Cycling route Achterhoek and Berkelland
Cycling through a vibrant rural landscape with wide open views, meandering streams, woodlands, tree lines, and historic watermills and churches.
The Landscape
In the east of the Achterhoek lies Berkelland, a region that invites exploration. In this semi-open landscape, nature areas blend seamlessly into one another, with peace, space and small-scale character at its core. The Berkel and the Slinge, together with countless smaller streams, meander through a picturesque patchwork landscape of woodland edges, farmland and wide views. Here, you step away from the bustle and cycle through scenery that is constantly changing in character.
Amid the greenery, traces of the past appear everywhere, adding depth to the route. Farmhouses, country houses, havezaten, churches and watermills serve as recognisable landmarks that give the landscape character and reveal the story of the region. Around Ruurlo, estates and old avenues create a stately atmosphere, while in the villages the heritage reveals itself almost naturally. Berkelland is therefore an ideal destination for those who want to combine nature with culture and history.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Along the route, woodlands, hedgerows and sheltered sandy paths alternate, so you often cycle within a more enclosed, green rhythm. In open areas and along the edges of heathland, the landscape suddenly opens up, offering wide views across the fields. This variation makes this part of the Achterhoek and Berkelland surprisingly diverse.
Along the way, watermills, churches and historic farmsteads provide recognisable landmarks that naturally invite you to slow down. Around places such as Eibergen, Neede and Borculo, you can see how the traditional farmland and heritage still shape the landscape. This makes the ride not only beautiful, but also rich in character.
In the open countryside, you cycle past arable fields and grasslands that shape the landscape in calm, ordered lines, with farmsteads and tree lines forming green edges. It is precisely the combination of openness and enclosure that keeps the view constantly changing without feeling busy. Ideal for those who enjoy rural cycling in a calm atmosphere.
The Berkel and smaller streams wind through the area, creating stream valleys, small bridges and banks that continually offer new views along the route. Here, water and landscape blend naturally into one another, giving your ride a relaxed, steady pace. This keeps this part of the route fresh and varied, even on longer stretches.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through the Achterhoek and Berkelland lets you experience the patchwork landscape of the eastern Achterhoek up close, with hedgerows, tree lines, woodlands and wide views across the countryside. You ride at a relaxed pace along winding paths and green edges, as the route gently alternates between sheltered and open sections.
Along the way, the Berkel, the Slinge and smaller streams follow their winding courses through the landscape, with small bridges and stream valleys that continually change the view. Watermills, churches and estates around places such as Ruurlo, Eibergen, Neede and Borculo give this virtual cycling route extra atmosphere and recognisable character.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 63 on thee Mallumse Molenweg in Eibergen. 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: 36 m
Paved roads: 66%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 34%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
