Achterhoek
The region east of the IJssel river is known as the Achterhoek (the Back Corner). It is rich in natural beauty and popular with people who want to escape to the country. The area is great for cycling, walking, horseriding and canoeing. The varied landscape consists of woods, estates, rivers, picturesque villages and beautiful historic towns such as Zutphen and Doetinchem. Around the village Vorden are also numerous castles. Bronkhorst is the smallest town in the Netherlands and Bredevoort is known as the Book Town.
Scattered around the landscape are dozens of castles and country retreats, often located on impressive estates. A vast number of them are open to the public. Not all are open for visiting but there is often a cycling or walking path on the estate. Thanks to the fertile soil there are beautiful gardens everywhere in the Achterhoek, from English park gardens to baroque gardens. In the Achterhoek are also a number of excellent hotels: a perfect base for a relaxing break and exploring the beautiful countryside.
