Discover Lichtenvoorde

Lichtenvoorde offers visitors several different ways to explore the town: the history of the Flower Parade, historic buildings, street art, and opportunities to enjoy nature and cycling. Wentholtpark brings together green space, an animal pasture and a natural playground; you can cycle directly from the center into the surrounding countryside. You can plan your stay around cultural interests, time outdoors or a mix of both.

Wentholtpark: Animal Pasture and Natural Playground

Wentholtpark is open to the public and covers about 10 hectares. It connects the center of Lichtenvoorde with the countryside on the south side of town, in the direction of neighboring Aalten. About 10 to 15 deer, alpacas and two geese live at the Dierenweide. During opening hours, children accompanied by their parents can walk among the animals, pet and cuddle them; sometimes they can also help feed them. Check the Dierenweide’s opening hours before you arrive, as visiting arrangements may change. The Cool-Nature play area complements the animal pasture with a different offering: a natural playground for children of all ages.

Flower Parade: History and Cultural Heritage

The history of the Lichtenvoorde Flower Parade can be traced to two dates: an earlier annual version began in 1926, while 1929 is considered the official start year of the Flower Parade. The Flower Parade is included in the Netherlands’ National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage and on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates in advance.

Tower, Churches and Buildings

The Scheve toren in Lichtenvoorde was built in the 15th century and is approximately 58 meters tall. Because the ground beneath it has subsided, it leans more than two meters off vertical. The churches also reflect different periods: the Johanneskerk has medieval origins, while the Bonifatiuskerk is a Roman Catholic church dating from 1912.

The Lichtenvoordse Koningssteen, a boulder weighing about 20,000 kilograms, stands on the Markt. The Richtershuis, one of Lichtenvoorde’s oldest buildings, is also located on the Markt. You can view the Richtershuis from the outside while walking through the center. Together, these offer different points of interest for a town walk: a striking boulder, an old building and churches, each with its own historical context.

Street Art and Cycling

Murals and street art by national and international artists can be found in the center of Lichtenvoorde and beyond. The complete street art route is available from the VVV in Lichtenvoorde; guided tours are available on request. The route gives your visit an artistic focus, while cycling lets you experience the surrounding landscape.

You can cycle directly from the center into the surrounding countryside, past meadows, hedgerows and quiet country roads. The area is also connected to the extensive Achterhoek cycle node network. You can therefore choose between planning a trip around public art and taking cycling tours through the countryside.

Discover more destinations: Vragender, Lievelde, Groenlo

For the broader travel overview: Oost Gelre.