The best walks and hikes around Zutphen

There are nearly 200 hiking routes around Zutphen, offering a wide variety of experiences. The majority, about 145, are considered easy, making the area accessible for many different skill levels.

Hiking around Zutphen features a diverse landscape. You'll find scenic paths along the IJssel and Berkel rivers, including expansive floodplains. Beyond the city, routes lead through nearby forests and farmlands, with some areas offering lush forests and rolling hills. The region generally has gentle gradients, making most trails accessible.

Yes, Zutphen offers many easy routes suitable for families. The historic city center itself provides pleasant, shorter walks through charming squares and hidden courtyards. For example, the Old Town Hall, Zutphen – View of the canal in Zutphen loop from Zutphen is an easy 7.5 km route that takes you through the city's highlights.

Yes, many routes around Zutphen are designed as circular walks. These are ideal for exploring the area without needing to retrace your steps. A good example is the Berkelpoort, Zutphen – Weir on the Berkel loop from Zutphen, a moderate 12.5 km loop that highlights the river and a notable landmark.

Zutphen's hiking trails often pass by significant natural and historical landmarks. You can explore the floodplains along the IJssel River, walk along the historic Berkelpoort, or discover tranquil hidden courtyards (hofjes) within the city. For specific natural highlights, consider visiting the Old Waterfall of the Gravinnenbeek or the serene Het Zwarte Schaar river area.

For rewarding vistas, consider routes that lead to higher points or offer open views of the landscape. While the region is generally low-lying, climbing the tower of the Gothic Walburgiskerk in Zutphen provides stunning panoramic views over the city and the IJssel River, which can be incorporated into a city walk.

The hiking experience in Zutphen is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 600 reviews. Hikers often praise the blend of historic cityscapes with diverse natural landscapes, including the peaceful river floodplains and surrounding forests, as well as the well-maintained network of paths.

While many routes are easy, Zutphen does offer some longer and more challenging options. For instance, the Delightful floodplains, manor houses and historic Hanseatic cities - Weekend hike in the east is a difficult 31.9 km trail that takes over 8 hours to complete, exploring both natural beauty and historical sites.

Absolutely. Zutphen's well-preserved medieval architecture, charming squares, and historic sites like the Walburgiskerk and Librije are seamlessly integrated with its natural surroundings. Many city walks allow you to explore these cultural gems while enjoying an outdoor stroll, making it easy to combine hiking with historical discovery.

The natural areas around Zutphen, particularly places like Leusveld, are rich in wildlife. Hikers might spot various animals including pine martens, deer, polecats, hazel worms, grass snakes, and crested salamanders, especially in the more secluded forest and nature reserve areas.

Yes, the region around Zutphen features several beautiful lakes and water features. You can find highlights such as the Sand Pit near Gorssel and View of Nijenbeek Castle or the serene Douwelerkolk, offering picturesque spots for a break or a scenic detour during your hike.