Wandering through the Achterhoek – Graafschapspad (SP 08)
Hiking Collection by Pauline van der Waal
7
days
3-5 h
/ day
133 km
240 m
240 m
The Graafschapspad (SP 08) takes you through the green and rural Achterhoek. You follow the trail of old estates, meandering streams, stately castles and charming villages. This route introduces you to one of the most beautiful hiking regions in the Netherlands, where history, nature and culture come together in a unique way in the varied and characteristic coulisse landscape.
The route meanders over sandy paths and quiet lanes, through forests, along fields and over old estates. You discover charming places like Vorden, Ruurlo, Borculo and Zutphen, each with its own story and atmosphere. Along the way, you pass stately country estates, monumental farms and quiet nature reserves where you can spot deer or even a kingfisher. The peace and space make this tour a wonderful escape from the daily hustle and bustle.
You can recognize Streekpaden - and thus also the Graafschapspad - by the yellow-red markings. The route forms a loop, so you can start or end at any desired point. Perfect for a multi-day hike, but also suitable for individual day stages. Most stages are easily accessible by bus or train. If a stage ends in a city or larger town, it is easy to find accommodation to stay overnight. In other places, there are often a few B&Bs in the area.
In this Collection, the different stages of the Graafschapspad are conveniently listed, so you can easily plan your next hike. Would you rather give your own twist to your tour? Use the complete route as inspiration and put together your own hiking day(s).
Feel like a hiking adventure through the coulisse landscape, along castles and with the necessary Achterhoek hospitality? Let yourself be surprised by the Graafschapspad and experience the charm of East Netherlands at its best!
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Last updated: May 21, 2025
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
04:58
19.6km
4.0km/h
30m
30m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
You start this first stage in style, because from Zutphen station you are right in the middle of the historical heart of the city. You will soon walk past stately buildings, the old town hall and the impressive Walburgis church with its special Librije. This is one of the few chain libraries in Europe…
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•05:53
23.1km
3.9km/h
70m
70m
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.This second stage is a bit longer, so leave on time and enjoy everything the Achterhoek has to offer along the way. You start at the bus stop in Laren, or of course at a B&B if you walked the first stage yesterday and stayed overnight.
In Laren you quickly pass the church, after which you walk out of…
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04:47
19.0km
4.0km/h
20m
20m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.This stage of approximately 19 kilometres takes you from the atmospheric Borculo to the quiet countryside of Mariënvelde. You first walk past the Joriskerk, a late Gothic eye-catcher in the heart of the village. Nearby is the striking 't Spuythuys, once the home of the fire brigade and now a charming…
translated by•05:02
20.0km
4.0km/h
20m
20m
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.This fourth stage takes you through the Achterhoek countryside and past impressive heritage in about twenty kilometres. You start from the quiet Mariënvelde and soon cross the water of the Veengoot. Then you walk through a typical Achterhoek landscape of meadows, forest edges and small country roads…
translated by•04:34
18.1km
4.0km/h
30m
30m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.You start this stage at Doetinchem station and walk the route via the pleasant city centre. The city has a lively atmosphere with nice squares, terraces and shops, but also historical sights such as the Sint Catharinakerk and remains of old city walls are reminders of the past. Just outside the centre…
translated by•05:04
20.0km
3.9km/h
40m
40m
Ferry
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The route includes a crossing by ferry.You start this stage on the southern edge of Doesburg, with a beautiful view of the city from the Turfhaven. The route takes you along the IJsselkade, with a view of the river of the same name. This quay was once an industrial area, but since 2005 it has been transformed into a modern residential area…
translated by•03:25
13.5km
4.0km/h
20m
30m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.You start this last stage of the Graafschapspad at the Brummen station, and head towards the IJssel. You soon leave the village, but of course you can also enjoy a cup of coffee and cake on the Marktplein first.
Once outside the village centre, you follow the course of the river in broad outline. Along…
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Pauline van der WaalLike this Collection?
Collection Stats
- Activities7
- Distance133 km
- Duration33:42 h
- Elevation240 m240 m
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