The best of the Achterhoek
You would almost forget that at the very edge of the country, there... The Netherlands Germany, there is also a lot of beautiful things to see and discover. Well, we don't. We forget the Achterhoek definitely not. Because that is also what we are there for, to whisper to you every now and then a reminder of Dutch splendor. Although we do believe that 'de Achterhoek' is not a very clever name when it comes to advertising your region... Kniesoor but still. Anyway, we all want to go to the Achterhoek. Check it out for yourself, before you know it you'll be done.
Achterhoek it is. well-located in Groenlo you will be more than pleasantly surprised when you enter. A garden and veranda with a view over the canal of the historic fortified town. In the garden there is also a greenhouse for your own fresh herbs (it is the same as at the Rijksmuseum but even bigger, ha!) Kids can play in the riverside garden. A menu with fine classics. Celebrate life and enjoy is what they want to convey at Welgelegen, well believe us, they more than succeeded, congratulations! Oh, and while you're there, the toilets are a treat. Also nice after lunch or drinks to go boating with family or friends. Then on to the wine bar for a nice glass of wine and then on to the restaurant for dinner. The choice is…huge.
Tasting room and cidery De Groote Wei makes ciders from apples and pears from its own orchard and on the terrace at the back of the yard you have a beautiful view of all those trees. A tasting room where you can also order coffee and cake, but where you should really try a cider made from your own fruit, of course! In the spring and summer months there is a nice bar on site where you can order ciders and then enjoy your refreshing drink with a beautiful view on the large terrace.
Also nice: they have set out a walking route in the orchard that teaches you more about the fruit company and its activities, because there is of course much more to growing fruit than just picking apples. The route is almost two kilometers long and there are signs everywhere that give you more information. The trees look beautiful with their blossoms, especially in the spring, but it is also nice to see the small apples growing during the summer period.
Old-fashioned conviviality, personal service and local dishes, yes please. We want to have dinner, lunch and drinks as usual. Leave As always just happens to be the name for this in the Achterhoek. The catering business in Grutstraat has a bar area downstairs where you can have a delicious lunch. Not too much fuss, but just a tasty Achterhoek meatball or fries with Achterhoek beef stew. The same applies in the evening, where you can eat café classics, such as a hamburger or a steak.
And if you want something more high-end, you can walk a little further to the restaurant and you will find dishes such as country fowl with yellow beet, mushrooms, miso and hazelnut on the menu. The kids can come along (hello, lovely playground).
On the first floor there is the Heerenkamer for meetings and lectures and the Hidden Bar for private parties.
The rooms of Villa Wanrooy They are colorful and unique, named after flavors like salty, sweet, spicy, and umami. Seven rooms and three historic Walhuisjes offer privacy and a touch of Achterhoek charm.
Doetinchem's town center is within walking distance, so shopping, drinks, or enjoying a drink on a terrace are easy. We love good food! At LEV. Foodbar and Restaurant Lokaal, you can discover all the flavors of the Achterhoek region in a delicious and authentic way. Prefer Italian? Treat yourself to a delicious cup of coffee and cake or a generous drink with refined aperitif snacks and matching drinks, all close by.
Villa Wide view The eastern part of our country is a picture-perfect place, both inside and out. This monumental hotel is spot on, down to the smallest detail. Here it is:
The rooms are modern and luxurious, each with its own theme. Fancy a dip? Choose the Water Fun Room with a bath, shower, and in some rooms, a steam shower or infrared sauna. Or opt for a romantic room with a jacuzzi, rose petals, and a bottle of champagne (upon request). Relaxation guaranteed.
Villa Ruimzicht is within walking distance of the charming town of Doetichem. So, in addition to peace and quiet, you can also enjoy the hustle and bustle.
Fancy a good glass of wine? Bee Nic & I in Zutphen they have a choice of more than 40 open wines. Pour that delicious light golden Chardonnay from New Zealand's oldest winery. And do yourself a favor and order that tortelloni with creamy truffle sauce. The beautiful old Zutphen is definitely worth a visit, with nice flea shops and more.
Everything here revolves around chocolate, that makes you happy. Chocolate coffees, chocolate sandwiches, you name it. Natural raw materials are used here and not preservatives. So just good. That smell upon arrival leaves you wanting more. The studio used to be an old school and is now the Magdalena coffee house. Detail: the part that is now used as a coffee house was previously used as a garage for the pastor's car and later as a village café.
This museum is really innovative here in the east of the country. Museum More is the largest museum for modern realism. Culture enthusiasts come to Gorssel from every nook and cranny of the country. Would you like to drink coffee in the Grand Café and are you hungry after a visit to the museum? Loetje is the neighbour.
Hotel Bakker in Vorden has been a household name in the Achterhoek since 1945. From classic French escargots to coq au vin, this is the place to be. The formal and casual looks its old school and just how it is (basically) collision.
After a long winter walk, warm up by the fireplace with a glass of red wine in the café and then sit down for dinner. Nice detail: the men and women in the front still wear those nice aprons, just like in the old days. You know about those French aprons.
You will find this nostalgic, two-person gypsy wagon near Questionnder, somewhere between Lichtenvoorde and Winterswijk. Peace and space is what you will find here, with a beautiful view over the Achterhoek meadows. Make a fire together in the evening and go into the hot tub the next morning. A very nice place to stay for anyone who likes peace, space and relaxation. A warm apple pie will be waiting for you upon arrival, nom! Just look outside and you'll be raining holidays.
Beautiful nature reserve (for mom and dad's eyes), a playing field for the kids and a lovely (pretty nice) spot to put your legs up and replenish your energy level. A golden combination if you ask us. And you do the latter on a lovely beach by the water the Leemputten. All while the coffee is put on the table for you and the kids are running around the grounds. For the little ones there is a sand hill which on a nice day is transformed into a real mud bath. There is a swing bag and the showstopper of the area are the pedal boats. Are you having a sweet day like this?
Image via Chantal Visser
Beach tentsThe Netherlands has a lot of them and the vast majority are certainly worth it. Small problem... Those tents are all located on the west side of the Netherlands. That is of course quite unfair for the other side of the country. Fortunately, the Achterhoek has more than enough nature reserves with more than enough lakes. The Hilgelo for example, near Winterswijk, where a beach plus recreation area turned out to be the perfect place for Beach Club Meer. Say what? Loosely translated, that of course means more beach club and we find that interesting. Just like the entire club itself. He is lying pretty with his nose almost in the water. A piece of abroad in the Achterhoek. We didn't even know it was possible...
A coffee bar with good coffee (duh) where you can also have a really good brunch, that is Frank & Charlie. Hip hot and happeningEnschede could really use that. Lots of colour, conviviality and friendly staff. Oh yes, the shop even has a cake stall packed with goodies. Extra plus points. Frank & Charlie is open from Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and of course coffee (with cake).
