Dinxperlo and the German town of Suderwick form a twin village with continuous development: the national border runs through the town, following the Heelweg for the most part. The area’s border history can be seen in historical collections, marked border signs and cross-border trails. There is also church art, changing exhibitions and bread-baking activities. You can tailor your stay to your interests in culture or outdoor activities.
Border History in the Townscape
The Dutch-German border is marked on the road surface of the Heelweg, or Border Street. You can cross freely to the other side via the Open Grenspoort. Two small border guard huts explain, with information panels, what life and work were like in the border region in the past. A historic heraldic boundary stone from 1766 also points to the border: a panel explains its course. The bronze sculpture “Europa en de stier,” designed by artist Jaap Hartmann, stands right on the Dutch-German border.
The Grenslandmuseum Dinxperlo is dedicated to the history of customs work at the border. It is housed in a historic 18th-century building. The collection includes documents, photographs, uniforms, customs items, smuggled goods, confiscated goods and weapons. It focuses both on the work of customs officers and on the objects and documents relating to border activity.
Churches, Art and Local Crafts
The Dorpskerk in Dinxperlo is a late Gothic pseudobasilica with 16th-century vault and wall paintings. The Kerkje De Rietstap offers a different cultural focus: in 1977, it was added to the list of historic monuments in recognition of its distinctive character and history. It serves as an exhibition space, with exhibitions by artists changing monthly. Dinxperlo thus brings together historic church art and a changing exhibition programme.
When bread is baked, you can follow the entire process in restored historic ovens and take part yourself. Activities include a traditional oven fired with bundles of brushwood or wood, baking demonstrations and small-group bread-making sessions for adults and children. If you plan to take part, check the dates of demonstrations and group activities in advance.
Sneeuwpop also brings people together at the Kulturhus: this annual charity festival is for young and old alike and showcases live music from Dinxperlo and the surrounding area. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates of each edition.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The “Grensbelevenissen Dinxperwick” cycling and walking route starts at the Suderwick/Dinxperlo-West border crossing (Brüggenhütte). There are also signposted cross-border walking trails, including “GrenzenLos,” which is 17.5 kilometres long. For cycling, “Rondje Dinxperlo” is a route of about 25 kilometres; check its availability before your trip. Cycling, inline skating, walking, Nordic walking and horse-riding routes are signposted from TOP Welinkbos.
VVV Dinxperlo provides tourist information as well as walking and cycling routes. Contact them in advance to ask about current offerings.
Discover more destinations: Bredevoort, Aalten, Ijzerlo.
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