Aalten offers several ways to explore its history: personal accounts of the Second World War, Jewish heritage in the town centre, medieval paths and historic architecture. The area also features a cultural landscape of hedgerows and groups of trees, as well as the Aaltense Goor with its old oak trees. If you are looking for accommodation in Aalten, you can base your choice on whether you want to focus mainly on the town’s history or also include the municipality’s landscape in your stay.
History through personal accounts and buildings
The Nationaal Onderduikmuseum in Aalten presents the history of going into hiding and the resistance during the Second World War through small, personal stories. This personal approach complements the historical events with individual experiences. Aalten Synagogue offers a different perspective: it is in the centre and is a small, well-restored and attractively furnished synagogue.
The Oude St.Helenakerk also combines different historical features. It is a Gothic church with a Romanesque tufa-stone tower. The choir has painted vaults, and unique frescoes have also been uncovered. Its architectural history thus ranges from the tower’s design to the paintings inside. Together with the museum and synagogue, it offers a varied view of Aalten’s cultural heritage, with each place providing a different historical perspective.
Gängeskes: narrow paths with a former purpose
Aalten’s medieval Gängeskes are narrow paths between the village streets and the back gardens. Some of the old network of paths has been preserved. In the past, houses were supplied with fresh produce via these paths. Their location and former purpose go hand in hand: the Gängeskes were not simply connections between streets, but also part of the village’s supply network. Those interested in local history will find a different perspective on everyday life in the past here, alongside the larger buildings.
A glimpse of rural life at De Neeth
The De Neeth Farm Museum offers another way to explore rural history. Visitors can book a guided tour, during which you will meet the dairy cows and calves and see the milking robot. The museum also displays historic household items and farming equipment. The traditional clothing and linen date from 1850 to 1950. The tour combines a look at everyday life on the farm today with collection pieces that illustrate how people lived and worked in the past.
Landscapes and routes in the municipality of Aalten
The area around Aalten features cultural landscapes with hedgerows and groups of trees; the Aaltense Goor is home to unique old oak trees. Hiking in the municipality takes you through alternating stretches of woodland, heath and water. This complements the historic sites with nature experiences, while the landscape extends beyond any one area. There are also various cycling routes in and around Aalten that take you through nature, history and cultural heritage. Hiking and cycling offer different focuses: one highlights the municipality’s landscape features, while the other connects nature and culture.
Getting here and choosing where to stay
Aalten railway station is on the Winterswijk–Arnhem railway line. Check the connections for your travel dates if you plan to arrive by train. When choosing where to stay, it may help to ask yourself another question: would you like to devote most of your time to the sites and buildings in Aalten, or also plan hiking and cycling routes in the municipality and surrounding area? Your answer will give your stay a clear focus.
Discover more destinations: Dinxperlo, Bredevoort, Ijzerlo.
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