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.
Language
The original language of the Achterhoek is Achterhooks, a variety of Low Saxon, but the number of inhabitants whose sole language is Achterhooks has greatly declined. Most inhabitants are now raised with two languages, using Achterhooks at home and Dutch at school. Partly due to immigration from outside the Achterhook region and the effects of national government, the Dutch language is having a significant impact on the dialect. Many old words have been forgotten and replaced by their Dutch-derived equivalents.
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
External links
Coordinates: 52°0′15.58″N 6°23′48.44″E / 52.0043278°N 6.3967889°E
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
