Winterswijk: Countryside, Mills and Museums

At the Steengroeve in Ratum, you can see shell limestone that is more than 240 million years old. From a viewing wall along the path, you can look out over ancient layers of the earth; the quarry itself is not open to the public except during organised walks. During “Beleef de Steengroeve”, participants descend into the quarry as part of a guided walk lasting about 1.5 hours. Dates are seasonal and may change, so check the schedule before your visit.

Countryside and routes around Winterswijk

The Nationaal Landschap Winterswijk covers 22,000 hectares. Hedges, streams, wooded banks, mills, forests and farmland shape the scenic landscape formed by historic Scholten farms. Four Natura 2000 sites have been designated within this landscape area. The Natuurtocht Bekendelle goes around De Bekendelle, not through the protected primeval forest—a useful distinction when choosing a walk.

Cycling routes also offer a variety of highlights. The free Winterswijkse MTB-Route is 38 kilometres long and includes more than twelve kilometres of challenging singletrack, as well as a wall ride. Check current route conditions before setting out. If you would rather follow artworks than route profiles, you can take the cycle route to the nine Vrijheidsbomen. It starts and ends at the Freedom Tree in Vrijheidspark, opposite the VVV Inspiratiepunt in the centre of Winterswijk.

The “Vrijheidsbomen” project comprises nine artworks from 2022 and 2023: one in each buurtschap (hamlet) and one in the centre. This lets you connect the landscape with a specific theme that is present both outside and in the centre of Winterswijk. Check the route’s availability in advance.

Mills and the history of craftsmanship

Watermolen Den Helder, also known as Plekenpolsemolen or Olliemölle, is a listed double watermill on the Boven-Slinge. It is equipped for grinding grain and extracting oil; its earliest known mention dates to 1303. Berenschot's Watermolen offers another historical landmark: the restored, still-operating grain mill dates from 1652. It is also the starting and finishing point for numerous walking and cycling routes. Guided tours or visits can be arranged by appointment.

At Venemansmolen, you can see a stationary English Ruston diesel engine and learn how grain is milled using wind power. Volunteer millers provide explanations. The “Venemansmolen, eeuwig in beweging” exhibition in the visitor centre explores the history of the mill and the Venemans miller family. Molen Bataaf, meanwhile, features a permanent exhibition about the Scholten family, who founded the mill and helped shape Winterswijk’s scenic landscape.

Museums, architecture and culture

Each museum has a different focus. At Museumfabriek, old, still-functioning looms are demonstrated; the underground depot houses 18,000 objects. The collection also includes fossils, antique objects and works by artists with a special connection to Winterswijk, including Max van Dam. At Museum Villa Mondriaan, you can see works by the young Piet Mondriaan. They are presented in a new context every six months; museum programmes and exhibitions may change.

Transit Oost brings together railway and transport history: the Museumwerkplaats explores the textile industry, coal transport and former public transport in the eastern Netherlands. On display are a large model railway of the Winterswijk station area and historic vehicles such as a T-Ford bus, a GSM bus and the “Blauwe Engel”. Details of the collection on display may vary. The Winterswijk Synagogue offers another historical focus. Together with the mikveh, the house with school and the old cemetery, it forms a historic complex that is a Rijksmonument—a Dutch national monument—as a whole. Regular guided tours and other activities, such as lectures, concerts and courses, take place there; specific dates may change.

Water, wine and other activities

Strandbad Winterswijk is a restored outdoor swimming pool dating from the 1930s. It has a sandy beach, spacious sunbathing lawns—including an area shaded by old trees—water play equipment and a high diving tower. Check current opening information before visiting. The “'t Hilgelo” recreation area offers a different kind of waterside setting: its body of water covers more than 28 hectares and is suitable for small-scale water sports.

For a culinary excursion, Wijngaard Hesselink offers wine tastings on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. On Thursdays, a guided tour followed by a wine tasting is available from 15:00 to 17:00. Opening days and tasting arrangements may change; confirm the times before making plans. Winterswijk’s options range from geological discoveries and mills to museums, cycling and water activities, so you can tailor your stay to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Winterswijk Brinkheurne, Winterswijk, Winterswijk Woold, Winterswijk Miste, Winterswijk Henxel, Winterswijk Kotten, Doesburg, Nijkerk.

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