The Achterhoek may be very rural, but it has some remarkable castles and mediaeval villages.
The Achterhoek is a region in Gelderland, a province with a rich cultural heritage. It has the highest number of mediaeval cities and castles in the Netherlands. This is definitely the place to be if you're into that kind of thing!
For example, Huis Bergh in ‘s Heerenberg is one of the biggest and most impressive castles in the Netherlands. Another must see is Kasteel Vorden. Take a tour, admire the grounds and even spend the night.
Art lovers will more than enjoy Villa Mondriaan in Winterswijk. The villa is not only home to Piet Mondriaan's work, it's actually his parental home.
There are also a number of Hanseatic towns nearby such as Zutphen and Doesburg as well as impressive mediaeval towns such as Bredevoort and Gorssel. Pop in to one or more of the towns on a bicycle tour, which will also take you through woods and nature reserves such as Bönnink.
You can explore the Achterhoek by car, but a bicycle is definitely the better mode of transport. Cycle through woods and nature, or park your bike and go for a walk. You can also go on long horse rides or hire a boat.
If you're travelling by car, you'll find the Achterhoek easy to reach. The region is also easy to reach by public transport. Larger towns such as Winterswijk and Zutphen have a train station, while the villages are reachable by bus.
Enjoy the cultural history, the medieval villages and beautiful nature of the Achterhoek region.
