Stokkum lies at the foot of the Hulzenberg, which is part of the Bergherbos. The Staickheimerpad leads through the hilly countryside, woodland and past cultural heritage. A 2.4 km out-and-back hike passes through heathland to the observation tower. The two hiking options therefore differ both in length and in the landscapes they pass through.

Hulzenberg and Bergherbos

The Stokkumse zandbulten lie on the slopes of the Hulzenberg; the village itself lies at the foot of the hill. The Bergherbos provides a habitat for pine martens, badgers and European honey buzzards. These natural surroundings add to the picture of Stokkum: alongside the village’s location and the slopes of the Hulzenberg, the forest as a habitat is also part of the surroundings.

Hikes of different lengths

The Staickheimerpad is available in 9, 11 and 16 km variants. It starts at Restaurant - Terras ’t Klaphek, ’s-Heerenbergseweg 2 in Stokkum. The 9 km variant is the shortest, and the 16 km variant the longest; the 11 km option is in between. This lets you factor the route length into your tour planning. The route passes through the Bergherbos, over gently rising fields and through the hilly countryside.

Check the current route: the section of the Staickheimerpad along the Eltenseweg has been permanently changed. Printed leaflets still show the old route. So use the current map on the website or in the Klompenpaden app.

The shorter out-and-back hike starts at the Hulzenberg car park on the Eltenseweg in Stokkum and leads through a heathland area to the observation tower on the Hulzenberg. There are 104 steps to the viewing platform. From there, you can look out over the Achterhoek, the Liemers and the German border region. Factor the steps into your decision about this hike.

Cultural history and village character

Düffels Möll was built in 1861 on elevated ground outside the village. Following a successful restoration in 1986, it has been back in operation since 1988. The Hagelkruis in Stokkum was mentioned as early as 1624 and belongs to the Liemers type. These dated and named landmarks give your exploration a specific historical thread, without telling the same story.

The Möllepaedje also points to the former use of the paths: it connects Molenbult and Gildestraat and is one of the old church paths that Stokkum once had. The Church of St. Suitbertus was built in 1915 under parish priest G. van Sonsbeeck. Jac. van Gils and Joh. van Dongen are named as the architects. Its floor plan is cruciform, with short arms.

Stokkum was first mentioned in written sources in 1240 under the name Stokhem. Archaeological finds suggest that the forests in the surrounding area were already inhabited 2,500 years ago. The written mention of the village and the evidence of earlier settlement in the surrounding forests therefore represent different historical perspectives.

Between Stokkum and Elten

A cross-border connection for cyclists and pedestrians links Stokkum and Elten. It crosses the German A3 and passes through the forests of Montferland. This means you can include a link between the two places in your travel plans, alongside the hikes on the Hulzenberg.

Discover more destinations: Braamt, Vethuizen, Montferland, Didam, 'S-Heerenberg, Zeddam.

Back to the main travel overview: Montferland.