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Achterhoek

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Overview

The Achterhoek (Dutch: [ˈɑxtərɦuk] ; Achterhoeks: Achterhook) is a cultural region and COROP area in the Eastern Netherlands. Its name (meaning "rear-corner") is geographically appropriate because the area lies in the easternmost part of the province of Gelderland and therefore in the east of the Netherlands, protruding into Germany. The Achterhoek lies at the east of the IJssel. On the other sides, it borders Germany to the southeast and the province of Overijssel to the northeast. In 2015, the Achterhoek had a population of 389,682. The region is also called de Graafschap (Dutch for earldom, shire or county; namesake of VBV De Graafschap in Doetinchem) because it coincides with the historical County of Zutphen. The region is predominantly rural, with much open space, forests and farms. The area around the town of Winterswijk is regarded as noteworthy. A well-known beer originates from this region: Grolsch beer was first brewed in Groenlo in 1615.

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia513 words

WBP editorial3

Cycling the lesser‑known loops

Beyond the well‑marked routes that criss‑cross the Dutch heartland, the Achterhoek offers a network of quiet, family‑owned paths that wind through alder‑lined ditches and reclaimed peat fields. Rent a Dutch city bike in Zutphen, then head south towards the hand‑crafted windmills of the Liemers fringe – you’ll find signposts in both Dutch and Low Saxon, a reminder that the region’s linguistic quirks persist in daily life. Stop at a roadside ‘koffiehuis’ for a slice of appeltaart and a local brew; the owners are often descendants of the original farm families, eager to share anecdotes about the landscape’s transformation from marsh to meadow. The loops are gentle enough for a leisurely day but long enough to showcase the patchwork of hedgerows that define the Achterhoek’s countryside character.

Food beyond the Grolsch narrative

While the region’s brewing heritage is well documented, its culinary palette stretches further into the realm of farm‑to‑table simplicity. In the town of Dinxperlo, seasonal market stalls sell freshly smoked eel and locally cured ham, smoked over beech wood harvested from nearby forests. A short detour to the village of Harfsen will reveal a modest cheese maker who continues the tradition of hand‑pressed, semi‑hard cheese aged in cellars that double as mushroom cultivation rooms – the result is a subtle earthy note that complements the region’s robust ales. Pair these bites with a glass of locally sourced cider, fermented from orchard apples that have thrived on the loess soils of the eastern Gelderland plateau.

Cross‑border day trips

The Achterhoek’s position on the Dutch‑German frontier makes it an ideal launching pad for micro‑excursions into neighbouring Lower Saxony. A 30‑minute train ride brings you to the historic town of Emmerich, where a half‑torched medieval bridge spans the Rhine and a modest museum chronicles the river’s role in trade. For a more immersive experience, hop on a bike and follow the historic ‘Vechtroute’ that threads through border villages, stopping at open‑air farms where German and Dutch farming practices intersect. These short trips reveal subtle differences in architectural styles – half‑timber façades on the German side versus brickwork on the Dutch – offering a comparative glimpse into how shared geography shapes, yet diversifies, cultural landscapes.

Introduction

For other uses, see Achterhoek (disambiguation). Cultural region of Gelderland in NetherlandsAchterhoek Achterhook (Dutch Low Saxon)Cultural region of Gelderland FlagNickname: De GraafschapLocation in GelderlandCountryNetherlandsArea • Total1,476 km2 (570 sq mi)Population (2015) • Total389,682 • Density264.0/km2 (683.8/sq mi)DemonymAchterhoekers The Achterhoek (Dutch: [ˈɑxtərɦuk] ⓘ; Achterhoeks: Achterhook) is a cultural region and COROP area in the Eastern Netherlands. Its name (meaning "rear-corner") is geographically appropriate because the area lies in the easternmost part of the province of Gelderland and therefore in the east of the Netherlands, protruding into Germany. The Achterhoek lies at the east of the IJssel. On the other sides, it borders Germany to the southeast and the province of Overijssel to the northeast. In 2015, the Achterhoek had a population of 389,682. The region is also called de Graafschap (Dutch for earldom, shire or county; namesake of VBV De Graafschap in Doetinchem) because it coincides with the historical County of Zutphen. The region is predominantly rural, with much open space, forests and farms. The area around the town of Winterswijk is regarded as noteworthy. A well-known beer originates from this region: Grolsch beer was first brewed in Groenlo in 1615.

Language

[edit] The original languages of the Achterhoek are Achterhooks and Kleverlandish, varieties of Low Saxon and South Guelderish (classified as Low Franconian dialects). The language can also differ per municipality or town, even in such a way that a person speaking the 'Grols' variant (meaning the dialect of Groenlo) will pronounce words differently from a person from Winterswijk which is merely 10 km (6.2 mi) to the east, although they will probably understand each other. The number of inhabitants whose sole language is Achterhooks has greatly declined since World War II. People in the Achterhoek are raised with Dutch at school and the dialect is only spoken (sometimes) at home. Partly due to immigration from outside the region and the effects of national policy, the Dutch language is having a significant impact on the dialect. Many old words have been forgotten and replaced by their Dutch-derived equivalents.

Tourism

[edit] The downsizing of agriculture has contributed to the emergence of rural tourism within the region. The area is popular among those seeking peace or an active vacation. Various activities such as cycling (such as the 80-year-war route, Arfgoodroute), hiking, horseback riding, nordic walking, carriage rides, canoeing, and hot air ballooning, as well as stays at recreation lakes, such as Stroombroek, Slingeplas, and Hilgelo, are popular among tourists. Doetinchem, Braamt, Bronkhorst and Zutphen are the most popular tourist destinations. The majority of tourists visiting the Achterhoek region are from other European countries, including Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland.