A clog-making workshop dating from 1867 is considered the oldest of its kind still operating in the Netherlands; the name De Lathmer appears as early as 1273. These tangible traces give Voorst a historical point of entry. Alongside them, landscapes, cycling and walking routes, and a variety of excursions shape the character of the area. You can start your exploration with culture and history or head outdoors.
Landscapes and their traces
The IJssel Valley in the municipality of Voorst lies between the Veluwe and the IJssel and includes distinctive natural areas and expansive landscapes. Appense Veld has prehistoric burial mounds. Polder Nijbroek is considered one of the oldest polders in the Netherlands. Near Klarenbeek, clear streams, springs and pools shape the landscape. These places represent different aspects of the region: from early traces of human activity and the history of land reclamation to watery landscapes.
Routes also take you through a variety of landscapes. The Beekweidenpad passes through the cultural landscapes of the Kampen and Broek colonisation areas in Voorst. The municipality also has numerous walking routes through forests, between pastures, over medieval dikes and along the IJssel. So, alongside the cycling routes, there are plenty of walks to choose from, through surroundings that range from forests and pastureland to rivers and dikes.
Cycling through the IJssel Valley
The Beekzichter cycling route is 18 kilometres long; including several short stops, it takes about two to three hours. It starts at the Tolhuisje at Rijksstraatweg 34 in Voorst. An app introduces 22 points along the route, with background information on the history, landscape and farmsteads of the country estate. The estimated duration already includes the stops, while the app offers insights into a variety of topics along the way.
Other cycling routes focus on different things. The Voorster Smulroutes combine rides through the IJssel Valley with local products such as fresh farm cheese, homemade apple pie and craft-brewed beers. You can take cycling routes through the IJssel Valley floodplain to see meadow birds. Cycling options also include routes along the winding IJssel and through extensive floodplains with pastures and hawthorn hedges. Choose according to your interests: background information along the Beekzichter route, local products on the Smulroutes or wildlife watching in the river landscape.
Country estates, crafts and history
RuĂŻne De Nijenbeek was built in the 13th century as a donjon and defensive castle, and was inhabited from the 16th to the 19th century. You can get to within about 10 metres of the ruin on foot or by bicycle. Visits are only possible with a guide; access is seasonal and requires a booking. Check the latest dates in advance and follow the local access information.
The name De Lathmer was first mentioned in 1273. The grounds were later expanded into an extensive country estate with forests, avenues, tenant farms, fishponds and its own mill. The workshops offer another perspective on the history of work: the Klompenmakerij on Wilpsche Dijk dates from 1867 and is considered the oldest clog-making workshop still operating in the Netherlands. Stoomhoutzagerij Wilpsche Dijk has been in operation for more than 100 years and includes restored buildings and authentic steam engines. De Kribbe displays a collection of old farming implements that tells the story of rural life.
The Zozijn Museum in Wilp presents the history of Zozijn as a care facility for people with intellectual disabilities over the past 70 years. Exhibits include the habit of the first Penitent Brothers and a modern robotic cat. The museum is linked to an approximately 3.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible walk that passes several sights. Check the latest access information before your visit.
More excursions
At Teuge Airport, tandem skydives and sightseeing flights over the area around Teuge are available. You can also take a guided tour of the airport, look inside the hangars and enjoy a cockpit experience. The Bussloo recreation area includes a 100-hectare recreational lake and is suitable for a visit at any time of year. Activities in and on the water include diving, fishing and canoeing; other options include paintball, laser tag, US-style mini golf and beach volleyball. Thermen Bussloo offers saunas, baths, relaxation treatments and its own activity programme. As wellness offerings may change, it is advisable to check what is currently available before your visit.
Getting here
The municipality of Voorst has three railway stations: Twello, Voorst-Empe and Klarenbeek. Check train connections and parking rules before your trip. A cycling junction network and the A1 and A50 motorways provide access to the municipality; you should also check road and route conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Terwolde, Voorst, Klarenbeek, Teuge, Twello, Nijbroek, Neerijnen, Berkelland
For the main travel overview: Gelderland.
