Gemeente Oost Gelre - Nature and the countryside

Korenburger- and Vragenderveen

Several kilometres outside the town of Vragender is the Vragenderveen. This unique peat moor is home to rare animals and plants including sundew, parnassus and pimpernel. The Vragenderveen is part of the 400 hectare Korenburgerveen which stretches between Vragender and Winterswijk. The Vragenderveen is a low-lying, poorly drained area.

 

It is a particularly wet area in which one plant in particular flourishes: sphagnum. The plant dies from the bottom and continues growing from the top. In this manner a layer of peat several metres thick has formed over the past millennia. This was later dug up and used for fuel (turf).
Excursions are organised through the Vragenderveen. More information is available from the tourist information office in Lichtenvoorde.

Clay pits
In 1892 a brickworks was opened in Groenlo. Roofing tiles and later bricks were made in the factory using clay from pits near the village Zwolle. After the brickworks was closed all activity at the clay pits ceased and the 30 hectare area was gradually transformed into a unique nature reserve. In 1978 the reserve was opened to the public and became an important tourist attraction in the Achterhoek. Several picturesque footpaths have been made in and around the pits. Visitors will find water-bikes, a children’s petting zoo and café facilities with a terrace.

Beautiful and varied surroundings
The Oost Gelre municipality has a varied countryside. In addition to the characteristic Achterhoek landscape there are many nature reserves. In the countryside visitors will encounter straight roads, fields and canals and minor roads, cycle paths and footpaths traversing the countryside. The countryside is ideal for car, bike, rollerblade and walking trips.

For information about the many routes available visit the tourist information office in Groenlo or Lichtenvoorde.