Den Ham(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Dinxperlo, the top boutique stay with authentic local charm is Hotel De Oude Kerk, located just steps from the historic church ruins. Housed in a renovated 18th-century parish building, it blends original stone walls with modern minimalist interiors. Each room features handcrafted wooden furniture, local art, and private balconies overlooking a quiet courtyard garden.

The hotel offers personalized touches like curated local walking maps, homemade Dutch cheese platters, and evening storytelling sessions by resident historians. Guests can also join guided tours of nearby windmills and traditional farmsteads. With its emphasis on slow travel and community connection, Hotel De Oude Kerk captures the soul of Overijssel’s rural heritage—a true haven for travelers seeking authenticity over luxury.

For first-time visitors, staying in Dinxperlo’s Old Town Center is ideal. This compact, pedestrian-friendly district lies around the Town Hall Square and St. John’s Church, offering easy access to cafes, shops, museums, and scenic riverside paths. The streets are lined with 17th-century brick houses, creating a timeless atmosphere perfect for exploring on foot.

Recommended accommodations include De Stadshof Hotel and B&B De Bloemenhof, both known for their warm hospitality and central location. You’ll be within walking distance of the Dinxperlo Folk Museum and seasonal farmers’ markets. The area is safe, quiet at night, and full of charm—making it the perfect base to experience the genuine pace of life in this hidden gem of Overijssel.

Don’t miss the Wooden Shoe Festival (Houten Schoenenfest) held every summer in Dinxperlo. This vibrant tradition celebrates the region’s artisanal past, where locals wear handmade wooden shoes and perform folk dances along the main street. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to carve their own pair using traditional tools.

Another must-try is visiting the Dinxperlo Farming Museum, which showcases centuries-old agricultural practices tied to the IJsselmeer water system. Interactive exhibits include old plow demonstrations and cheese-making sessions. These experiences offer deep insight into the sustainable lifestyle and craftsmanship that define Northern Dutch rural culture—a living heritage you can touch, taste, and walk through.

Must-try local dishes in Dinxperlo include IJsselmeer Fish Soup (Ijsselmeervissoep) and Slow-Cooked Beef & Potato Stew (Stoofpot met aardappelen). The fish soup features fresh lake-caught perch and eel simmered with onions and herbs, served with dark rye bread—perfect for chilly days.

Also try Bitterballen and Honey Beer at De Vier Winden, a cozy local tavern. The honey beer is brewed by regional beekeepers using wildflower nectar, giving it a floral, delicate sweetness. These flavors reflect the deep connection between Dinxperlo’s people and their land, celebrating nature’s bounty through food and tradition.

Cycling enthusiasts love the IJsselmeer Greenway (Ijsselmeerroute), a 18-kilometer paved path starting from downtown Dinxperlo and stretching east toward the Amsterdam-Dinxperlo canal corridor. Flat and well-maintained, it winds through reed beds, birdwatching spots, and historic windmills—ideal for sunrise rides.

Another favorite is the Village Loop Trail, circling surrounding hamlets like Wijde Eend and Schoonhoven (25 km total). Along the way, you’ll pass forest trails, family-run farms, and picnic stops. Rent an electric bike from City Bike Dinxperlo for easier navigation across gentle hills. Cycling here isn’t just transport—it’s immersion in the serene beauty of lowland Dutch countryside.

Winter in Dinxperlo transforms the town into a magical landscape. The highlight is the Winter Windmills Light Festival, held from December to January, when historic windmills are illuminated with dynamic LED projections, casting colorful patterns on the frozen surface of the IJsselmeer.

Visit Snow Farm Dinxperlo for sledding, ice skating, and hot mulled wine tastings. Local residents host intimate Christmas markets selling handmade wooden shoes, wool scarves, and gingerbread. Stay overnight at a forest cabin with a wood-burning stove and enjoy the silence of snowfall. Winter in Dinxperlo is a poetic retreat—where stillness meets wonder.

For couples seeking romance, De Bloemenhof B&B is unmatched. Set in a 19th-century manor surrounded by blooming gardens, each suite features a private hot tub, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a fireplace. Evening amenities include a customized candlelit dinner with ingredients sourced from local farms.

The hotel arranges private experiences: a twilight boat ride along the IJssel River, or a guided tour of the nearby windmill village under moonlight. Morning coffee is served on your balcony as mist rises from the lake. Here, romance isn’t staged—it unfolds naturally in the quiet embrace of Overijssel’s pastoral heart.

Public transport in Dinxperlo is efficient for short trips. A free Downtown Shuttle Bus connects the train station, city center, and key attractions, operating until 9 PM daily. Regional trains to Enschede and Delft run every 30 minutes, with a 40-minute journey.

The BikeShare Dinxperlo system offers convenient rental bikes across 15 stations. For deeper exploration, book a private guided tour with a local driver who knows hidden villages and scenic farmland. While lacking metro lines, the mix of walking, biking, and bus services ensures smooth, flexible travel—ideal for low-key, authentic adventures.

The standout festival is Windmolenweek (Windmill Week) in May, when all historic windmills in Dinxperlo open to the public. Visitors can climb inside, operate grinding wheels, and enjoy live folk music and children’s games. Nighttime brings the Windmill Light Show, where kinetic sculptures glow in synchronized patterns.

Also notable is the Dinxperlo Art Festival, featuring open-air installations by regional artists along the riverbank. Some pieces are interactive or available for purchase. These events celebrate community pride and heritage, turning the town into a living gallery—and travelers become part of the story.

For solo travelers, Hotel De Oude Kerk offers a serene retreat. Located near the old church ruins, it features soundproof rooms, private balconies, and a tranquil reading nook with local books and coffee. The staff provides tailored recommendations for walks, art galleries, and quiet cafés.

The hotel runs a "Solo Explorer Program" including one-on-one itinerary planning, single-serving meals, and evening mindfulness sessions. Wake up to birdsong by the IJssel River, enjoy a solo walk through misty fields, or simply read under a blanket in the sunlit lounge. In Dinxperlo, solitude becomes a form of connection—with nature, history, and self.