Ijzerlo is characterised by a typical Achterhoek landscape: fields, meadows, hedgerows and scattered farmhouses define the scene. Possible highlights of a stay include walks and cycle rides, eccentric art and unusual collections. The annual Farm & Country Fair also adds a special event to the calendar.

Rural Routes and Different Trails

In the countryside around Ijzerlo, walking and cycling routes pass old farmhouses and country lanes. The quiet roads make the area a lovely place for walks and cycle rides. Walking options include paths along the German border as well as routes over sandy tracks. Each has a different feature: one follows the border, while the other is defined by the path’s surface.

The Akkerranden fietstocht IJzerlo is a 24-kilometre cycling route. It starts and ends at ’t Dorpshuus IJzerlo, at Thijsweg 19 in Aalten. The starting point of the SP34 IJzerlo walking route is also marked by a red information sign at Thijsweg 19. For the cycling tour, the route length is a clear point of reference; the walking options described are characterised by their border location and sandy tracks. This lets you choose an outing based on the feature that matters most to you.

Art and Collections with Eccentric Themes

Follybos is home to several creative follies designed to surprise visitors; the grounds are known as an art village. There is also a five-metre-high square tower there, built entirely from paving slabs. From the top, you can look out over the entire Farm & Country Fair grounds. Its unusual shape and building material give a visit a different focus from a walk through the countryside.

The Internationaal Theepottenmuseum is located in the countryside near Aalten, by the village of Ijzerlo. One of its distinctive features is a wall, up to six metres high, covered with white teapots. The collection includes teapots shaped like buildings, including Big Ben, and famous people such as Clinton. Everyday objects such as stoves and animals also appear as motifs. The changing shapes make the teapot itself the common theme, while the subjects depicted range from architecture to wildlife.

Another cultural attraction in Aalten is the Silo Art Tour. It is located on the ’t Westendorp farm at Westendorpweg 2. Museum De Gewolkte Pot offers a different kind of collection, comprising almost 1,000 objects made of grey-marbled enamel. Together, these offer two distinct cultural perspectives: art on a farm and a collection united by its material and grey-marbled appearance.

The Farm & Country Fair Throughout the Year

The Farm & Country Fair takes place annually in Ijzerlo near Aalten, at the end of June on the weekend after Father’s Day. Its themed areas include a wool square, a vintage square and several animal villages. There are also a variety of stalls, shows and floral displays. This mix of themes differs from a visit to a single collection: here, different areas and events come together. If you’re planning your trip around the fair, check the exact dates for the relevant year.

The countryside, routes and cultural attractions offer a range of ways to plan your stay.

Discover more destinations: Bredevoort, Dinxperlo, Aalten.

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