Bredevoort: Book Town and Fortified History

Bredevoort brings together book culture, a history of fortifications and opportunities to spend time outdoors. As a former seigniory and fortified small town, it has a distinct historical character; events at different times of year also offer a reason to plan your trip around your own interests. The sights and activities can help you decide whether to focus on literature and art, history or walks.

Book Town and Fortified History

Since 27 August 1993, Bredevoort has held the title of Nationale Boekenstad, or National Book Town. Books therefore shape part of the town’s cultural identity. Another link to its history is the Prins van Oranje Mill: the Waldkorn windmill was built in 1870, after the original mill burned down two years earlier. It stands on the site of the former Welgemoed Bastion. Here, the history of the mill and Bredevoort’s former fortifications come together.

The Koppelkerk also brings together several cultural themes. The former church building is a central venue for art and culture in Bredevoort. Its changing programme includes exhibitions, concerts and readings; there is also a book café. Numerous works by sculptor Thorvald Dudok van Heel can be seen in various locations around Bredevoort. If you want to experience not just a single building but also art throughout the town, you’ll find a range of places to start.

Events Throughout the Year

Bredevoort Schittert is celebrated every year in late September and lasts three days. Thousands of lanterns illuminate the medieval streets, with light, music, theatre and art at the heart of the event. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the exact dates and programme in advance.

The Sint Joriskerk in the heart of Bredevoort hosts a changing programme of classical concerts each year during the autumn and winter. The church’s historic atmosphere provides the setting for this concert series. Check the current programme before your trip. Another seasonal offering is the range of guided tours of Bredevoort: they take place from April to October on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. Check the current dates for these as well before planning your stay.

Walks and Countryside

Bredevoort is located within the 22,000-hectare Nationaal Landschap Winterswijk. For a walk in town, you can take a circuit around the Grote Gracht. Vestingpark St. Bernardus is a changing park on the former defensive ramparts, which were once demolished. Here, the park’s present-day use sits alongside the history of its former fortifications. A path created in 2023 connects ’t Zand with Vestingpark Sint Bernardus.

After a walk around town, De Ambtshof herb garden offers a place to sit and rest among fragrant herbs. For a different kind of outing, Slingeplas lies to the east of Bredevoort. The recreational lake has a sandy beach and sunbathing lawns; you can spend time there in summer. Local facilities are seasonal and may vary.

The main entrance to the recreational area at Slingeplas is also home to a Toeristisch Overstappunt (TOP). Various tourist cycling, walking and skating routes start there. If you’re planning to take one of these routes, check the local route details before setting off. The options around Bredevoort vary considerably, from a walk along the Grote Gracht and the park on the former ramparts to excursions starting at Slingeplas.

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