Discover Lievelde: Nature, History and Experiences

Lievelde combines rural paths, special nature experiences and tangible history with activities centred around cheese and beer. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Lievelde, you will find a variety of opportunities here for shared outings: tranquil landscapes, historic sites, museums and interactive experiences can be combined to create a varied stay.

Nature and paths around Lievelde

The Koolmansdijk nature reserve is home to a diverse range of flowers and plants, including several orchid species. A cycle path runs through the area, around and also across Koolmansdijk. Hikers can also use a special section of path there, known as the “Laarzenpad” (Boot Path). This gives the landscape concrete opportunities to experience nature on foot or by bicycle, without the outing being restricted to a single pace.

The 7-kilometre Erve-Kots hiking route starts at TOP Erve Kots and leads along quiet roads and paths through the rural area of Lievelde. Along the way, it takes you to the historic Englische Schanze viewpoint. Another option is the De Besselinkschans hike, which follows a circular route through the centres of Vragender, Lievelde and Lichtenvoorde. The different route lengths and paths help you plan a suitable active or mixed day of your holiday.

History to see and understand

The Achterhoeks Openluchtmuseum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; during the winter months, it closes at 4:00 p.m. The museum grounds contain two farmhouses: Boerderij Kots and a Los Hoes. Both show how the farming population lived and worked in harmony with nature. The grounds also include a sawmill from 1920 powered by an electric motor.

Another place of remembrance is the memorial monument in Lievelde next to the junction of Lievelderweg and Hamalandweg. It is made of Corten steel and depicts a life-size branch with a leaf. The monument commemorates Jewish forced labourers who were deployed at this labour camp. Its design and historical connection add a quiet, contemplative note to a walk through Lievelde.

In the area around Lievelde, between Lievelde and Vragender on Schansweg, lies the Englische Schanze defensive fortification, a remnant of the encirclement line around Groenlo. Government troops under Frederik Hendrik built it in the summer of 1627 during the Eighty Years’ War. A viewing tower offers a view of the reconstructed Englische Schanze. The AVOG Crash Museum also conveys history: visitors can watch a film and listen to eyewitness accounts that convey their experiences.

Cheese, beer and shared activities

The excursion at Kaasboerderij Weenink includes a film explaining how the farm makes cheese, as well as a guided visit to the cowsheds, milking robot and cheese store. In addition, Boerenspelen is available there as a bookable group activity. The games include cow milking, sawing wood, grabbing and hay-fork throwing.

The Brouwhoes Bier Experience is an interactive team activity about the history of the brewery and how its beer is brewed. This broadens the range with an experience that not only explains regional production but also takes it up as a shared theme.

Excursion destinations for different interests

MegaPret can be reached on foot from Lichtenvoorde-Groenlo railway station in about 15 minutes; despite its name, the station is located in Lievelde. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Lievelde, it is therefore worth considering your own priorities: nature trails, insights into farm life, places of remembrance, museums or communal activities lead to different kinds of holiday days.

Other places in the Achterhoek

For further orientation, you can also discover Lichtenvoorde, Vragender and Groenlo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Oost Gelre.