At the Steengroeve in Ratum, a distant geological past comes to light: Muschelkalk, more than 240 million years old, is visible here. From a viewing wall beside the path, you can see ancient layers of the Earth. The quarry itself is not freely accessible outside organised walks. During the approximately 1.5-hour guided walk “Beleef de Steengroeve,” participants descend into the quarry. As excursions may take place seasonally, check the current options before your visit.
Discover the landscape and distinguish between routes
The Nationaal Landschap Winterswijk covers 22,000 hectares. Hedgerows, streams, ash trees, windmills and forests shape the scenic landscape formed by historic Scholten farms, with agricultural land in between. Four Natura 2000 areas have been designated within the landscape area. The Natuurtocht Bekendelle goes around De Bekendelle, not through the protected primeval forest—a key distinction if you want to explore this part of the landscape.
You can also experience the area from different perspectives by bike. One route visits all nine artworks in the “Vrijheidsbomen” project: one stands in each buurtschap and one in the centre of Winterswijk. The tour starts and ends at the freedom tree in Vrijheidspark, opposite the VVV Inspiratiepunt. The artworks were created in 2022 and 2023. Check that the route is currently available before setting out. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the free Winterswijkse MTB-Route offers a different kind of ride: it is 38 kilometres long and includes more than 12 kilometres of challenging singletrack, as well as a wall ride. Check the current trail conditions in advance.
Windmills and crafts with different stories
Several windmills bring the area’s technical and cultural history to life, each in a different way. The listed Watermolen Den Helder, also known as Plekenpolsemolen or Olliemölle, is a double watermill on the Boven-Slinge. It was used for grinding grain and extracting oil; its earliest known mention dates to 1303. Berenschot’s Watermolen, meanwhile, is a restored, still-operating grain mill dating from 1652. It is the starting and finishing point for numerous walking and cycling routes. Tours or visits can be arranged by appointment.
At the Venemansmolen, you can see a stationary English Ruston diesel engine and learn how wind power is used to grind grain. Volunteer millers provide explanations. The visitor centre complements the mill visit with the exhibition “Venemansmolen, eeuwig in beweging” about the history of the mill and the Venemans miller family. Machines, mill work and family history are presented side by side, with each place offering its own distinct story.
Museums and a historic complex
The Museumfabriek combines demonstrations of old, working looms with an underground depot containing 18,000 objects. The collection also ranges from fossils and antiques to works by artists with a special connection to Winterswijk, including Max van Dam. Different themes come together at Transit Oost: a large model railway depicts the Winterswijk station area, while historic vehicles such as a T-Ford bus, a GSM bus and the “Blauwe Engel” are on display. The Museumwerkplaats also presents the history of the textile industry, coal transport and former public transport in the eastern Netherlands. Exhibitions and demonstrations may change; check the latest information if you are planning a specific visit.
Another glimpse into the past is the Winterswijk Synagogue complex, with its mikveh, residential building with school and old cemetery. The entire complex is a Rijksmonument, a designated Dutch national monument. Tours and activities such as lectures, concerts and courses are held regularly; individual dates may vary. Museum Villa Mondriaan is dedicated to works by the young Piet Mondriaan and presents them in a new context every six months.
Water, wine and practical information
For a stay by the water, Strandbad Winterswijk offers a sandy beach and spacious sunbathing lawns, including an area shaded by old trees. The restored outdoor swimming pool dates from the 1930s and has water-play equipment and a high diving tower. Check the current opening hours before your visit. At the ’t Hilgelo recreation area, the water covers more than 28 hectares and is suitable for small-scale water sports.
At Wijngaard Hesselink, you can sample wine on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. On Thursdays, a guided tour followed by a wine tasting is available from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. As opening days and tasting options may vary, check the details for your visit. There are two railway stations for getting around town: Winterswijk station is a few minutes’ walk from the shopping centre, while Winterswijk West is near Streekziekenhuis Koningin Beatrix. Check current train services and station access before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Winterswijk, Winterswijk Woold, Winterswijk Miste, Winterswijk Henxel, Winterswijk Kotten, Winterswijk Brinkheurne, Doesburg, Elburg.
Return to the regional travel overview: Gelderland.
