Vorden, Ruurlo, Warken

De Keuken van Hackfort is all about ‘Pure Enjoyment’: enjoying all the good things the Achterhoek has to offer in its purest form. At Recreatiebospark De Reehorst you can enjoy the same pure Achterhoek experience. In collaboration with De Keuken van Hackfort and Recreatiebospark De Reehorst, we have created a number of Premium Pure Enjoyment cycle routes. The routes take you to places where you can experience and savour the Achterhoek.

This Pure Enjoyment Nature & Landscape route takes you through the most beautiful that the Achterhoek has to offer. Cycle through vast forests, past stately country estates and charming farms, and discover unique spots full of peace and nature along the way.

At Castle Hackfort in Vorden, the old castle tower is reflected in the moat and the silence of the country estate is broken only by the soft chirping of birds. The atmosphere of the historical heritage is a beautiful backdrop to pause for a moment and enjoy the surroundings.

You drive past lush meadows and along narrow country roads where the sun peeks carefully through the canopy of leaves. In the charming hamlet of Warken, near Warnsveld, a romantic gem awaits you: the Berkel. This ancient river originates in the hilly Hengwehr und Hanloer Mark Nature reserve in Germany, some 30 km west of the city of Münster. It then winds its way through the landscape to the Dutch border, where it flows into the Achterhoek near Eibergen and then flows into the IJssel via Lochem and Zutphen.

The water ripples peacefully, bordered by reed beds and pollard willows. Here, the Berkel is not only a picturesque watercourse, but also an important lifeline for flora and fauna. The moist banks, full of wild flowers and flowering herbs, provide food and shelter for numerous birds, insects and small animals.

After enjoying the view over the Berkel for a moment, you continue your route to the southeast. The Achterhoek is known for its wooded areas, but the Grote Veld is a pearl in itself. Vast heaths, stately avenues with ancient beech and oak trees and glades full of wildflowers alternate. Every now and then a deer appears, hidden between the trees, and you can hear a woodpecker drumming in the distance. It feels like you have ended up in an oasis of tranquillity. The cycle paths continue through the wooded area and allow you to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature.

From the Grote Veld, you can continue on to Ruurlo, a rural village surrounded by fields, forests and charming farms. On your way to the cosy village centre, you will pass Agneta Windmill. For many years, wood has been cut here using the mill. A little further on you will come to one of the oldest trees in the Netherlands: the Kroezeboom at the intersection of Borculoseweg and Kroezelaan. The tree could be as much as 400 years old...

Even more leafy countryside awaits you, full of country estates, wooded areas and streams. The Baakse Beek and the Veengoot wind their way through the green scenery. Here and there you will pass a chapel or an old farmhouse. After a day full of natural beauty and special places, you will end up back where you started. With a head full of impressions and a smile on your face, you can look back on a wonderful trip through the heart of the Achterhoek.

Tip: There are a number of unpaved cycle paths on the route. On some paths, it is advisable to be careful with the amount of electrical support.


This premium cycle route was compiled by our editor: Anne de Zwaan.