Storm poles and Scheurbroecken

Feel the gunpowder fumes rise and taste the delight of the once divided countryside. Experience the cultural-historical cycle route Stormpalen and Scheurbroecken that takes you through Bredevoort, Lievelde and Groenlo. In this part of the Achterhoek there has been fighting for centuries. For religious freedom and for an independent Netherlands with free farmers and citizens. The battle was barbaric, ruthless and sometimes lasted for decades. Already in the 16th century, King Philip II of Spain inherited all counties and duchies in what is now the Netherlands. His personal mission was to preserve every citizen of the state for the Catholic faith. That went completely wrong with us, free-spirited Dutch people, which was enough ammunition for an uprising that would last 80 years. A period of which you can see the traces during this special cycling route. The route starts at the VVV in the medieval fortified town of Bredevoort, which Prince Maurits managed to conquer in a unique way in 1597. You cycle past the site of the old castle, through extensive fields and narrow forest paths towards Lievelde. Prince Frederik Hendrik's army had its headquarters there during the Eighty Years' War. Continue to the fortified town of Groenlo, which is still the scene of the 17th-century battle that once took place there. Fact:'Scheurbroecken\\\' were posts with iron barbs, made to stop enemies!