The Berkel flows through Borculo; walks connect the town with the river and the surrounding area. Museums, historic buildings and a photo route offer further perspectives for planning your day. You can tailor the balance of cultural history, waterside paths and outdoor activities to your interests.
Museums and Historical Insights
The Brandweermuseum Borculo is one of the two largest fire service museums in the Netherlands. The museum also includes the Stormrampenmuseum, which tells the story of the cyclone that struck Borculo about a century ago and devastated the entire town. This focus extends local history beyond the fire service to a defining event.
At Museum De Lebbenbrugge, visitors can explore a 15th-century farmhouse, as well as a hunting lodge, an inn and a customs farmhouse from the 16th century. The buildings offer a tangible comparison between two centuries and different aspects of everyday life at the time.
The twin watermill and the synagogue also provide their own historical points of reference. The watermill consists of two separate watermills dating from 1700. Borculo Synagogue was built in 1877 and is now a small museum as well as a venue for concerts, workshops and readings. As the cultural programme may change, check dates before your visit.
The Kristalmuseum displays gemstones, minerals and fossils. The photo route offers another way to discover places in the town: it is two kilometres long, takes about 40 minutes and passes scenic spots. Its approximate duration makes it a manageable option when planning a limited block of time.
Along the Berkel and by the Water
Walks from Borculo connect the town with the river and the surrounding area. Cycling routes follow the Berkel through a landscape of meadows, woods, farms and small hamlets. There are different directions to choose from for trips on the Berkel from Borculo: they lead into the open countryside or towards the town centre.
The Meren van Borculo, also known as Hambroekplas, are just outside Borculo. The three lakes form a recreational area for swimming, fishing, stand-up paddling and walking. This makes them different from walks along the Berkel, which connect the town with the river and the surrounding area.
During the boating season, from early April to the end of October, tourist trips are offered on the Berkel aboard the wooden, flat-bottomed Jappe. It is a quiet replica of the former Berkelzomp; the skippers share information about the history of shipping on the Berkel. Check the timetable before planning your trip, as seasonal sailing times may change.
Passengers with limited mobility can use a lift on the Berkelzomp in Borculo. Toeristische Informatie Borculo, at Muraltplein 31, provides information about sights, walking and cycling routes, activities, events and museums. If you are still weighing up the different options, you can find information about these topics there.
Discover more destinations: Geesteren, Beltrum, Ruurlo, Gelselaar, Rekken, Eibergen, Neede, Nederbiel.
Go to the main travel overview: Berkelland.
