A holiday home in Winterswijk is the ideal place to discover the unique landscape of the Achterhoek. Around the village, you’ll find winding streams, old farms, forests, and meadows surrounded by hedgerows. You can hike through the Korenburgerveen, bike along the German border, or visit the impressive quarry. The charming center of Winterswijk is also worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for a nature cabin, a romantic holiday home with wellness, or a spacious cottage for the whole family: on Vipio, you’ll discover unique holiday homes in and around Winterswijk for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday in Gelderland.
Holiday Home in Winterswijk
A holiday home in Winterswijk, nestled among hedgerows and old farmhouses
Winterswijk is located in one of the most distinctive landscapes of the Achterhoek region. The surrounding countryside is part of the Winterswijk National Landscape, a protected cultural landscape where nature and centuries-old agricultural traditions come together.
What immediately stands out here is the variety. Small meadows are surrounded by hedgerows, old trees, and meandering streams. Around every bend, a new view unfolds.
This is also known as a “coulisse” landscape. The trees and hedgerows act as a kind of curtain, constantly revealing a new part of the landscape.
That’s exactly why a holiday home in the countryside around Winterswijk is so appealing. You’ll be staying right in the heart of nature, yet at the same time, various villages, hiking trails, and attractions are within easy reach.
Where’s the best place to rent a holiday home in Winterswijk?
Winterswijk has a large rural area with several hamlets. The location of your holiday home therefore plays a major role in how you experience the surroundings.
Woold is located south of Winterswijk. Here you’ll find old farmhouses, forests, streams, and quiet country roads. It’s a beautiful setting for a nature cabin or a holiday home where you can start hiking right from your doorstep.
Toward Ratum and Kotten, the landscape becomes even more rural. Here, you’ll stay close to the German border, surrounded by meadows and historical farms.
In the Meddo area, you’ll find lush nature reserves and peaceful bike paths. If you’d rather stay close to shops and restaurants, a holiday home on the outskirts of Winterswijk itself is a practical choice.
This way, you can choose between a cottage surrounded by nature and a stay where the town center is easily accessible.
The Scholten farms tell the story of Winterswijk
During a bike ride through the countryside, you’ll regularly come across large, historical farms. These are the so-called “Scholten farms,” which are characterized by their features in Winterswijk.
In the past, the scholten were important stewards of large farms and estates. Their farms and the surrounding landscape have left a clear mark on the area.
You can still see this today in the old farmyards, avenues, hedgerows, and farmland.
A wonderful way to explore this landscape is by following a bike route past the scholten estates. You’ll not only pass historical buildings but also see how the landscape has been shaped over the centuries.
For those renting a holiday home in Winterswijk, this is an interesting way to get to know the Achterhoek better.
A quarry in the heart of the Achterhoek landscape
One of Winterswijk’s most surprising attractions is the quarry.
While you’d mainly expect to see green meadows and forests in the area, here you’re suddenly faced with impressive rock faces. In the quarry, you can see geological layers that are approximately 240 million years old.
Over the years, unique fossils and traces of prehistoric animals have been found here. As a result, the quarry is interesting not only for its landscape but also for its geological history.
The quarry is not open to the public. Guided tours are organized at certain times, allowing you to learn more about the area under the guidance of a guide.
The area surrounding the quarry is also worth exploring. You can go for walks and bike rides through the countryside around Winterswijk.
The contrast between the ancient rock layers and the green countryside makes this place unique.
In Bekendelle, water shapes the landscape
South of Winterswijk lies the Bekendelle nature reserve, a unique forested area through which the Boven-Slinge stream flows.
The stream winds its way between ancient trees and has formed steep banks in various places. As a result, the forest has a different character than the open meadows and hedgerows you’ll find elsewhere around Winterswijk.
Bekendelle is one of the few remaining swamp forests in the Netherlands and is part of the European Natura 2000 network.
During a walk, you’ll pass stream banks, damp forest areas, and old deciduous trees. It’s a particularly beautiful place to walk in the spring, when nature turns green again.
A holiday home near Woold is a great base from which to explore Bekendelle and other nature reserves south of Winterswijk.
Cycling in Winterswijk offers a different view every time
The area around Winterswijk is particularly well-suited for a cycling vacation.
Thanks to the extensive network of bike route junctions, you can easily plan your own route. You’ll cycle along quiet country roads past old farms, streams, forests, and small hamlets.
A beautiful route takes you past the Scholten estates. A bike ride around the quarry is also interesting if you want to combine nature with a unique attraction.
Along the way, you’ll regularly come across rest stops, farm shops, and small eateries.
Because the landscape is so varied, you don’t have to go on a long ride every day. Even on a short loop starting from your holiday home, you’ll keep discovering new places.
Bringing your own bikes? Be sure to check when booking whether your holiday home has secure bike storage.
From Winterswijk, you can easily cycle into Germany
Winterswijk is close to the German border. This makes it possible to explore a bit of Germany during your holiday.
From villages like Kotten and Ratum, you can easily cycle toward the German border region. There, the Achterhoek’s bocage landscape gradually gives way to the landscape of the Münsterland.
A unique nature reserve just across the border is the Zwillbrocker Venn. This area is known for its flamingos, which can be spotted there during the breeding season.
