Burgundian Groenlo

This route takes you through Groenlo and the scenic landscape of forests and streams surrounding this former fortified town. Here you will experience the peace and hospitality that characterize the Achterhoek.

Catholic enclave
Groenlo has a turbulent history. The town was besieged several times during the Eighty Years' War. It also came under fire in 1672 during the Dutch War. Although most of the fortifications have since been demolished, you can still see bastions, moats and cannons in Groenlo. Groenlo and the surrounding area form a Catholic enclave in the Achterhoek, because it has been influenced by the diocese of Münster for centuries. This region therefore has a Burgundian slant.

Achterhoek wine
Just outside Groenlo you pass Wijngaard Slingehorst where you can buy a real Achterhoek wine in the store. A little later you cycle through Olden Eibergen, a hamlet divided in two by the Berkel river. You can still see some centuries-old Saxon farms here. 

Monuments in Groenlo
Groenlo has a number of special sights, such as the late Gothic Old Calixtus Church. It was built between 1275 and 1520 by order of the Bishop of Münster. The church has been in Protestant hands since 1674. Two skulls have been bricked into the outside of the church to remind churchgoers that earthly life is finite. The Mussenbergbolwerk (also called the Kanonswal or the Noorderbastion) is one of the few remains of the fortifications. This stronghold houses the cannon that Frederik Hendrik donated to Groenlo in 1627 after his victory in the battle for the city. Ten replicas of cannons were placed along the Groenlosche canals in 2008. Would you like to experience more of the unique character of the Achterhoek? Then also cycle route 339537.