Aalten: Hidden History, Mills and Countryside

Aalten combines a moving history with routes through a varied landscape. The Nationaal Onderduikmuseum focuses on the history of hiding and resistance during the Second World War; in Bredevoort, historic streets and a fortress park shape the town’s character. There are also regional museums, a mill, and cycling and walking routes. These different highlights can help you plan your trip and look for a hotel for your stay in Aalten.

The history of hiding in Aalten

The Nationaal Onderduikmuseum in Aalten tells the story of hiding and resistance during the Second World War through small, personal stories. Visitors can experience wartime stories interactively. The authentic museum building is also part of the town’s history: during the occupation, eight people were hidden in its attic. At Markt 12, visitors can see the original hiding place and the shelter cellar; they can also look for the entrance to an illegal print shop and view identity documents from the wartime period.

The museum’s “Escape Room for Freedom” is based on questions and dilemmas faced by people forced to flee. Alongside the historical account, it offers an interactive experience. If you plan to include this activity in your itinerary, check the latest visitor information in advance.

Bredevoort, mills and museums

Bredevoort is a former seigniory and a fortified small town in the municipality of Aalten. Centuries-old streets, the fortress park by the old town moat and the green surroundings invite you to take a walk. The De Prins van Oranje windmill was built in 1870. It is usually open to the public on Saturdays and by appointment; check the visiting arrangements before you go.

The Boerderijmuseum De Neeth is housed in a barn dating from 1910, which has largely been preserved in its original state. The Schoppe has officially operated as a museum since 2000. On display are household and agricultural objects, including kitchen utensils, tools, traditional clothing and bed linen from 1850 to 1950. An unusual collection is housed in ’t Hoekendaalshuusken at De Neeth: it features 600 different toilet paper strips and rolls from around the world. The collection at ’t Hoekendaalshuusken is open from 1 April through 1 October, inclusive, without an appointment and with free admission.

Aalten Synagogue is one of the few synagogues in the eastern Netherlands still suitable for religious services. Guided tours along several Stolpersteine and through the synagogue are offered for Dutch and German school classes, as well as groups of young adults. If you are planning a tour, it is worth checking the latest programme details.

Countryside and routes through the municipality

The landscape of the municipality of Aalten is characterised by extensive grasslands, small-scale fields, densely vegetated hedgerows, centuries-old forests and distinctive raised bog areas. The municipality’s natural areas and waterways include the Aaltense Goor, the IJzerlose Rug, the monastic landscape near Bredevoort, and the Slinge and Keizersbeek streams. The Aaltense Goor is a nature reserve of around 200 hectares with a high density of breeding birds.

In the Loohuis area, walks lead through woodland by the water and through grassland and farmland with hedgerows. From the Goorzicht starting point, walking routes follow old sandy paths through the Achterhoek countryside, passing hedges, hedgerows, ditches and streams. The varied landscapes give each route its own character.

Cyclists can choose between the two Onderduikroutes, which are 20 and 35 kilometres long. Both routes explore hiding during the Second World War and pass hiding places and shelters in Aalten, Dinxperlo and the surrounding area. The Aaltense Gängeskes route is a different length: at 2.5 kilometres, it leads through historic narrow lanes in the centre of Aalten. Check in advance whether the accompanying route booklet is available.

The Akkerrandroutes around Aalten comprise five cycling routes and two walking routes. GPX files are available to download; each route starts and ends at the same point. The Erfgoedroutes also link heritage sites with the countryside and explain their stories in route booklets and on information boards. In Dinxperlo and Suderwick, the Smokkelroute shares smugglers’ stories and anecdotes via QR codes on the route posts. The “GrenzenLos” walking route brings the shared history and special cooperation between the two towns to life.

Menus also reflect the seasons: in the Aalten area, game dishes feature in autumn and winter, while spring menus include asparagus, lamb and turnip greens. Many cafés and restaurants use products from the Achterhoek; what is on offer varies by season and establishment.

When choosing a hotel and planning your day, your interests can make the difference: museums and local history, a route of a set length, or seasonal offerings each raise different planning considerations. Take into account the relevant starting points and the access and visiting conditions mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Aalten, Ijzerlo, Bredevoort, Dinxperlo, Montferland, Zutphen, Hattem, Wageningen.

For the regional travel overview: Gelderland.