Doetinchem

An eastern town with a pleasant historic center and good cycling connections throughout the surrounding countryside and into Germany. Doetinchem serves as a good base for exploring the quieter eastern Gelderland region.

Things to do

• Stadsmuseum Doetinchem — Explore the town's history and art collections in this museum housed in a traditional building in the historic center.
• Sint-Jacobskerk — Visit this impressive late-Gothic church with a striking interior and notable organ in the heart of the old town.
• Cycling to Achterhoek villages — Rent a bike and explore the rolling countryside and charming nearby villages like Groenlo and Winterswijk on an extensive network of cycle routes.
• Rhine River walks — Take scenic walks along the nearby Rhine (Rijn) riverbanks, which are easily accessible and offer peaceful natural surroundings.
• Cross-border cycling to Germany — Follow dedicated cycling paths just minutes from town across the border into the German Münsterland region for day trips.
• De Doesepetuin park — Relax in this pleasant public park with green spaces, ideal for picnicking and people-watching in the town center.

Food to try

• Achterhoekse mosterdzaai — This regional mustard-based vegetable stew is a hearty, traditional Achterhoek dish reflecting the agricultural heritage of eastern Gelderland.
• Graankorrel bread — Sample dense, wholesome grain breads from local bakeries, which are staples of the region and reflect its farming traditions.
• Smoked ham from the Achterhoek — Taste locally smoked and cured ham, a regional specialty found in delis and butcher shops throughout town.
• Paling (smoked eel) — Try freshly smoked eel, a delicacy from the nearby waterways traditionally prepared and served in local restaurants.
• Boerenkool met worst — Enjoy this classic Dutch winter comfort dish of kale and sausage, widely available in local eateries.

Local customs & good to know

• Cycling is the local transport — Nearly everyone bikes in Doetinchem; expect extensive cycle lanes and a culture where bicycles have priority over cars in town.
• Market day on Wednesdays and Saturdays — Visit the town's traditional market in the town center on these days to experience local shopping customs and meet vendors.
• German influence nearby — Being just 10 kilometers from the German border, Doetinchem shows cultural and linguistic influences from the neighboring Münsterland region.
• Quiet, family-friendly atmosphere — The town moves at a relaxed pace with an emphasis on cycling families and outdoor activities rather than nightlife or crowds.