Holiday rentals in Voorst: IJssel Valley and cultural heritage

The IJssel Valley in the municipality of Voorst lies between the Veluwe and the IJssel. Special natural areas and expansive landscapes characterise this region, combining diverse impressions with a remarkably multifaceted local history.

Landscape and trails

In the Appense Veld, prehistoric burial mounds bear witness to the landscape's long history. The Nijbroek polder is considered one of the oldest polders in the Netherlands. Near Klarenbeek, clear streams, springs and pools shape the landscape. There are also numerous hiking trails through forests, between pastures, over medieval dykes and along the IJssel.

The Beekweidenpad trail passes through the cultural landscapes of the Kampen and Broek colonisation areas in Voorst. At the same time, it runs through a stream valley and colourful forests. As a result, different types of landscape are directly connected along this trail.

Cycling and regional discoveries

The Beekzichter cycling route is 18 kilometres long and takes approximately two to three hours, including several short stops. Its starting point is the Tolhuisje at Rijksstraatweg 34 in Voorst. The associated Beekzichter cycling route app presents 22 points along the route with background information about the history, landscape and farmsteads of the estate.

On cycling routes through the floodplain of the IJssel Valley, visitors can observe meadow birds. When cycling in Voorst, other routes follow the winding course of the IJssel and pass through extensive floodplains with pastures and hawthorn hedges. The Voorster Smulroutes combine cycling tours through the IJssel Valley with regional products such as fresh farm cheese, homemade apple pie and craft-brewed beers.

History and culture

The Ruïne De Nijenbeek was built in the 13th century as a donjon and defensive castle and was inhabited from the 16th to the 19th century. The Klompenmakerij on the Wilpsche Dijk dates from 1867 and is considered the oldest surviving wooden shoe workshop in the Netherlands. De Lathmer is a historic estate whose name was first mentioned in 1273. The grounds were later expanded into an extensive estate with forests, avenues, tenant farms, fishponds and its own mill.

The Stoomhoutzagerij Wilpsche Dijk has existed for more than 100 years and comprises restored buildings and authentic steam engines. De Kribbe displays a collection of old agricultural tools that tells the story of rural life.

The Zozijn Museum in Wilp presents the diverse history of Zozijn as a care institution for people with intellectual disabilities over the past 70 years. Exhibits include the habit of the first Penitent Brothers and a modern robotic cat. The museum is linked to an approximately 3.5-kilometre, wheelchair-accessible walk that passes interesting sights.

On foot or by bicycle, you can get to within approximately 10 metres of the Ruïne De Nijenbeek. The ruin can only be visited accompanied by a guide.

Water and leisure

The Bussloo recreational area includes a 100-hectare recreational lake and is suitable for a day out at any time of year. Visitors can dive, fish and canoe in and on the water. The recreational area's facilities also include paintball, laser tag, US minigolf and beach volleyball.

At Teuge Airport, tandem skydives and sightseeing flights over the surrounding area of Teuge are offered. Visitors can also take guided tours of the airport, look inside the hangars and enjoy a cockpit experience. Thermen Bussloo offers saunas, baths, relaxation treatments and its own experience programme.

Getting there and navigating the area

The municipality of Voorst has three railway stations: Twello, Voorst-Empe and Klarenbeek. The municipality is served by a bicycle junction network and the A1 and A50 motorways.

More local pages: Terwolde, Voorst, Klarenbeek, Teuge, Twello, Nijbroek.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gelderland.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Westervoort, Beuningen.