumental town you will find the local shop De Olde Schuure. In this cozy shop, run for twenty years by Hans and Astrid Sluijter from Steenderen, they sell a wide range of regional products and sweets from grandmother's time. You've also come to the right place for souvenirs and gift items. What a nice shop to visit. Like me, you probably won't go home empty-handed 😉

Castle Hill Bronkhorst

If you walk through the town and follow the signs, you will come to a hill on which Bronkhorst castle once stood. Bronkhorst Castle was the ancestral seat of the Lords of Bronckhorst and was one of the most important castles in the county of Zutphen. The castle was largely demolished in the 19th century and the last tower was also demolished in 1920. The foundation is still present on the castle hill. There is a model of the former castle in the middle of the hill. There are also wooden posts with information about the history of the city. Very interesting. Definitely worth walking up.

The Bronkhorster Mill

Just outside the city, in Steenderen, there is the round stone belt mill De Bronkhorster mill from 1844, which serves as a flour mill. Various types of flour and baking mixes are sold in the mill shop, including pancake flour, gingerbread mix, spelled flour and organic wheat flour. So plenty of choice. Wonderful to bake your own bread. This always smells so good! Mmm… enjoy your meal! This mill can be visited for free every Saturday.

Ferry Brummen-Bronkhorst

With the ferry 'Bronkhorsterveer' you can go from Bronkhorst to the town of Brummen on the other side of the IJssel, located between the towns of Dieren and Zutphen, and back again. Tip: visit the two largest giant sequoias in the Netherlands in Brummen. This ferry is suitable for motor vehicles, cyclists and walkers. It sails all year round, except on ice, above wind force 7 and at high tide.

Tips in the Bronkhorst area

• Want to stay overnight near Bronkhorst? Then stay at the newest Droompark on the IJssel, Marina Strandbad of Droomparken in Olburgen.
• Vegetables, fruit and regional products from the farm? Then visit the Farm Shop and Fruit Company Horstink with its own orchard in Rha/Steenderen.
• Discovering the Achterhoek with an old Duck? Then rent a Citroën 2CV from Duckstoer Duck Rental in Toldijk and go out for a day with your colorful Duck.
• Walking in a beautiful nature reserve? Visit the Hackfort Estate in Vorden and walk one of the beautiful routes, visit the vegetable garden or visit the nearby water mill.
• Good food and drinks? Then take a seat at the attractive restaurant or terrace on the water at Het Muldershuis in Eibergen, located opposite the Mallumse mill.

This town is well worth a visit! You really go back in time. I will definitely come back… Parking is available right next to this town and is free.