Looking for accommodation tips in the Achterhoek? Enjoy streams and church paths from a holiday home in Groenlo!

An ancient landscape with windmills and monumental farms bordering the meadows. The Achterhoek boasts a picturesque beauty and charming villages where time seems to have stood still. Did you know that Groenlo is a well-preserved fortress town still displaying its cannons? These historical highlights recall the liberation of the city during the Eighty Years’ War. But the heritage of that era — also celebrated in a local museum — is far from the only thing Groenlo has to offer. The town centre itself attracts many visitors: imagine relaxing on a lively square terrace with the distinctive church tower in the background!

Looking for an indoor activity with a bit of challenge? Then the Escape Room in Groenlo is highly recommended! Before you start deciphering puzzles, you’ll be immersed in the regional history, setting the perfect tone for a fun and meaningful start to your holiday from your holiday home in Groenlo.

Go pedal boating in De Leemputten Nature Park from your holiday home in Groenlo

Hop on a pedal boat together and discover the nature reserve De Leemputten from the water. Once a clay quarry, this area has transformed into a unique natural landscape of ponds and small green islands. Spacious pedal boats are available for groups of up to five people, provided one of them is under ten years old. On the shores of the lake you’ll also find seating areas shaded by reed parasols — perfect for relaxation while the children play on the meadow or the beach. Want to stretch your legs after some lounging and explore the surroundings on foot? Complete your visit with a walk through the former clay pit to the German bird sanctuary Zwillbrocker Venn!

National Museum of the Eighty Years’ War

Delve into Dutch history at the National Museum of the Eighty Years’ War — one of the most defining and influential periods of the Netherlands! From various perspectives you’ll get an insight into the turbulent uprising of the Dutch people against the Spanish rulers. Learn how William of Orange fought for independence and what the viewpoint was of the Spanish king Philip II. An introductory film presents the story of the war and its role in the region around Groenlo.

Cycle across the border to the “Flamingo Park” Zwillbrocker Venn!

Just across the German border between Groenlo and Vreden lies a unique nature reserve: Zwillbrocker Venn. Once a peat-cutting area, it has now become a large lake with islands surrounded by wet meadows. The area is famous above all for its many flamingos, which can be spotted especially during the summer months. Bring binoculars and admire the pink waterbirds from the observation hut!

Walk through the stream landscape of Winterswijk

The Achterhoek is a region where walkers can fully enjoy deciduous forests, rolling fields and small meadows interlaced with streams. Follow the blue-footprints trail from Winterswijk to discover the Boven Slinge stream or explore the Bekendelle beech forest. Here you’ll see the stream meandering freely through the woodland wilderness. At some point you’ll also pass meadows and forest edges. Back at the starting point, treat yourself to a drink on the terrace at the Berenschot watermill!

Discover the Achterhoek by bike from your holiday home in Groenlo

Get on your bike for a beautiful ride starting from your holiday home in Groenlo. There’s plenty to see along the way! For example, a loop around Beltrum takes you along paths once secretly used for attending forbidden Catholic services. Sometimes the trail leads past fields lined with pollard willows, other times through shaded lanes. Many cycling routes are mapped out along charming stops such as tea gardens, rest points and farm shops. Did you know you can also taste award-winning wines in the Achterhoek with views over the vineyards? Try the local wines at De Hennepe vineyard or recharge yourself — and your bike — at Hesselink vineyard. Clear signposts are placed along the routes.

Castle and Climbing Forest Ruurlo: two highlights for a short cycling trip

One of the most beautiful castles in the Achterhoek is located in Ruurlo and makes a perfect destination for a recreational cycling trip from Groenlo. This water castle with its towers and stepped gables is surrounded by a large pond and a winding gravel path along the shore. Having a drink at the orangery terrace here is a great idea — the view is simply splendid! Fancy more action nearby? Visit Climbing Forest Ruurlo! Choose from nine climbing routes reaching up to 20 metres high. The zip line and free-fall jump are the absolute highlights of the course.

Play adventure golf and meet unique animals at Hof van Eckberge

A fun animal park and attraction centre in one — that’s Hof van Eckberge in Eibergen. It’s not exactly a zoo, but much more than a petting farm! Have you ever seen a dwarf mongoose, a black swan or a colourful panther chameleon? Or that bird that looks like an ostrich but turns out to be a rhea! The park offers endless entertainment: an indoor playground, bowling alley, and even laser tag. Outdoors, children can play with water streams in the splash playground, while everyone can enjoy a round of mini golf on a course themed around the Caribbean islands.

Rent a holiday home in Groenlo

Peatlands, a flamingo reserve, winding streams and an ancient bocage landscape — the surroundings of Groenlo have it all! But it’s not only the nature that makes this region such a wonderful place for walking and cycling. Along the routes you’ll find plenty of cosy stops for a break: enjoy coffee and cake by a watermill, a tea garden hidden in nature, or a wine tasting at a castle terrace. Want to enjoy a unique family outing in the Achterhoek? Rent a holiday home in Groenlo and go pedal boating in the nature area De Leemputten!