Houseboat rental Almen - 1 houseboat

A Hidden Gem Along the Winding Berkel River

Tucked away in the heart of the Achterhoek region, Almen is one of those rare Dutch villages where time seems to slow down and nature takes center stage. This ancient settlement, first mentioned in historical records in 1188, takes its name from the elm trees that once dotted its landscape. Located in the municipality of Lochem in the province of Gelderland, roughly 7 kilometers east of the historic city of Zutphen, Almen sits gracefully along the meandering Berkel River. With a population of just over 1,200 residents, this intimate village offers an authentic Dutch countryside experience far removed from the tourist crowds of Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

Why a Houseboat Holiday in Almen Makes Perfect Sense

When it comes to houseboat rentals in the Netherlands, particularly in regions like Gelderland, houseboats are typically permanently moored rather than self-drive vessels. The Berkel River, while historically important for trade and navigation, is a relatively small waterway that winds through the landscape. Unlike the larger lakes found elsewhere in the Netherlands or Europe, the rivers and waterways here are more suited to stationary accommodation. This actually works in your favor: a moored houseboat in Almen gives you a stable, peaceful home base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

Unmatched Tranquility

Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of water lapping against your houseboat, birds singing in the nearby willows, and not a single tourist bus in sight. Almen delivers exactly that kind of serene escape. The Achterhoek region is known for its remarkably low population density compared to the rest of the Netherlands, meaning you will find genuine peace and quiet here.

Nature at Your Doorstep

From your houseboat, you have immediate access to some of the most beautiful walking and cycling routes in all of Gelderland. The area around Almen features the classic Achterhoek coulisse landscape, characterized by small hedged fields, groves of trees, meandering streams, and historic farmsteads. This is the kind of scenery that inspired romantic poets and still inspires visitors today.

Central Location for Exploration

While Almen itself is delightfully small, its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader region. You are within easy reach of Zutphen, one of the oldest and best-preserved medieval cities in northwestern Europe, as well as other charming Hanseatic towns, castles, and nature reserves.

Highlights That Will Surprise You

Museum STAAL: Where Poetry Meets Place

Right in the heart of Almen, you will find Museum STAAL, an interactive museum dedicated to the romantic poet and agriculturalist A.C.W. Staring (1767-1840). The museum's name cleverly combines STAring and ALmen. Staring was one of the few Dutch poets of the Romantic era, and his works celebrated the landscapes and people of the Achterhoek. The museum features a unique music salon where you can listen to songs set to his poetry, and a special room with swings where visitors can gently sway while watching films of the local landscape across the seasons.

The Staringkoepel: A 19th-Century Tea Pavilion Accessible Only by Tow Ferry

One of the most enchanting surprises near Almen is the Staringkoepel, a white tea pavilion built in the mid-19th century on the banks of the Berkel River. What makes this destination truly special is how you reach it: via a small manual tow ferry where you pull yourself across the water on a rope. The pavilion was built by Constantia Staring, daughter of the famous poet, using materials from a demolished estate. Inside, you will find a small exhibition about its history, and outside there is a picnic table where you can sit and absorb the pastoral beauty.

The Velhorst Estate

This magnificent estate features stately beech avenues surrounding the manor house and numerous historic farmhouses. Walking trails wind through the grounds, following the Berkel River for stretches and offering glimpses of this typically Achterhoek landscape where history and nature intertwine.

Historic Church with a Medieval Crypt

The village church in Almen, which features prominently in Staring's poetry, has a tower dating back to the 14th century and contains a crypt with several mummified bodies, adding an unexpected layer of mystery to this peaceful village.

Beyond the Obvious: Things to Do Around Almen

1. Walk the Trage Tocht Almen

The Trage Tocht, or Slow Tour, is a fantastic hiking trail that takes you around the Berkel river, to the Staringkoepel, and across the Velhorst estate. This route brings together the history and nature of the area in a way that few other trails can match. You will pass monumental farms, cross the river at atmospheric bridges, and have the opportunity to stop at a tea garden near the Besselink weir.

2. Visit Bronkhorst: One of the Smallest Cities in the Netherlands

A short distance from Almen lies Bronkhorst, which holds city rights despite having fewer than 160 inhabitants. This medieval gem features 38 national monuments, a working water pump on the main square, a tiny Dickens Museum, and atmospheric streets that feel like stepping back several centuries. The town hosts a charming Dickens-style Christmas event each December.

3. Cycle the Eight Castles Route from Vorden

The nearby village of Vorden is famous for having eight castles in its surroundings, earning it the nickname the eight-castle village. The 33-kilometer cycling route takes you past these impressive estates, including Castle Vorden dating from 1315, Hackfort Castle with its beautiful surrounding estate, and the Wildenborch, where the Staring family still resides today.

4. Explore Hanseatic Zutphen

Just 7 kilometers away, Zutphen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands with over 1,700 years of history. Known as the City of Towers due to its impressive skyline, Zutphen boasts nearly 400 national monuments and over 500 local monuments. Do not miss the Walburgiskerk, which houses the Librije, one of the oldest public libraries in Europe where centuries-old books are still chained to their original desks. The medieval fortifications, hidden courtyards called hofjes, and traditional brown cafes make this city endlessly explorable.

5. Take a Berkelzomp Boat Tour

For a different perspective on the Berkel River, you can take a trip on a Berkelzomp, a traditional flat-bottomed boat that was historically used to transport goods along the river between Munster in Germany and Zutphen. These tours operate seasonally and can be combined with a visit to Museum STAAL.

The Achterhoek: Your Unexpected Dutch Paradise

The Achterhoek, which translates to back corner, may not be the first region that comes to mind when planning a Dutch holiday, but that is precisely its charm. This eastern part of Gelderland offers vast forests, endless heathlands, authentic farms, and the famous Achterhoek friendliness that locals are proud of.

The region is particularly well-suited for cycling, with its flat to gently rolling terrain and extensive network of signposted cycling routes. Walking enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled by the variety of trails maintained by organizations like Natuurmonumenten, the Dutch nature conservation society.

Nature Reserves Worth Visiting

• Grote Veld: A nature reserve near Almen featuring forests, heathland, and diverse wildlife
• Veluwezoom National Park: Just a short drive away, offering dramatic landscapes of forest, heath, and sand dunes
• Hoge Veluwe National Park: The largest national park in the Netherlands, home to the world-renowned Kroller-Muller Museum with its exceptional Van Gogh collection

Practical Information for Your Houseboat Stay

Getting to Almen

Almen is accessible by car from Amsterdam in approximately 1.5 hours via the A1 motorway. The nearest train station is in Lochem, with connecting bus services. For guests arriving from international destinations, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the most convenient arrival point.

Best Time to Visit

The Achterhoek is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming flowers and newborn lambs in the meadows. Summer offers long days perfect for cycling and swimming in natural pools. Autumn transforms the forests into a palette of gold and crimson. Even winter has its charm, with quiet landscapes and the possibility of catching Bronkhorst's atmospheric Dickens festival.

Local Flavors to Try

The Achterhoek has its own culinary traditions. Look out for Almen bitter, a local spirit, served at traditional establishments like Landhotel De Hoofdige Boer. The region is also known for its farm shops selling local cheeses, meats, and seasonal produce.

Book Your Waterside Escape

A houseboat holiday in Almen offers something increasingly rare in our fast-paced world: genuine tranquility, authentic local culture, and connection with nature. Whether you spend your days cycling past centuries-old castles, walking along the romantic Berkel River, or simply sitting on your houseboat deck watching the world drift by, Almen delivers an experience that will stay with you long after you leave.

Book a houseboat now and discover why this little-known corner of the Netherlands might just become your new favorite destination.