Dinxperlo: Border History and Culture

Together with the German village of Suderwick, Dinxperlo forms a twin village with continuous development. The national border runs through the built-up area and largely follows Heelweg. The German-Dutch border is marked on the road surface of Heelweg. This means you encounter the theme of the border not only in exhibitions, but also in the village streetscape. Open Grenspoort allows you to cross freely to the other side of the border.

Border History in the Museum and Streetscape

Grenslandmuseum Dinxperlo is housed in a historic 18th-century building, one of the oldest in the village. Its exhibits focus on how the border came about and the work of customs officers. The collection includes documents and photographs, as well as uniforms, customs items, smuggled goods, confiscated goods and weapons. The various objects offer several tangible ways to engage with the subject of border work.

Outside the museum, too, distinctive places and objects recall life in the border region in earlier times. Two customs officers’ cottages with information panels explain how people once lived and worked there. A panel beside a historic coat-of-arms boundary stone dating from 1766 provides information about the border. The bronze sculpture “Europa en de stier,” designed by artist Jaap Hartmann, also stands directly on the German-Dutch border.

Churches and Changing Exhibitions

The Dorpskerk in Dinxperlo is a Late Gothic pseudo-basilica. Its vault and wall paintings date from the 16th century. Visitors interested in architectural history and historic painting will find two distinct aspects in one place: the church’s architectural classification and the historic images inside.

Kerkje De Rietstap was added to the list of historic monuments in 1977 because of its distinctive character and history. Today it serves as an exhibition space, with exhibitions by artists changing monthly. If you would like to include art in your visit, the changing program is another reason to check which exhibitions are on at the time.

Get Involved, Listen to Music and Explore the Outdoors

Another way to experience local history is to bake bread in restored historic ovens, including a traditional oven fired with bundles of twigs or wood. Visitors can watch the baking process from beginning to end and take part themselves. The program includes baking demonstrations and bread-baking sessions in small groups for adults and children. If you plan to join a session, it is best to check the dates in advance.

Sneeuwpop is an annual charity festival for all ages held at the Kulturhus in Dinxperlo. It features live music from Dinxperlo and the surrounding area. If you are planning around a particular edition, check the event dates before arranging your stay.

Dinxperwick has signposted cross-border walking routes, including the 17.5-kilometer “GrenzenLos” route. The “Grensbelevenissen Dinxperwick” cycling and walking route starts at the Suderwick/Dinxperlo-West border crossing (Brüggenhütte). These details provide different starting points and route lengths for planning; they do not describe the same route.

From TOP Welinkbos, signposted routes are available for cycling, inline skating, walking, Nordic walking and horse riding. Another cycling option is the “Rondje Dinxperlo,” a cycling route of about 25 kilometers. When planning, first compare the mode of travel and the stated distance: the 17.5 kilometers for “GrenzenLos” refers to a walking route, while the roughly 25 kilometers refers to a cycling route. Also check whether the “Rondje Dinxperlo” is available before setting out.

VVV Dinxperlo offers tourist information as well as walking and cycling routes. If you want to use a particular route or information service, check what is currently available in advance. This helps you plan a stay that matches your interests, whether you want to focus on German-Dutch border history, churches and art, an event, or routes on foot and by bike.

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