In the coming years, the Achterhoek region can continue to build a strong and cohesive network of recreational routes. The Provincial Council of Gelderland has awarded a subsidy for the Joint Achterhoek Route Program 2026–2028. This will give the region the opportunity to further develop and better coordinate hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, and sailing routes.
The provincial contribution underscores the importance of high-quality recreational routes for residents and visitors alike. They contribute to health, quality of life, and a strong leisure economy, and demonstrate what makes the Achterhoek region special.
Official start
The grant award was officially marked on January 21st during a kickoff meeting. Representatives from the province, municipalities, and partners gathered there to endorse the joint route program and to look ahead to its implementation in the coming years.
This support will further strengthen regional coordination of the various route networks. The province will create the necessary framework, while implementation will be the responsibility of the region itself.
Direction in the region
Achterhoek Tourism is taking on the lead role and ensuring coherence and coordination within the program. Together with municipalities and national partners such as Wandelnet, Fietsplatform, NTFU, Waterrecreatie Nederland, and KNHS, they are developing routes that logically connect and are future-proof.
More than a route from A to B
The program explicitly goes beyond simply creating routes. It focuses on quality improvement, sustainability, improved accessibility and experience, and a smart distribution of visitors. Routes connect landscape, nature, heritage, and stories, making the Achterhoek region's identity visible and tangible.
This creates a coherent whole in which routes are not only functional, but also contribute to the experience, pride and recognition of the region.
Investing in broad prosperity
The provincial investment addresses several social goals. Well-developed route networks promote exercise and health, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to a healthy balance between recreation, nature, and quality of life. This means the program not only boosts tourism but also the quality of life in the Achterhoek region.
This grant gives the region the confidence to continue building together. Routes connect the landscape, villages, and people and are of great value to health, quality of life, and the economy.
Henk Bulten, chairman of the Portfolio Holders' Consultation on Leisure Economy in the Achterhoek region
Thanks to the province's support, we can take the next step: moving from isolated initiatives to a single, cohesive route program. This way, we'll make the Achterhoek even more enjoyable for residents and visitors.
Manuel Hezeman, director of Achterhoek Tourism
Source and more information: https://zakelijk.achterhoek.nl