Things To Do
in Voorst

Voorst is a tranquil municipality in Gelderland, Netherlands, known for its pastoral landscapes and friendly village life. Surrounded by farmland and interwoven with small canals, it offers a quintessentially Dutch countryside experience within reach of larger towns. The area serves as a gateway to the Veluwe region, with easy access to cycling routes and scenic river views.

Visitors can enjoy historic farmhouses, local markets, and peaceful countryside punctuated by occasional culinary stops in nearby towns.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh Dutch pastries and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the traditional architecture and quaint shopfronts. Don't forget to visit the old church, where you can appreciate its stunning stained glass windows and serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, consider joining a guided tour of the nearby Voorst Castle, where you can learn about its fascinating history and the surrounding gardens. Enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the local parks, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Afterward, take a bicycle ride along the scenic riverside paths, soaking in the beautiful landscapes that the area has to offer.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant known for its traditional Dutch cuisine, indulging in hearty dishes such as stamppot or poffertjes. Enjoy a leisurely dinner while discussing your day's adventures with friends or family. Cap off the evening with a walk along the river, where you can watch the stars reflect off the water and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

day 2
Nature Walks and Bird Watching
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then set off for a nature reserve near Voorst, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the outdoors. Spend your morning walking along well-marked trails, observing the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the wetlands. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot various bird species, as this area is known for its rich avian life.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wild. In the afternoon, continue your hiking adventure, perhaps taking a guided bird-watching tour to learn more about the species you encountered. Capture stunning photographs of the landscape and wildlife as you traverse the picturesque scenery.

evening
:

Return to Voorst in the evening and unwind at a cozy café where you can share your experiences from the day. Choose a light dinner with local specialties, perhaps a fresh salad or a selection of cheeses. As the night draws in, take a stroll through the village, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the twinkling lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
Cappuccino/coffee$3-5
🧀Local cheese per pound$8-12
🚆Short train ride$6-15
🏦Basic groceries (1 week)$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful countryside and authentic Dutch villages
  • Good access to the Veluwe and Deventer/Apeldoorn
  • Cycling-friendly with scenic routes
  • Safe and clean with high standard of services
  • Limited nightlife within Voorst
  • Distances to larger cities can require car or train
  • Seasonal tourist crowds in peak months
  • Some services may be slower in smaller villages
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank je wel" - Thank you
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is de trein?" - Where is the train?
  • "Alstublieft" - Please/Here you go
  • "Ik ben vegetarier" - I am vegetarian
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much is this?
  • "Help!" - Help!

Places to Visit in Voorst

Visit one of these nice places.

Kasteel Cannenburgh (Vaassen)

A picturesque 12th-century castle with gardens and moat, ideal for moody exterior shots.

Teuge Airport runway at sunrise

Long runway and planes backlit by dawn light offer dramatic aviation photography.

Countryside windmills and canal scenes

Classic Dutch landscapes with windmills, hedgerows, and water reflections.

IJssel river banks near Voorst

Tranquil riverside scenes with boats and green meadows.

Culinary Guide

Food in Voorst

Gelderland cuisine blends hearty Dutch classics with farm-fresh produce; you’ll find cheese, seafood, hearty stews, and seasonal fruits in the area. Expect comfortable, family-run meals, local markets offering regional specialties, and cafes with relaxed atmospheres.

Voorst Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Stamppot with kale and sausage

A hearty Dutch staple of mashed potatoes with kale, often served with smoked sausage.

Must-Try!

Erwtensoep (Dutch pea soup)

Thick, warming soup perfect for winter evenings, usually served with rye bread.

Boerenkaas (farmhouse cheese)

Creamy local cheese you can sample on bread or as part of a cheese board.

Pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes)

Large pancakes, served sweet or savory, great with fruit toppings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Deventer Market (nearby)

Weekly market with regional produce, cheeses, breads, and street snacks.

Twello Farmer's Market

Small-town market offering fresh fruit, vegetables, and local baked goods.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters; rainfall is common year-round; summers average around 17-20°C and winters near 0-5°C.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Direct communication

Dutch people tend to be direct but polite; be clear and respectful.

Cyclist awareness

Give way to pedestrians and cyclists; when in doubt, pause to let others pass.

Safety Guide

Safety

Take usual precautions: keep valuables secure, especially in crowded markets; bike safety lights at night; be cautious near water and on rural roads in low light.

Tipping in Voorst

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; round up bills or leave 5-10% for good service.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards widely accepted; contactless payments common; cash kept for markets and small shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Blooming fields and milder weather; great for flower photography and cycling.

Summer

Long days with pleasant warmth; ideal for outdoor markets and village festivals.

Autumn

Autumn colors and harvest events; softer light for landscapes.

Winter

Short days and potential snow; cozy cafés and festive markets.

Nightlife Guide

Voorst at Night

Voorst itself has a modest nightlife with local pubs and cafes; larger selections are available in nearby Apeldoorn and Deventer, including live music and bars.

Hiking in Voorst

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hoge Veluwe National Park trails

Extensive connected trails through forests, heath, and sand dunes near Hoenderloo; great for day hikes.

Sallandse Heuvelrug trails

Rolling hills and woodlands to the east of Voorst with scenic viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Voorst by plane.

Teuge Airport (Teuge)

Small regional airport near Deventer; convenient for short trips and aviation photography.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Major international hub about 100-120 minutes by train/car; wide range of flights.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Another international gateway to the south; longer transfer from Voorst.

Getting Around

Walkability

Voorst is a walkable municipality within its villages, with compact centers and scenic countryside; however for longer trips and to reach the Veluwe, cycling or public transport is preferable.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Dutch residents

Majority population with families and retirees; rural communities.

Expats and agricultural workers

Smaller communities with some international residents linked to agriculture and regional businesses.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

A staple Dutch activity; many scenic routes around Voorst and the Veluwe.

Football (soccer)

Popular amateur and school teams; local clubs play in regional leagues.

Tennis

Public courts available in towns nearby.

Transportation

Traffic

Small towns with good road access; major motorways nearby include A1 and A50; trains connect to Deventer, Apeldoorn, Zwolle and Amsterdam; bike-friendly infrastructure is common; expect slower speeds in village streets.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Voorst.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Voorst, vegetarian options are common in most places; look for cheese plates, salads, and plant-based mains; inform staff of dietary needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

The Netherlands has universal healthcare; residents typically register with a huisarts (general practitioner) for primary care; hospital services are available in nearby Deventer and Apeldoorn; in emergencies dial 112.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide