Thursday 5th July 2018
Unbeknown to us our chosen destination was in an area of Gelderland called Achterhoek. It is a delightful rural area and a superb spot for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. We had views of the River and were surrounded by fields, farms and had access to a web of cycle routes, clearly signposted, which made exploring the area and the small villages around us so easy. (Plus nearly all on the flat!)
About 6.5 kms from us or a 20 minute cycle ride was the town/city of Doesburg. Our journey followed the River Ijssel, along well maintained cycle paths. We passed a couple of other campsites, with direct access to the river and enjoyed the scenery along our route.
Many of the surrounding fields were cultivated, particularly with corn and potatoes and along with a few farmhouses we admired some of the lovely Dutch homes dotted amongst the fields.
As we approached Doesburg the rural green countryside disappeared but we were not disappointed. Doesburg was a gem and not what we had expected. It is one of the seven hanseatic cities along the River IJssel and was once the most important fortified city in Holland.
The restored city centre is delightful, with cobbled streets and many wonderful old buildings.
It boasts no fewer than 150 protected monuments in all!
We took the opportunity to enjoy a beverage at the De Waag Stadsbierhuys, purported to be one of the oldest pubs in The Netherlands.
We enjoyed the chimes coming from the Martinikerk church with its 94 metre tower whilst we supped on the pavement terrace.
Even Ray enjoyed a stroll along the streets in Doesburg, which were lined with some quaint establishments reminiscent of a bygone era, including art galleries, restaurants and an old fashioned haberdashery.
The city is small enough to explore on foot or bike whilst enjoying the historical buildings, testament to the prosperity of the city’s past.