Bergherbos is a varied forest on a push moraine, surrounded by small fields and grassland. The nature reserve, covering around 1,800 hectares, lies on a high push moraine between ’s-Heerenberg, Doetinchem and Didam; low-lying, flat areas surround the higher ground. The area is managed by Natuurmonumenten and the Huis Bergh Foundation. Montferland also combines historic estates, hills, forests, heathland, and expansive meadows and farmland. This mix is evident both in the nature reserves and in the different ways to explore the landscape.
Hiking Trails, Hills and Views
In Montferland, hikers, cyclists and horse riders can enjoy the three nature reserves managed by Natuurmonumenten. If you’re planning a longer hike, the classic Montferlandse Toppenroute is a 32.5-kilometre trail that can be split into two stages. It connects 18 hills in Bergherbos and extends just beyond the German border. Yellow-and-blue trail markers indicate the route; QR codes at the hilltops provide additional information about the surrounding area.
For a shorter outing, take the 2.4-kilometre there-and-back route through a heathland area to the Hulzenberg lookout tower. Compared with the Toppenroute, this is a substantially shorter route, while the longer trail covers more ground and can be walked in two stages. From the lookout tower, views stretch across the Achterhoek, the Liemers and the German border region. The tower’s construction is also connected to the landscape: it was built on behalf of the Municipality of Montferland, using wood sourced entirely from Bergherbos.
Experienced mountain bikers can take the 26-kilometre, forest-rich Bergherbos MTB route through the hills. Its designated audience and terrain set it apart from the hiking trails described above. Montferland and the surrounding area also have a cross-border cycling network. Nine starting points on the Achterhoek hiking network provide further options for finding your way on foot. If you plan to take bus route 24, it runs from Doetinchem via Zeddam to ’s-Heerenberg and gives access to sections of the Toppenroute. Check the current timetable; signs and parking at tourist transfer points can also change. Visitors can park there and continue on foot, on horseback or by bicycle.
Castles, Gardens and Medieval History
Kasteel Huis Bergh is one of the largest moated castles in the Netherlands. Parts of the building date from the 12th, 14th, 15th and 17th centuries. Nearby is De Plantage, an 18th-century park forest with old avenues and monumental trees. Huis Bergh is considered the oldest documented garden in the Netherlands. Just behind Kasteel Huis Bergh is the Wijngaard Bergherbos vineyard, owned by Wijngoed Montferland; visitors are invited to tour the vineyard with a winemaker.
Another glimpse into the past can be found at Montferland Motte. In the early Middle Ages, it was a strategic defensive point in the landscape. It is the largest motte fortification in the Netherlands and one of the most significant motte fortifications in northwestern Europe. You can hike in the surrounding area. The Muntgebouw also recalls an earlier function: this 15th-century building is the only surviving private mint of its kind in the Netherlands. Together, these places offer insights into architectural history, garden culture and medieval defence, with stories that span more than a single era.
Water Activities and More to Discover
The Stroombroek recreation area covers 76 hectares and includes a swimming lake with a beach and sunbathing lawns. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, surf, row and pedal boat there. The cable ski lift is 1,005 metres long and is considered the longest in the Netherlands. As visitor services and facility details can change, it’s a good idea to check what’s currently available before visiting.
In Braamt, Het Land van Jan Klaassen combines indoor and outdoor playgrounds with an interactive puppet theatre performance. The attraction has the largest puppet theatre in the Netherlands. If this appeals to you, you can include it in your travel plans alongside the area’s natural and cultural experiences; check what’s currently on offer in advance. Montferland brings together a wide range of experiences: forests and hills, historic buildings, hiking and cycling routes, and waterside recreation.
Discover More Destinations
Braamt, Didam, Zeddam, ’s-Heerenberg, Vethuizen, Montferland, Stokkum, Heumen.
For the main travel overview: Gelderland.
