The Wooldse Veen brings nature and border history together in Winterswijk Woold: it is one of the last remaining raised bogs that once marked the border between the Netherlands and Germany. Streamside woodland, historic cycling routes and regional farm culture complete the picture. When planning your visit, it is important to distinguish between bog trails, cycling routes and visits that require a reservation.
Bog landscapes and special trails
Bekendelle is part of the Natura 2000 network and is one of the few swamp forests in the Netherlands. The area forms the valley of the Slinge and features a unique streamside forest. The Wooldse Veen has a different landscape and its own historic connection to the border; this area is also designated a Natura 2000 site.
A walking trail runs through the wet Wooldse Veen. The area is accessible only via the boardwalk, which is one-way. Wellies are recommended for activities in this wet area. These conditions make the route and suitable footwear important considerations when planning your visit.
Border history on two cycling routes
An old smuggling route between the Wooldse Veen and the bog area on the German side can now be ridden as a cross-border cycling route. It passes the Groene Grens and numerous historic border markers. For centuries, the Wooldse Veen was an important smuggling area; one peak period lasted from 1918 into the 1930s. The route thus connects its own history with visible traces of the border landscape.
Another cycle route follows the former railway line between Bocholt and Winterswijk, which ran through Woold. Today it is a cycle path that continues to the German town of Bocholt. The two routes have different focuses: one highlights smuggling history and border markers, while the other follows the course of a former railway line. Route details may change; check the current route before setting off.
Mill, walks and cheese
Berenschot's Watermolen is a Rijksmonument dating from 1652, located on the edge of the Bekendelle nature area. When there is enough water, the mill can still grind; visitors can then watch the mechanism in motion inside. Several signposted walking and cycling routes start at TOP Berenschot. One specific walking option is Scholtenpad day walk E: it starts at the mill and is about 23 kilometres long.
Several walks on the Achterhoek walking network are available from the Harmienehoeve. Winterswijk cheese has been made there since 1969 and is sold directly from the cheese shop. The selection and route options may change; check both before your visit. As well as being a starting point for walks, the Harmienehoeve offers a glimpse into regional cheesemaking.
Farm history and visiting conditions
The history of the Keunenhuis is connected with the Scholten farming culture, which shaped Winterswijk’s social and agricultural history for centuries. Large farms known as Scholtenboerderijen still shape the landscape of Woold. The history of the farm adds a cultural perspective on the region to its nature and border themes.
The Keunenhuis is accessible only with an advance reservation and is not open for casual visits. If you are planning a visit, check the reservation conditions beforehand. For other interests, consider the trails described above, the mill or walks starting from the Harmienehoeve; your choice will depend on whether you want to focus on the bog landscape, cycling, walking or farm history.
Discover more destinations: Winterswijk Miste, Winterswijk, Winterswijk Henxel, Winterswijk Kotten, Winterswijk Brinkheurne
Return to the main travel overview: Winterswijk.
