WinterswijkWalking, cycling and days out in Winterswijk
What is there to do in Winterswijk? Walking and cycling through the hedgerow countryside, swimming and sunbathing at Hilgelo lake or the Strandbad, Villa Mondriaan in the centre, the eagle owls in the quarry and the book markets of Bredevoort. Winterswijk is the beating heart of the Achterhoek National Landscape: hedgerow countryside, streams, a real quarry and a cosy village centre. Below you will find what is on this season, where to rent bikes and what can be spotted in nature right now. Do ask us for tips, we live here ourselves.
Cycling & walking
Thousands of kilometres of signposted routes through hedgerow landscape, along streams and old farms. Route maps are ready in the house.
Wildlife spotting
Deer, badgers, kingfishers and little owls. Each season we share what can be spotted right now and where.
Events
Regional markets, music, the Zwarte Cross festival and Winterswijk’s summer programme. We tip you off about what is on during your stay.
Village & culture
The cosy centre of Winterswijk with terraces, the quarry open-air theatre and museums a short hop away.
What is on right now
A selection from the Winterswijk agenda. Ask us for the current agenda for your arrival date: we know what is on that week and what is worth your time.
Wild Kiek’n wildlife safari
Head into the fields with a guide to spot deer, badgers and birds. A favourite with guests bringing children.
Zwarte Cross festival
The biggest festival in the Achterhoek, a short drive away in Lichtenvoorde. Music, motocross and local madness, four days long.
Hesselink vineyard: tour & tasting
Yes, they really do make wine here. A tour of the vineyard followed by a tasting.
Guided cycle tour with a Gilde guide
A local guide takes you past the spots you would never find on your own. There is a village walk too, until 31 October.
Museum Villa Mondriaan: Side by Side
Mondrian grew up in Winterswijk. His museum currently shows Mondrian in dialogue with his contemporaries.
Theatre Night Tour at Theater Astoria
Behind the scenes of the old theatre after closing time. A good one for an evening without the kids.
Wentersch brewery
The local brewery, within cycling distance. A look behind the taps and a tasting after.
Open-air theatre in the quarry
Performances in the quarry, among the rock faces where the eagle owls nest.
Right on the doorstep
What is within easy reach of the homes. Distances are measured from the Kattenberg; from the Jonkersweg the Hilgelo lake is right around the corner.
Hilgelo lake
Some 36 hectares of lake with a beach and generous lawns to play and sunbathe on. Pedalos, canoes, deckchairs and parasols are for hire on site, and there is a surf locker.
More about Hilgelo lake
The Strandbad open-air pool
An authentic 1930s open-air pool, fully restored in 2010. A lawn sloping down to the sandy beach so you keep an eye on the children, plus a deep basin with a diving tower for confident swimmers.
Villa Mondriaan
A museum about Piet Mondriaan’s early years. He became world famous in Paris and New York, but his career as a painter began here in Winterswijk, where he lived from the age of eight to twenty.
Bredevoort, town of books
The national town of books since 1993. Several antiquarian bookshops line the historic centre, and at the book markets you can browse the stalls for hours.
Trim trail and play forest
About 200 metres from the homes on the Kattenberg, right in the woods: a completely renewed trim trail and a play forest for the children.
Korenburgerveen
A fragile raised bog just outside Winterswijk. Explore it on the walking routes, or join an excursion into the most delicate part, which is otherwise closed to visitors.
Meddoseveen
Purple heather and wide marshy peat. Frogs jump ahead of you and butterflies flutter around as you cross this remarkable landscape.
Winterswijk market and centre
The bustle of the market pairs nicely with the many shops, or with a coffee, a lunch or a proper meal on one of the terraces.
VVV tourist office
In the town hall on the Mevr. Kuipers Rietbergplein, open Monday to Saturday from May through September. That said, we are happy to give you our own tips.
No bikes of your own? In Winterswijk you can easily rent a city bike, e-bike, tandem or fatbike. Several rental shops bring the bikes to the house and collect them there again. We arrange the reservation or explain exactly where and how, so you can head out first thing.
Ask about bike rentalProfile Wesselink
The rental we work with. Wesselink delivers your bike to the house and collects it again, free of charge. You can reserve in advance.
profilewesselink.nlBike Totaal Winterswijk
City bikes and e-bikes. They deliver the bikes to the house and collect them there again.
verhuur@biketotaalwinterswijk.nlOonk Speciaalzaak
Tandems and e-bikes too, by the day or by the week.
oonkspeciaalzaak.nlRoute Wenters
Something different: e-choppers and fatbikes, fun with teenagers.
routewenters.nl
Flamingos at the Zwillbrocker Venn
Around 15 km away, the Zwillbrocker Venn is known for its flamingo colony. Sightings depend on the season. Check the reserve’s current information before visiting, or ask us for tips.
Ask for nature tipsNature on your doorstep
What you come across here if you stand still for a moment. Ask us what can be spotted at the moment and we will point you straight to the right spot.
Mushrooms
In October the woods around Winterswijk are full of mushrooms, on old stumps and among the leaves. Look all you like, but leave them be: many species are poisonous.
Mist over the meadows
Up early? On clear autumn mornings the mist hangs low over the meadows and the sun rises through it like an orange ball.
The park in autumn
Birches, red gables and a lane full of leaves. Every season gives the park a different face.
Eagle owl in the quarry
A pair of eagle owls, Europe’s largest owl, has been breeding in the quarry for years. Here the female sweeps past the rock face while the young look on.
Photo: Jacob Doornheim
Mother and chick
From the viewing point the nest is easy to spot with binoculars. In spring the chicks sit out on the ledge during the day.
Photo: Jacob Doornheim
On guard at the nest
Keep your distance and stay quiet and they will simply stay put. Binoculars matter more here than a long lens.
Photo: Jacob Doornheim
Robin
In the garden and along the hedges all year round, and curious enough to perch right next to you.
Red squirrel
Red squirrels are regulars on the park. Leave an apple out and there is a good chance one drops by.
Flamingos
Around 15 km away, the Zwillbrocker Venn is known for its flamingo colony. Sightings depend on the season. Check the reserve’s current information before visiting, or ask us for tips.
By the water
Benches along the waterside within walking distance of the park. In early spring you often have them entirely to yourself.
Right outside the door
You do not have to walk far for it. Most of it simply comes to the terrace.
Rather talk it through?
We know what is on during your stay, which route suits your group and where best to rent a bike. Send a message or simply give us a call.