Achterhoek
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Achterhoek is a region in the eastern part of the Netherlands, Europe.
Its name (meaning "back-corner") is geographically appropriate because the area lies in the Eastern-most part of Gelderland, and therefore of the Netherlands, protruding into Germany. The Achterhoek area lies between the rivers IJssel and Oude IJssel, and the borders with the province of Overijssel and Germany the former region of Zutphen County. The region is predominantly rural, with lots of free space, forests and farms. The area around the town of Winterswijk is regarded as very beautiful. A well-known beer originates from this region: Grolsch beer was first brewed in Groenlo in 1615.
[edit] Language
In the Achterhoek they speak since old times Achterhooks, a variety of Low Saxon. Inhabitants who speak only Low Saxon are becoming very rare. Most inhabitants are raised with two languages, Low Saxon at home, and Dutch at school. Partly due to immigration and government from the west, the Dutch language is making a significant impact on the dialect. Many old words have been forgotten and replaced by their Dutch-derived equivalents.
[edit] Municipalities of Achterhoek
The most important towns in the Achterhoek are: Doetinchem, Winterswijk, and Zutphen. Doesburg and Zutphen are old hanseatic cities. Both have centres with well-preserved historical buildings.
- Aalten
- Berkelland
- Bronckhorst
- Doesburg
- Doetinchem
- Lochem
- Oost Gelre
- Oude IJsselstreek
- Winterswijk
- Zutphen
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 52°0′15.58″N 6°23′48.44″E / 52.0043278°N 6.3967889°E
