More than 100 outdoor artworks offer a special way to experience art in Doetinchem. Buitenkunst Doetinchem offers art routes for cycling, hiking, skating, boating or running. The “Doetinchem door andere ogen” programme offers a different perspective, with three cycling routes and three walking routes that lead to various places featured in the stories. Outdoor art and stories about local places are thus presented as different ways to explore. The content of individual art routes may change; check the details before setting out.
Green routes and natural areas
The landscape also offers different ways to explore. De Zumpe is part of the Gelders Natuurnetwerk; its calcareous groundwater contributes to distinctive flora. At Natuurpark De Koekendaal, nature and recreation come together. The park is part of the De Wrange natural area and includes an herb garden, a playground, a play field, an animal pasture and signposted walking trails. It is easily accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility walkers. If accessibility is important for your visit, check the conditions in advance.
Several routes through the Kruisbergse Bossen pass through woodland, along sandy paths and across open countryside. Landgoed Slangenburg is accessible to walkers and cyclists; check local conditions before setting out. In Natuurpark Overstegen, ponds, pools, walking paths and flower-rich meadows shape this nature-oriented recreational area. These varied landscapes offer practical pointers when choosing what to do: for example, you can follow woodland and sandy paths, or explore areas with water and meadows.
The Bolderroute is a circular walk about four kilometres long. It starts at ’t Onland and passes through Natuurpark De Koekendaal. The “Oude Stadt Doetinchem” route follows a different course: it runs along the Oude IJssel and reaches the edge of the Kruisbergse Bossen. The routes differ considerably in length, course and scenery, so choose the one that interests you rather than assuming a particular walking time or level of difficulty.
Churches, mills and cultural history
The history of the Catharinakerk dates back to the Middle Ages. Today, it is used for religious services, concerts and cultural events. The Driekoningenkapel is a late Gothic chapel dating from the 15th century and is among Doetinchem’s oldest buildings. The two sites reflect different historical periods; the church is also part of religious and cultural life today.
The mills also tell stories of different ways of preserving and using historic sites. The Walmolen is a grain mill built in 1851 on a surviving section of Doetinchem’s old city wall. After it ceased operating, it was preserved and restored. The Auroramolen, by contrast, is a historic grain mill dating from 1870 that is still used to mill grain. Kasteel Slangenburg preserves original painted ceilings and paintings by Gerard Hoet; the castle can be visited on guided tours, whose dates may vary. Kasteel De Kelder, also known as Havezate Hagen, dates from the 16th century and is listed as a Rijksmonument.
The “Stad en Land” route links these castle names on a cycling route: it starts in Doetinchem and passes Kasteel Slangenburg and Kasteel De Kelder. Stadsmuseum Doetinchem is located in Het Oude Postkantoor. It presents the history of Doetinchem and its surroundings; throughout the year, exhibitions featuring objects or paintings by artists from the city or the Achterhoek change. This makes it possible to explore architectural history, local history and changing art on one trip.
River, local offerings and visitor information
Doetinchem lies on the Oude IJssel. From Doetinchem, you can take a boat tour, canoe or go stand-up paddling. Activities and providers may vary seasonally. Doetinchem’s weekly markets feature stalls selling fruit, delicacies, cheese, fish and meat; check market days before your visit.
Another activity combines exercise with a shared meal: every Sunday morning, Stadsboerin Doetinchem organises an accessible one-hour group walk in the Kruisbergse Bossen. Afterwards, a healthy breakfast is served to share, along with warm herbal tea. Since this is a recurring programme with specific dates, it is worth checking the schedule before travelling.
Doetinchem has a railway station and can be reached by train, car, campervan or bicycle. For tourist information, tips, brochures, walking and cycling routes, and activities in the surrounding area, VVV Inspiratiepunt Doetinchem can help you plan your visit. Opening hours may change; check them if you plan to visit.
Discover more destinations: Doetinchem, Gaanderen, Rijnwaarden, Montferland, Doesburg, Groesbeek, Bronckhorst, Millingen Aan De Rijn.
Return to the main travel overview: Gelderland.
