The Achterhoek can be found on the map of the Netherlands in the east of the province of Gelderland. This has always been a somewhat unknown region for me and when I was invited to discover what there was to see and do in the Achterhoek I didn't have to think about it. There are plenty of beautiful sights in the Achterhoek and it is wonderful to walk in the many nature reserves. I would like to share my tips for what to do in the Achterhoek.

Specialties from the Achterhoek

The Achterhoek is a craft region with many farms. In addition, the famous beer brand Grolsch was born here: in the village of Groenlo (Grolle, in local dialect). I always enjoy buying treats at farm shops and I don't miss a specialty beer either. During my visit I discovered the specialty shops below.

Beer brewery Brouwersnös

Brouwersnös is, after Grolsch of course, the most famous beer brewery in the Achterhoek and that is not without reason. Brouwersnös is located in the former villa of the owner of Grolsch. Browersnös is a bit younger than Grolsch: beer has been brewed here for about 10 years. There is a shop in the building where you can buy all kinds of beers. There is also a large restaurant in the villa and you can do a tasting at the tasting room. A must for beer lovers! You can find more information and opening hours on the Brouwersnös website.

Brouwersnös, Eibergseweg 1, 7141 CD Groenlo

Goat cheese farm De Brömmels

One of the best things to do in the Achterhoek is to visit the Brömmels goat cheese farm. I love good goat cheese and I love cuddling goats. These two come together perfectly at the Brömmels goat cheese farm. You are allowed to walk freely around the yard and take a look at the stables. Don't miss the stable with the kids! All kinds of goat cheese are for sale in the farm shop. I can recommend the hard cheese with fenugreek and the goat cheese with truffle, so delicious! Feel free to ask if you can taste some slices before making a purchase. Tip: if you are at the farm at lunchtime, you can buy homemade soup and a goat cheese sandwich for a few euros. Tasty!

De Brömmels goat cheese farm, Meerdinkweg 5, 7108 BJ Woold

Wentersch beer brewery

The second brewery in the Achterhoek that you should not miss is located in Winterswijk. The location is a lot less atmospheric than Brouwersnös' villa, but the beer is at least as good. Wentsch Brewery (derived from Winterswijk, which is called Achterhoeks Wenters) has only been around for a few years and the owners are very proud of their business. They show you the kettles with great enthusiasm and are happy to tell you which beer you should definitely try. You can buy beers there, but you can also do a tasting in the on-site tasting room. Visit the Wentsch website for more information.

Wentersch Brewery, Groenloseweg 75, 7101 AD Winterswijk

Cheese farm Weenink

If you're not into goat's cheese, there are plenty of other farms in the Achterhoek that sell 'normal' cheese. Cheese farm Weenink is one of them and this farm is something special. They call the farm an Experience Farm where there is plenty to do and see. In addition to a country shop full of regional products, you can also sit on the terrace here. Would you rather be more active? Then it is possible to play a game of farmer's golf, go archery and take a cheese-making workshop. Check out the Weenink Cheese Farm website for the complete range of activities.

Sights in the Achterhoek

Of course there are also plenty of other sights in the Achterhoek. I'll tell you all about nice places in the Achterhoek.

'T Hilgelo

'T Hilgelo is a lake in Winterswijk where it is wonderful to relax in the summer. The recreational lake is free to visit and is therefore a very affordable day out in the Achterhoek. There are a number of campsites around the lake, so you're in the right place if you want to stay longer. Even if you don't want to swim, it is recommended to drive to 't Hilgelo: Beachclub meer is one of the nicest catering establishments in the Achterhoek.

Winterswijk quarry

An attraction of a completely different order is Winterswijk Stone Quarry. Personally, I really wondered in advance what can be seen in a quarry. Even when we arrived I had my doubts: I saw a huge hole in the ground in an industrial environment. Fortunately, our visit was rewarded after all. You have to follow the path along the quarry to arrive at a viewpoint. Through a screen with peepholes in it you can look into the old, no longer in use, quarry. Several Eagle Owls have built their nest here and with a bit of luck you will see them flying above the quarry. So be sure to bring binoculars!

In addition, the quarry is a popular attraction for collectors of minerals and fossils. Every year, around 2,000 collectors from all over Europe travel to Winterswijk to dig for treasure. Over the years, walking tracks, bones, skulls and even complete skeletons of prehistoric reptiles have been found here.

Fortress town of Groenlo

One of the nicest places in the Achterhoek is the fortified town of Groenlo. Groenlo breathes history and everywhere you notice that people are proud of their city. In times gone by, Groenlo was an important city that was the site of much fighting. You can still see traces of this in the form of the city canals, the cannons on the city walls and the street pattern in the city center. If you want to know more about this, it is recommended to take a city walk. Other sights in Groenlo are the Calixtus Basilica, the Steam Sawmill and the city museum.

Slangenburg Castle

Slangenburg Castle is located three kilometers from the city of Doetinchem. The castle dates from the 14th century and is a sight to see. After a turbulent history, Slangenburg Castle is now a guesthouse where you can spend the night. Even if you don't want to spend the night in the castle, it is worth exploring this special place in the Achterhoek. You can enjoy a nice walk in the surrounding forest and you can sit on the terrace opposite the castle for a snack and a drink.

Nature reserves in the Achterhoek

If you look at the map of the Achterhoek you will see that it is bursting with nature reserves. This part of the Netherlands is therefore ideal for anyone who likes to go out during their holiday.

Cycling in the Achterhoek

Do you like to explore a new region by bike? Then you're in the right place in the Achterhoek! There is an extensive cycling network throughout the region, which takes you through a very diverse landscape. From old mills to picturesque villages and from larger cities such as Doetinchem to vast forests, everything can be found there. It is not without reason that the cycling association has declared the Achterhoek the best cycling area in the Netherlands. You can of course plot a beautiful cycling route yourself by connecting various junctions, but you can also do one of these already mapped out cycling routes.

Walking in the Achterhoek

I probably don't have to tell you that the Achterhoek is also great for hiking. Everywhere you come across beautiful nature reserves and there is plenty of variation in routes and durations. Most walks I took in the Achterhoek were about 5 to 10 kilometers long. Excellent distances as far as I'm concerned! Because there is a lot to say about those beautiful nature reserves and walks, I wrote a separate article about this. Read all my tips for walking in the Achterhoek here.

Accommodation in the Achterhoek

If you go to the Achterhoek, I definitely recommend that you book a holiday home. There are many accommodations where you can stay in the middle of the forest, wonderful! I also stayed in a forest house and I liked it very much. It is so nice to wake up to the birdsong and enjoy the silence in the evening. I stayed in Holiday home de Uil via Holiday home Achterhoek.

The Achterhoek is a super nice option for a holiday in your own country. This part of the region is the ideal holiday destination, especially if you love walking or cycling. Would you like to read more about holidays in the Netherlands? Here you will find all our articles.