Discover Doetinchem: Culture, Windmills and Nature

Doetinchem can be discovered through several specific themes: castle history, windmills, culture, nature and regional food and drink. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, your planned focus can guide your planning. The following options differ in nature—from a self-guided walk to a festival, and from routes through different landscapes to tastings.

Castle history, self-guided or with a tour

At Kasteel Slangenburg, original painted ceilings, one of the oldest stucco ceilings and paintings by Gerard Hoet are among the notable historical details. They date from around 1700, when most of the castle was built for Frederik Johan van Baer. A brochure is available for self-guided visits, leading you through the rooms and providing background stories and special details about the castle’s history. Guided tours focus on different aspects: alongside the castle’s history, they cover former residents, life on the estate and the building’s history. You can decide whether you would rather explore the rooms independently with the brochure or learn about these topics on a guided tour. Check current visiting options and tour availability before your arrival.

Nature and routes east of Doetinchem

De Zumpe is part of the Gelders Natuurnetwerk (GNN). There, calcareous groundwater rises to the surface as spring water and supports distinctive flora. Landgoed Slangenburg lies east of Doetinchem. Walking and cycling routes lead through old avenues, forests and open farmland. This offers different landscapes and two ways to explore them: on foot or by bicycle. These routes combine the activity with scenery comprising avenues, woodland and open spaces.

Museum, city walk and windmill history

Stadsmuseum Doetinchem collects, manages and preserves the unique cultural heritage of Doetinchem and the surrounding area. Local history also leads to the Oude IJssel: a Viking sword lay in the river near Doetinchem for centuries. During a diversion of the Oude IJssel in the 1950s, an excavator operator discovered the sword and handed it over to Stadsmuseum for safekeeping. The historical perspective therefore ranges from a river find to an institution that preserves the cultural heritage of the city and its surroundings.

The Oude Stadt Doetinchem route starts at Simonsplein and passes Walmolen. The grain mill dates from 1851 and was built on a surviving section of Doetinchem’s old city wall. A city walk thus brings together two distinct pointers to the city’s history: the starting point at Simonsplein and a mill building directly connected to a surviving section of the city wall.

Benninkmolen is also one of the Doetinchemse Molens, which can be experienced as living heritage. Visitors can stop by, learn about the history of the mills and find out how they work. When the sails are turning or the flag is flying outside, a volunteer miller is on duty at one of the Doetinchemse Molens. They can then tell visitors more about how the mill works and its history.

Theatre, festival and virtual views

Amphion Cultuurbedrijf is a theatre in the centre of Doetinchem. It is located at Hofstraat 159, where you will also find the information desk. Another cultural experience is the annual Living Statues Doetinchem festival: it takes place in the city centre and combines living statues with street theatre. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

The tower of Catharinakerk can be explored virtually in two formats: as a regular 2D video or in a 360-degree version that you can view with a smartphone or VR headset. On the Oude IJssel, you can take a boat trip, paddle a canoe or explore the surroundings on a SUP. The options therefore range from viewing a church tower in a virtual format to various activities on the water.

Regional cuisine and tastings

Doetinchem has restaurants serving regional dishes and wine from the Achterhoek. Het Bierkwartier in Doetinchem offers private beer tastings in its own tasting room. Privadi organises tastings for groups of friends, teams, businesses and other groups. The focus can be on wine, speciality beer, non-alcoholic drinks or a combination. The options differ considerably, ranging from regional cuisine and wine to beer and customised group tastings. If you are planning a tasting, check the booking details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Gaanderen.

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