A windmill on a former bastion, a book café in a former church and walking paths along the Grote Gracht: Bredevoort combines the history of a fortified town with cultural discoveries. Since 27 August 1993, it has been a National Book Town. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: would you like to focus on historical sites and culture, or also add walks in the park and surrounding countryside to your stay?
Windmill and the history of a fortified town
Bredevoort is a former lordship (Heerlijkheid) and a fortified small town. The Prins van Oranje windmill brings this history to life in a specific place: the smock windmill was built in 1870 after the original mill burned down two years earlier. It stands on the former Welgemoed Bastion. The type of mill, year of construction and location link industrial history with the town’s former fortifications.
Vestingpark St. Bernardus also reflects the town’s fortification history. The versatile park lies on Bredevoort’s former defensive ramparts, which were later demolished, and is ideal for a walk. If you would like to take a walk around another landmark, you can stroll around the Grote Gracht. In the De Ambtshof herb garden, there is a place to sit among fragrant herbs and rest after a walk through town.
Books, art and events
The book town designation is part of Bredevoort’s cultural identity. A good place to experience it is Koppelkerk, a central venue for art and culture in a former church building. The programme includes changing exhibitions, concerts and readings; there is also a book café. Art, books and opportunities to explore ideas come together in one place, while the changing exhibitions and events appeal to a range of cultural interests.
Art can also be discovered at various locations in Bredevoort, where numerous works by sculptor Thorvald Dudok van Heel are on display. Another highlight on the events calendar is Bredevoort Schittert. The festival takes place every year at the end of September and lasts three days. Thousands of lanterns light up the medieval streets, with light, music, theatre and art at the heart of the event. Those travelling in autumn or winter can enjoy classical concerts that change each year at Sint Joriskerk. It is worth checking the latest dates and programme for these events before your trip.
Walks, countryside and the seasons
Bredevoort lies within the 22,000-hectare Nationaal Landschap Winterswijk. If you have more time to spend outdoors during your stay, consider Slingeplas, east of Bredevoort: this recreational lake has a sandy beach and sunbathing lawns, making it particularly suitable for a summer visit. As facilities may vary seasonally, it is a good idea to check the conditions before your visit.
There is also a Tourist Transfer Point (TOP) at the main entrance to the recreational area at Slingeplas. Various tourist cycling, walking and skating routes start there. You can choose a route to suit your plans; check local route details before setting off. A trail built in 2023 connects ’t Zand with Vestingpark Sint Bernardus. From April to October, various guided tours of Bredevoort are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 pm. Check the latest dates in advance. This lets you balance cultural events, walks and time outdoors according to the time of year you travel.
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