Best of Pieterpad Middle: Vorden - Millingen aan de Rijn

Duration: 5 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 0 - 250 m ascent per day

> Hike through the heart of the Pieterpad on 3 stages
> From quiet countryside to forested hills with river views
> Accommodation before and after included. No planning needed!

This 5-day trekking package showcases the rich landscapes of the Pieterpad. Starting in Vorden and ending in Millingen aan de Rijn, you will walk through the rolling hills of the Achterhoek region and the wooded hills of Montferland, finally reaching the banks of the Rhine. This middle section is perfect; peaceful, scenic and varied!

You will stay in carefully selected accommodation at the start and end of the trail, to help you begin and end your journey feeling relaxed. This is the Pieterpad at its best, offering a beautiful blend of farmland, forest paths and riverside scenery.

Note: Remember that on the last day, you will need to take a ferry across the Rhine to reach your accommodation in Millingen aan de Rijn (not included). Make sure you check the timetables!

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival Day

Welcome to Vorden, a charming village in the Achterhoek region and the perfect place to start your Pieterpad adventure. After checking into your accommodation, why not spend some time exploring the area? Vorden is renowned for its numerous castles and leafy walking trails, which offer a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Your Pieterpad adventure begins tomorrow, so make sure you get plenty of rest and prepare for a beautiful journey through the heart of the Netherlands.

Hotel De Gravin van Vorden (Vorden)

Info
Hotel De Gravin van Vorden (Vorden)
Hotel De Gravin van Vorden (Vorden)
Day
2

Vorden - Zelhem

Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 17.2 km
Ascent: 20 m
Descent: 20 m

Today, you will embark on the second part of your Pieterpad adventure with a delightful stage from Vorden to Zelhem. You will be surrounded by stately estates, ancient woodlands and the beautiful Achterhoek countryside. Expect a gentle, mostly flat route surrounded by lush greenery.

As you leave Vorden behind, you will pass Vorden Castle and De Kiefskamp, followed by other castles such as Huis Zelle. The trail then takes you through a tranquil landscape of hedgerows, meadows and shaded tree-lined paths. You will pass through small hamlets and enjoy views of traditional farms on Ruurloseweg, windmills, and tranquil pastures, with the occasional bench where you can rest and admire the scenery..

After this gentle walk, you will reach Plas van Radstake, a body of water indicating that you are close to Zelhem. This welcoming town has cafés and restaurants where you can rest your feet. This is a long enough stage to stretch your legs, but it is still easy-going. Let the Pieterpad adventure continue!

Boshuisje (Zelhem)

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Boshuisje (Zelhem)
Boshuisje (Zelhem)
Day
3

Zelhem - Braamt

Duration: 05:15 h
Distance: 20.7 km
Ascent: 60 m
Descent: 20 m

This stage takes you south through the peaceful Achterhoek countryside. As you leave Zelhem behind, the route winds its way through meadows and alongside tree-lined lanes and quiet streams. You may catch a glimpse of herons or storks in the ditches along the way. Enjoy the Netherlands at its most rural and beautiful!

Highlights along the way include small hamlets, Slangenburg Castle, and working farms with cattle. You will also pass the De Pol water pumping station on the Oude IJssel. The trail leads you through wooded areas and over wooden bridges, offering a refreshing change from the gentle farmland scenery. You will also hike a short section of the Kolkstroetpad, a trail alongside an old wooden embankment that is home to over 137 species of wild plant.

After a long but flat stage, you will arrive in Zeddam, which means that the Motte Montferland (67 m) is very close. You can take a break in the village to prepare for the short ascent to the hill, where your accommodation awaits. This is the perfect place to rest and enjoy 360-degree views surrounded by nature.

Het Montferland (Braamt)

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Het Montferland (Braamt)
Het Montferland (Braamt)
Day
4

Braamt - Millingen aan de Rijn

Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 19.2 km
Ascent: 120 m
Descent: 170 m

This beautiful final stage will take you to Millingen aan de Rijn. From forested hills to riverbanks and wetland nature reserves, it's a varied day with stunning vistas. You will start by walking through the Bergherbos, a rare hilly wooded area in the Netherlands with mossy paths and stunning viewpoints. Enjoy views of Stokkum and 's-Heerenberg in the distance, passing close to the Hulzenberg Observation Tower.

After the first 5 kilometres, climb over Hulzenberg, cross the border into Germany and walk through German territory for almost 6 kilometres, descending around Elten — a border town that was once part of the Netherlands, but is now in Germany. You'll know you're back in Dutch territory when you reach the Rhine Valley and Plas de Mars Lake.

You will then get close to the Rhine banks as you cross the dykes near Tolkamer. Once you enter the Gelderse Poort nature reserve, the landscape changes completely. Wide rivers, grassy floodplains and groves of poplar trees dominate the scenery. Then De Bijland lake comes into view, with its multiple sandy beaches.

A few more steps and you will arrive at the Bijlandse Waard ferry terminal. The final stretch to Millingen aan de Rijn has a timeless feel, with ferryboats crossing the river and birds circling above the reeds. Well done — you've completed the best part of the Pieterpad!

Bed & Breakfast Millingen aan de Rijn (Millingen a.d. Rijn)

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Bed & Breakfast Millingen aan de Rijn (Millingen a.d. Rijn)
Bed & Breakfast Millingen aan de Rijn (Millingen a.d. Rijn)
Day
5

Departure Day

fter completing the middle section of the Pieterpad, it's time to say goodbye. This tranquil river village is the perfect place to savour the memories of your adventure. Enjoy breakfast, and perhaps take a short walk along the embankment in the morning to take in the calm river landscape one last time.

Whether you're heading home or continuing your hiking adventure in the Netherlands, you'll leave with new memories and renewed energy. Tot de volgende keer!

Included

  • Accommodation

    We will arrange your accommodation on the Pieterpad in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Pieterpad. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Breakfast

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in this trek and it will be provided every morning at your accommodation.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.

  • Transfers

    If you require any form of public or local transport during the trek, it is not included in the package unless stated otherwise. This applies to taxis, buses, cable cars, gondolas, and similar services.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

  • Ferry Trip(s)

    Please note that ferry tickets are not included in this package. You will need to purchase them separately through local ferry operators. We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season.

FAQ

  • How to Get To the Starting Point of the Best of Pieterpad Middle

  • End Point: Millingen aan de Rijn

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy