Winterswijk

A charming riverside town known as the fossil capital of the Netherlands, where visitors can hunt for fossils in the cliffs along the Meuse River. The town offers a pleasant medieval center with cultural attractions and outdoor activities.

Things to do

• Fossil Hunting at Medel Beach — Search for 300-million-year-old marine fossils along the exposed cliffs and riverbed of the Meuse River, where ammonites and trilobites are commonly found.
• Winterswijk Fossil Museum — Explore the comprehensive collection of local fossils and learn about the geological history of the region in this dedicated museum located in the town center.
• Medieval Town Center Walk — Stroll through the charming historic streets of Winterswijk's old town, featuring restored buildings, small shops, and the impressive Sint-Martinuskerk church.
• Kayaking on the Meuse River — Paddle along the scenic Meuse River to experience the landscape that shaped Winterswijk's geological character and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.
• Veluwe & IJssel Valley Cycling — Take advantage of well-marked cycling routes through the surrounding Gelderland countryside, connecting to neighboring towns and scenic natural areas.
• Smaakmuseum (Taste Museum) — Experience local food culture and regional culinary traditions through interactive exhibits and tastings in this unique food-focused museum.

Food to try

• Limburgse Vlaai — A traditional regional fruit tart with a thick custard filling and fruit compote, popular throughout Gelderland and best enjoyed fresh from local bakeries.
• Paling (Smoked Eel) — Fresh smoked eel from the Meuse River is a local delicacy, often served as a snack with bread and mustard in riverside restaurants.
• Gehaktbal (Dutch Meatball) — A hearty, spiced ground meat ball typically served with fries and mayonnaise, a classic Dutch comfort food found in local frituren.
• Asparagus Dishes (Seasonal) — Spring brings fresh white asparagus from Gelderland farms, prepared simply with butter and ham or in creamy sauces at local restaurants.
• Waterland Cheese — Sample locally produced Dutch cheeses from surrounding dairies, featuring varieties like Gouda and Edam available at the town's markets.

Local customs & good to know

• Fossil Hunting Etiquette — Respect the natural site by taking only loose fossils, never chiseling from active cliffs, and check tide times before visiting the riverbed.
• Dutch Punctuality Expected — Winterswijk residents value punctuality for restaurant reservations and tour bookings, so arrive on time for scheduled activities.
• Bicycle Culture — The town is deeply integrated into the Dutch cycling network; rent a bike to explore like a local and respect cycling lanes throughout the region.
• Geek Pride in Fossils — Locals take genuine pride in Winterswijk's paleontological heritage and appreciate visitors' genuine interest in the geology and fossil collections.