Things To Do
in Lochem
Lochem is a small, charming town in the Achterhoek region of Gelderland, Netherlands, known for its tree-lined streets, a compact medieval center and surrounding rolling wooded hills. The town balances rural tranquillity and active local life — farmers' fields, manor houses and walking and cycling routes are never far away. Lochem is a good base for exploring quiet nature reserves, historic estates and nearby larger towns like Zutphen and Deventer.
Visitors find a relaxed pace, friendly cafés and accessible outdoor activities year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a stroll through Lochem's charming historic center, where you'll admire well-preserved medieval architecture and quaint shops. Grab a coffee at a local café and immerse yourself in the morning atmosphere. Don't miss the iconic St. Vitus Church, whose tower provides a stunning view of the town.
After a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant, take a leisurely walk through the scenic parks surrounding the town. Visit the Lochemse Vonken, a nature reserve that offers beautiful trails for walking and cycling. Embrace the afternoon sun as you unwind in nature.
Conclude your day with a dinner at a traditional Dutch eatery, enjoying local dishes made with fresh ingredients. Afterward, find a cozy spot to enjoy a drink and soak in the evening ambiance of Lochem. Use this time to reflect on your day while mingling with friendly locals.
Set off early for an adventure in the Lochem Forest, a lush area perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. Spend your morning surrounded by nature, where the serene environment rejuvenates your spirit. Look out for the diverse flora and fauna as you navigate the winding trails.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst the tranquil surroundings of the forest. After eating, consider trying your hand at mountain biking on one of the designated trails, suitable for different skill levels. The adrenaline rush will surely amplify your afternoon experience.
As the sun begins to set, head back into town and treat yourself to a hearty meal at a local bistro. The warm glow of the evening adds a special ambiance, perfect for sipping on locally brewed beer. Spend some time socializing with fellow travelers or locals to wrap up a day filled with adventure.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🍺Beer (domestic) in a pub | $3-5 |
| 🚌Local public transport single ticket | $2-5 |
| 🛒Basic grocery shopping (per person per day) | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, scenic countryside with excellent walking and cycling routes
- Compact, charming historic centre with neighbourly atmosphere
- Easy access to nature reserves and rural Dutch culture
- Good base for day trips to Zutphen, Deventer and other Achterhoek towns
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger cities
- Public transport is available but less frequent in rural areas — a car or bicycle is useful
- Some attractions and services may close early or have seasonal hours
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Waar is ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Lochem
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque streets, traditional façades and the town church provide classic small-town Dutch scenes, best in early morning or golden hour.
Wooded ridgeline with lookout points offering views over fields and forests; excellent for landscape shots, especially in autumn when foliage changes color.
Winding roads, hedgerows and traditional farm buildings make for timeless rural compositions throughout the year.
Open heath and moorland areas offer wide skies, sunrise/sunset opportunities and seasonal flora such as heather in late summer.
Food in Lochem
Lochem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Dutch mashed potato dish mixed with vegetables (such as kale or sauerkraut) and typically served with smoked sausage; you can find good versions in local cafés and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Artisanal farmhouse cheeses from the region, available at farm shops and markets — try thin slices with fresh bread and mustard.
Large Dutch pancakes, savory or sweet, commonly served in cosy pancake houses or country inns in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small town market with stalls selling bread, cheese, fresh produce and flowers; good for sampling local products and picking up picnic supplies.
Scattered around the countryside are farm shops selling seasonal fruit, vegetables, eggs and cheese — ideal for fresh, local tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The Dutch value punctuality — arrive on time for tours, train connections and appointments.
People tend to be straightforward and polite; clear, honest communication is appreciated.
Keep noise to a minimum in residential areas and respect walking/cycling paths and private farmland; follow signage and close gates where required.
Cyclists have priority on many bike paths — always look both ways, use hand signals, and lock bikes securely when unattended.
Safety
Tipping in Lochem
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in the Netherlands; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service in restaurants is common. Small tips for taxi drivers, hotel porters or hairdressers are customary but modest.
Debit cards (Maestro/VPAY) and contactless payments are widely accepted; many places also accept credit cards. Small cafés or rural businesses may prefer PIN or cash, so carry some euros for remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming fields make it a lovely time for walking and cycling; some trails may be muddy after rains, and daylight increases quickly.
Warm, pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities, picnics and longer cycling routes; expect more tourists on popular trails and outdoor cafés open late.
Crisp air and colourful foliage on the Lochemse Berg create great hiking and photography conditions; bring layered clothing as temperatures can vary.
Cooler, often wet and windy weather with shorter days; town life remains quiet and cozy — perfect for cosy cafés and countryside walks if dressed warmly.
Lochem at Night
Hiking in Lochem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Woodland and ridge walks offering short loops and viewpoints — suitable for families and photographers, with mixed terrain and some gentle climbs.
Open heath and pine forestry for longer walks and nature observation, especially good in late summer when heather blooms.
A larger protected area within driving distance, featuring varied trails, higher dunes and heathland; great for extended hikes and wildlife spotting.
Airports
How to reach Lochem by plane.
Major international airport approximately 1–1.5 hours by car or train; good train connections from Schiphol to Deventer/Zutphen and onward to Lochem.
Serves domestic and European flights; around 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic — useful for some low-cost or regional routes.
Low-cost carrier airport across the German border (longer drive), occasionally used for budget flights; car rental or bus connections required.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The population includes many longtime residents and families, giving the town a settled, community-oriented feel.
Some residents commute to nearby towns for work; the area blends agricultural communities with small-business owners.
Seasonal visitors and cyclists use Lochem as a quiet base for exploring the Achterhoek and nearby attractions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur football clubs are popular and active in community life, with weekend matches and youth teams.
Cycling for transport, leisure and sport is widespread; the region’s gentle terrain is ideal for touring and recreational cycling.
Horse riding and equestrian centres are common in the countryside, reflecting the rural character and tradition of riding.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lochem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in cafés and restaurants (salads, pannenkoeken, vegetable stamppot); inform staff and they will usually adapt dishes. Farm shops and markets provide plenty of fresh produce for self-catering.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited than in larger cities; bring snacks on rural outings and ask restaurants in advance to adapt dishes where possible.
Some bakeries and cafés offer gluten-free options, but always check with staff. Supermarkets carry gluten-free basics if you need to self-cater.