hiking network from Zutphen to Laren

Through Zutphen runs the small river “The Berkel” which finds its origin in Germany. On our walk from Zutphen to Laren we pick up the river in the medieval city center of Zutphen and follow its banks for about 10miles. Along the banks are several country estates and the beautiful village of Almen in Gelderland. hiking network

The Berkel used to be important for transporting merchandise to and from Germany. To do this, people used the typical local small boat called Berkelzomp after the little river itself. It had a large loading capacity with its broad hull but was still very usable with its shallow draught on the Berkel, which is not that deep on average.

The Berkel was once canalized but work has been done to restore it to a much more natural course. Near Almen it is still as it used to be with wide meandering bends.
The bio-diversity is fortunately also increasing again due to the more natural character. Today’s walk gives you the chance to see the Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Curlew, Yellow Wagtail, Sandpiper and who knows, maybe even the Red Kite.

The last part of the route leads through the meadows and thus through agricultural areas to the Gelderland town of Laren. Not big with only 4000 inhabitants but they have beds, restaurants, terraces and a fantastic bakery.

hiking from Zutphen to Laren