Appeldorn can be explored through its architectural history, religious art and a protected natural area. Boetzelaer Castle and St. Lambertus offer distinct historical perspectives; Boetzelaerer Meer lies north of the village. This raises a practical question for planning your trip: should your stay focus mainly on architectural and church history, or include the natural area as well? If you are looking for accommodation in Appeldorn, you can first decide which of these themes should be the main focus of your trip.

Boetzelaer Castle and St. Lambertus

Boetzelaer Castle is over 760 years old. Its historic setting provides the backdrop for castle tours and varied programmes. This puts both the building’s long history and the tours and programmes in focus as distinct aspects.

St. Lambertus Appeldorn represents a different period: the surviving choir of the former church building has been incorporated into the modern new building and remains part of the church as a whole. This makes the older section part of the church as it stands today. The interior is open and tent-like in design. St. Lambertus is also home to an Antwerp altar dating from 1530. The architecture and furnishings offer different perspectives on the same church.

Other historical and artistic points of interest

Haus Veen near Appeldorn dates from the 16th century. A personal story lies behind the Fatima Chapel in Kalkar-Appeldorn: the Wilmsen family built it in 1957 in gratitude for their sons’ safe return from the Second World War. Devotions and Masses are held in the chapel on the 13th of each month from May to October. If you would like to plan your stay around one of these dates, check the date in advance.

The Quellsteinspirale by Anna Kubach-Wilmsen and Wolfgang Kubach is located at the primary school in Kalkar-Appeldorn. It dates from around 1965. This sculpture adds a distinct artistic point of interest alongside the historic buildings and church furnishings.

Boetzelaerer Meer

Boetzelaerer Meer lies north of Appeldorn, east of the town of Kalkar, and covers 25 hectares. It was designated a nature reserve in 1985. This nutrient-rich oxbow lake is about 1.5 kilometres long and up to 130 metres wide. It is also outside the Rhine’s floodplain. Its water type, protected status and dimensions describe a natural area that offers a different focus from the historic buildings and artworks in Appeldorn.

Kalkar as a distinct cultural context

The wider destination of Kalkar offers other distinct cultural themes. In Grieth am Rhein, the late Gothic parish church of St. Peter and Paul is one of the landmarks that shape the village. St. Nicolai Church in Kalkar has nine late Gothic carved altars, sculptures, paintings and contemporary glass art in 22 windows. Kalkar Town Hall was built between 1438 and 1445/46 in the Brick Gothic style. It served the town administration and trade and also housed a court. The town windmill forms an ensemble with a brewery and beer garden. Kalkar thus complements Appeldorn’s local attractions with its own church art, urban architectural history and architectural ensemble.

Discover more destinations: Kranenburg, Kalkar, Kleve, Emmerich Am Rhein, Geldern, Kerken, Straelen, Kevelaer

Return to the main travel overview: Kleve.