It’s a surprising destination for a bike ride, as you wouldn’t expect to find flamingos so close to the Netherlands.
The presence of the birds varies by season, so be sure to check in advance whether they’ll be visible during your stay.
This way, you can explore both the Achterhoek and a bit of Germany from a single holiday home in Winterswijk.
A day by the water at the 't Hilgelo recreational lake
On warm days, the 't Hilgelo recreational lake is a great destination.
This large recreational lake is located north of Winterswijk and is surrounded by greenery. You’ll find small beaches and sunbathing areas where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the water.
That makes it an attractive spot for families, but also for couples who want to spend a quiet afternoon by the water during their holiday.
You can also combine a visit to 't Hilgelo with a walk or bike ride through the surrounding area.
Always check the current water quality and any warnings before going for a swim.
A holiday home in Winterswijk is therefore not only ideal for a walking or cycling holiday but also for a summer holiday with children.
In the town center, you’ll discover the young Piet Mondrian
In addition to its natural beauty, Winterswijk also has an interesting cultural history.
One of its most famous residents was Piet Mondrian. The painter grew up in Winterswijk and developed his first artistic skills here, long before he became world-famous for his abstract paintings.
At Museum Villa Mondriaan, you’ll learn more about his early years and his development as an artist.
The museum is located in the former home of the Mondrian family. There, you’ll see work from his early period, when he was still painting landscapes and other recognizable subjects.
This offers a surprising glimpse into the artist who later became best known for his compositions featuring straight lines and primary colors.
Combine your museum visit with a stroll through the city center. Around the Markt and the Jacobskerk, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and outdoor cafes where you can take a break.
A romantic holiday home in Winterswijk
During the day, you can take a walk together through Bekendelle, bike past old farms, or visit one of the charming villages in the area.
Afterward, return to your holiday home to relax together.
A small nature cottage, a unique cabin, or a holiday home with plenty of privacy blends in perfectly with the landscape. If you’re looking for extra comfort, a cottage with a sauna, hot tub, or jacuzzi could be a great choice.
This is especially special in the fall and winter. After a brisk walk through the Achterhoek countryside, you can spend the rest of the evening enjoying your own wellness experience.
This way, your accommodation becomes not just a place to sleep, but an important part of your weekend getaway.
From a rural farmhouse to a cabin in the woods
When renting a holiday home in Winterswijk, you can choose from various types of accommodations.
A rural vacation home on a former farmstead fits perfectly with the character of the Achterhoek. You’ll be staying among meadows, old trees, and quiet country roads.
A nature cabin in the woods, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. Here, it’s all about privacy, tranquility, and being able to go for a walk right from your accommodation.
A tiny house in Gelderland or a unique holiday home with wellness facilities might also be appealing for a short stay.
When booking, consider not only the accommodation itself but also its location. The outskirts of Winterswijk are quite extensive, and some hamlets are a considerable distance from the center.
On Vipio, you’ll discover unique holiday homes in and around Winterswijk that offer more than just a place to stay.
Discover more unique holiday homes in the Achterhoek
Want to compare different destinations and accommodations? Then check out:
- Unique holiday homes in Gelderland
- Tiny house in Gelderland
- Holiday home in Doetinchem
- Romantic getaways in Gelderland
Rent out your own holiday home in Winterswijk
Do you own a unique holiday home, nature cabin, tiny house, B&B, or other one-of-a-kind accommodation in Winterswijk or the surrounding area? Through Vipio, you can reach travelers who are specifically looking for unique holiday homes in the Achterhoek region. List your property at vipio.com/nl/aanbieden or contact us at sales@vipio.com.
Frequently asked questions
Where's the best place to rent a holiday home in Winterswijk?
That depends on your vacation plans. In Woold, you’ll be staying close to forests and the Bekendelle nature reserve. Around Kotten and Ratum, you’ll find a rural setting near the German border. If you want shops and restaurants nearby, a holiday home on the outskirts of Winterswijk is a good choice.
What makes the natural surroundings of Winterswijk special?
Winterswijk is located in a National Landscape featuring a characteristic hedgerow landscape. There you’ll find small meadows, hedgerows, old farmhouses, forests, and winding streams. The area is also home to unique nature reserves such as Bekendelle, the Korenburgerveen, and the Wooldse Veen.
Can you visit the Winterswijk quarry?
The quarry is not open to the public, but guided tours are organized at certain times. During such a visit, you can learn more about the geological layers that are millions of years old and the unique fossils found there. Check the current schedule in advance and make a reservation if necessary.
Can you bike from Winterswijk to Germany?
Yes. Winterswijk is located right on the German border and has an extensive network of bike route junctions. From hamlets such as Kotten and Ratum, you can easily cycle into Germany. A special destination is the Zwillbrocker Venn, where flamingos can be spotted during the breeding season.
Is Winterswijk a good place for a holiday with kids?
Yes. Families can go for walks and bike rides through the Achterhoek countryside, swim at the 't Hilgelo recreational lake, and explore nature. The Villa Mondriaan Museum also offers activities for children. A holiday home with a garden and separate bedrooms offers families extra space and freedom.