Doetinchem: Art, Nature and History on the Oude IJssel

Doetinchem lies on the Oude IJssel. The town combines public art with historic buildings and places to enjoy nature. On the water, you can go on boat trips, canoe and stand-up paddleboard; on land, trails lead through forests, along sandy paths and across open countryside. You can tailor your stay to culture, exercise or experiences in nature.

Nature Areas and Trails

De Zumpe is part of the Gelders Natuurnetwerk. The calcium-rich groundwater there contributes to a distinctive flora. Natuurpark De Koekendaal is part of the De Wrange nature area. The park has a herb garden, a playground, a play field, an animal pasture and marked walking trails. There is also a fitness trail. The park is easily accessible for strollers, wheelchairs and mobility walkers; check access conditions before your trip.

The Bolderroute is a circular trail about four kilometres long. It starts at ’t Onland and leads through Natuurpark De Koekendaal. Several routes in the Kruisbergse Bossen run through forest, along sandy paths and across open countryside. Landgoed Slangenburg is accessible to walkers and cyclists; check local conditions before your trip. Natuurpark Overstegen offers ponds, pools, walking paths and flower-rich meadows as a natural recreation area.

Art, Culture and Historic Buildings

Buitenkunst Doetinchem comprises more than 100 outdoor artworks. Art routes invite you to discover the works on foot, by bicycle, on skates, by boat or while running. The “Doetinchem door andere ogen” programme comprises three cycling routes and three walking routes. They lead to various places featured in the programme’s stories.

The history of the Catharinakerk dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, the church is used for services, concerts and cultural events. The Driekoningenkapel is a late-Gothic chapel from the 15th century and is one of Doetinchem’s oldest buildings. The Walmolen, a grain mill built in 1851, stands on a preserved section of the old town wall. It was preserved and restored after it ceased operating. The historic Auroramolen dates from 1870 and is still used to mill grain.

Kasteel Slangenburg can be visited on guided tours. Original painted ceilings and paintings by Gerard Hoet have been preserved inside; tour dates may vary. Kasteel De Kelder, also known as Havezate Hagen, dates from the 16th century and is designated a Rijksmonument. Stadsmuseum Doetinchem is located in Het Oude Postkantoor. It presents the history of Doetinchem and its surroundings; throughout the year, exhibitions featuring objects or paintings by artists from the region and the Achterhoek change.

Routes, Water and Practical Information

The “Oude Stadt Doetinchem” route follows the Oude IJssel and reaches the edge of the Kruisbergse Bossen. The “Stad en Land” cycling route starts in Doetinchem and passes Kasteel Slangenburg and Kasteel De Kelder. On the Oude IJssel, you can take boat trips from Doetinchem, go canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding. Water activities and providers may vary seasonally.

Every Sunday morning, Stadsboerin Doetinchem organises an accessible, one-hour group walk in the Kruisbergse Bossen. Afterwards, participants are offered a healthy breakfast together and warm herbal tea. Check the dates before your trip. Doetinchem has a railway station and can be reached by train, car, campervan or bicycle. Weekly markets offer stalls selling fruit, delicacies, cheese, fish and meat; check the market days in advance. For tourist information, tips, brochures, and walking and cycling routes, contact the VVV Inspiratiepunt Doetinchem. Opening hours may change.

Discover more destinations: Doetinchem, Gaanderen, Ede, Arnhem, Duiven, Rijnwaarden, Culemborg, Groesbeek.

For the main travel overview: Gelderland.