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Bronckhorst
Overview
Bronckhorst (pronounced [ˈbrɔŋkɦɔrst] ) is a municipality in Gelderland, the Netherlands. The municipality is the result of a merger of the former municipalities Hengelo, Hummelo en Keppel, Steenderen, Vorden and Zelhem, on 1 January 2005. The municipality is named after the medieval castle of the Bronckhorst family, who once ruled the area. The seat of the municipality is Hengelo.
Facts
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Source
WBP almanac
External sources
Media
From Wikipedia316 words
WBP editorial3
Cross‑regional cycling loops
Bronckhorst’s patchwork of heath, riverine forest and gently undulating farmland lends itself to a series of low‑traffic cycling loops that stitch together the former villages. Starting from the historic centre of Vorden, riders can follow quiet lanes to the water‑meadow of the Berkel, then swing south to the wind‑sculpted fields around Hummelo. The routes are punctuated by modest wayside cafés serving locally roasted coffee and a selection of Gelderland cheese, letting you refuel without veering onto the main thoroughfares. Because the municipality’s terrain rises modestly to just over 40 metres, the rides are comfortable for mixed‑ability groups, yet the changing vistas keep the experience fresh. Pair a loop with a stop at one of the region’s small museums for a nuanced glimpse of rural Dutch life.
Seasonal market traditions
While larger Dutch towns host bustling markets, Bronckhorst’s village squares host a quieter, rhythmical calendar of seasonal trade that many visitors overlook. In spring, the market in Zelhem showcases locally grown asparagus and early strawberries, presented beside handcrafted wooden toys from nearby workshops. Summer brings a modest flower fair in Hengelo, where growers display resilient tulip varieties suited to the slightly higher inland humidity. Autumn’s highlight is the harvest fair in Steenderen, where rye breads are baked on open‑fire ovens and the scent of smoked Gouda fills the air. These events are organised by the municipal council’s cultural committee and reflect a cooperative spirit that persists despite the 2005 municipal merger.