Cycling route National Landscape De Graafschap
Cycling through an idyllic patchwork landscape of estates, castles and historic country houses, interspersed with woodlands, streams and small-scale farmland.
The Landscape
Those seeking peace and space, and looking to fully enjoy nature and landscape, will find National Landscape De Graafschap an ideal place to unwind from the bustle of everyday life. The area breathes history, with castles, old farmhouses and long avenues where centuries-old trees define the scenery.
Around every bend, the view changes, from dense woodland edges to flower-rich meadows with hedgerows, and from small villages to historic towns. Meandering rivers and gently flowing streams give the landscape a lively rhythm, while grand estates and Saxon farmhouses create that intimate, timeless Graafschap atmosphere where nature and culture come together naturally.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Around Barchem, you cycle through the gently rolling area of the Lochemse Berg and the Kale Berg, where woodland parcels and sandy paths alternate with open heathland edges. This combination of elevation, hedgerows and patches of heath gives the route a sheltered feel and makes this part of De Graafschap surprisingly varied.
This cycling route leads past estates, castles and country houses in the surroundings of Barchem and Ruurlo, with Vorden as a well-known highlight due to its concentration of castles. Monumental farmhouses, old avenues and carefully laid-out farmyards enhance the historical character of the landscape along the way.
In the rural area, arable fields and meadows are scattered on a small scale between hedgerows and farmyard planting, so the view is constantly changing. Around Barchem and Zwiep, you notice the gently rolling terrain, with wide views across the countryside and quiet roads that are pleasant to cycle.
Water plays a clear role along the route, with the Berkel as the best-known river flowing through the region towards Lochem and beyond. In addition, smaller streams, small bridges and weirs add variety along the way, so you continually cycle in and out of short, green stream valleys.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtually cycling through National Landscape De Graafschap lets you experience the Achterhoek patchwork landscape, with alternating woodland, heathland edges, hedgerows and small-scale fields around Barchem, Ruurlo and Vorden. You ride at a gentle pace along quiet country roads with ever-changing views, ideal for a relaxing virtual cycling route on the hometrainer.
Along the way, estates, castles and monumental farmhouses create a recognisable heritage atmosphere that makes this region so distinctive. Along the Berkel and smaller streams, the landscape comes to life with small bridges, green banks and short stream valleys that give the route a natural feel.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 52 on the Brinkerinkweg in Barchem. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 53 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 34 minutes
Elevation gain: 30 m
Paved roads: 70%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 30%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
