The best MTB trails around Gendringen

2026: Still recommendable, this gravel strip is also doable by road bike

The bridge has since been rebuilt so that you can cycle over it, which was not possible a few years ago.

Today I rode from Bäckerei Lensing Eisenhütte in the direction of Anholt along the Aa. The cycle/footpath was damp and there were puddles on the path in places. Nevertheless, it was still very good to ride there, it's simply a great path for cyclists and pedestrians.

A beautiful path along the border - there's also a bench for resting.

A beautiful, wide pedestrian and cycle path, bordered by pollarded willows like an avenue, and a separate bridleway, also designed as a willow avenue. The pedestrian and cycle path is easily usable even in bad weather, as it is paved and covered with gravel. The bridleway, on the other hand, is a natural, grassy path. NAME: I can only guess why it's called "van Bonpad." The surname "van Bon" appears frequently in historical documents in the Bergen/Gendringen region. Whether this path belonged to the van Bon farm or led to it, I don't know. Perhaps a local could help me with that? What certainly fits is that the path is very beautiful and idyllic. And "bon" means good in French.

RESTAURANT VAN HAL The Van Hal Restaurant in Voorst (Achterhoek) was founded in 1905 as a café by Jannes van Hal next to the grain mill built in 1866. The brand became famous for its "half chickens," introduced in the early 1950s by Riek and Frans van Hal, of which more than 1 million have now been sold. A large bronze rooster sculpture stands as a symbol next to the entrance. 1905: Johannes (Jannes) van Hal obtained a license to sell spirits and opened a café on the grounds of the farm and mill. 1950s: Riek and Frans van Hal began serving their famous half chickens. 1958: This success led to official recognition as a restaurant. 1952: After the mill closed, and 1964: after the bakery closed, these premises were added to the restaurant. 2017: Owner Caspar van Hal (grandson of Riek and Frans van Hal), Grensweg 13 in Voorst, is still known today for its friendly Achterhoek atmosphere, and the famous half-chickens are still on the menu. Van Hal is a classic example of an Achterhoek restaurant that originated from a farm and a mill. (Source: "de lengendarische haantjes van van Hal": November 17, 2017) GRAIN MILL 1866/1899/2010: The associated grain mill was built in 1866 and operated by Jannes van Hal from 1899. After being damaged in the war, it was dismantled in 1957 but rebuilt and renovated in 2010.

From this wooden arched bridge onwards, the German Issel is called the Oude IJssel. A beautiful, gently flowing river. The pedestrian and cycle path runs almost entirely along its banks – very idyllic. On and along the water, you can observe grey herons, great egrets, mallards, coots, and the like. Swans, the heraldic animal of the Lords of Gendringen, also swim on the Oude IJssel. Next to the bridge, there is a launching and landing point for canoeists.

Very beautiful nature here.