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

In Aalten, the top choice for families is Hotel De Gouden Kruis, a charming boutique hotel blending traditional Dutch architecture with modern amenities. Located steps from the Market Square and Aalten Town Hall, it offers spacious family rooms with private balconies overlooking a tranquil garden. The hotel provides free bicycles, a kids’ activity corner, and hosts weekend storytelling sessions inspired by local folklore. Nearby, the Achterhoek Nature Trail and Beekse Meer Lake offer safe, scenic routes perfect for family biking or picnics. With its warm hospitality and child-centered services, this hotel ensures a memorable stay for all ages.

The city center of Aalten is the ideal district for hotel stays. It’s centrally located near Aalten Train Station, with easy access to regional buses and the Gelderland Cycle Route. Walking distance takes you to key landmarks like the Sint-Janskerk Church and the vibrant Market Square, where cafés and boutiques thrive. The area’s cobbled streets and historic buildings create a picturesque atmosphere, while nearby parks such as De Buitenhof provide green spaces for children and relaxation. Staying here means being within minutes of cultural events, dining options, and transportation hubs, making it perfect for both leisure and business travelers.

Don’t miss the annual Achterhoekse Oogstfeest (Harvest Festival) in autumn, held at the Market Square, where locals dress in traditional attire and showcase handmade crafts like pottery, knitting, and wooden carvings. Participate in a Dutch culinary workshop to make bitterballen and local cheese platters. Visit the Aalten Historical Archive for guided tours on 18th-century rural life. On weekends, enjoy a live performance of Bach’s choral works at the Sint-Janskerk Church, combining sacred music with centuries-old architectural beauty. These authentic experiences immerse you deeply in the region’s heritage.

Cycling in Aalten is exceptional thanks to the well-maintained Gelderland Cycling Network. Recommended routes include the 12-km trail along the Aalten River to Beekse Meer Lake, passing wetlands and wildflower meadows—ideal for spotting birds and deer. Another favorite is the 18-km loop to Valkhof Castle, winding through ancient forests and orchards. Along the way, stop at De Wijngaard Restaurant for local apple cider and Dutch snacks. All paths feature clear signage, dedicated bike lanes, and rest areas. Rent bikes from your hotel or use the Gelderland Bike Pass for seamless travel and parking privileges across the region.

Must-see landmarks in Aalten include the Sint-Janskerk Church, a striking Gothic structure with intricate stained-glass windows and a towering spire. Adjacent is the Aalten Town Hall, a 17th-century Renaissance building with red-brick façade and historical exhibitions inside. The Marktplaats Fountain, depicting the mythical “Water Goddess,” glows beautifully under evening lights. These sites cluster in the pedestrian-friendly city center, surrounded by cobblestone alleys and vintage streetlamps, evoking the charm of a 17th-century Dutch painting.

Though Aalten lacks natural hot springs, the Heemskerk Spa Resort (45-minute drive) offers premium wellness facilities including thermal pools, mud baths, and aromatherapy treatments. Their signature Achterhoek Herbal Therapy uses native herbs like lavender and elderberry to rejuvenate the body. For a more nature-integrated experience, visit De Vleugel Recreation Area along the Aalten River, featuring an outdoor sauna nestled among trees, complete with river-view terraces. Enjoy a relaxing soak with only birdsong for company—a true retreat into tranquility.

For couples seeking romance, Hotel De Toren stands out—housed in a restored 19th-century bell tower. Each room is themed after European cities like Paris and Amsterdam, blending vintage furnishings with smart tech. The highlight is the rooftop Starlight Terrace, equipped with heated seating and a panoramic sky dome—perfect for stargazing over the town. The hotel offers private candlelit dinners using locally sourced ingredients and wines. Start your day with a shared cup of coffee on the balcony, then stroll through the morning market. This intimate, atmospheric stay captures the essence of timeless love.

Top photo spots in Aalten include the colorful wooden doors on Market Square, their bright blues, yellows, and greens creating vivid contrast against stone walls. The autumn leaf alley before Sint-Janskerk Church becomes a golden tunnel in fall, ideal for silhouette shots. The iron footbridge over the Aalten River reflects beautifully in still waters, especially at golden hour. Don’t miss the street art wall tucked in a narrow alley, painted with scenes of farmers and shepherds—rich in narrative depth. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds, and pair your photos with a vintage film filter for that nostalgic touch.

Must-try local dishes in Aalten include Aaltse Hooft—slow-cooked beef stew with carrots and onions—rich and hearty. Try Witloof met Eieren (endive omelette), a light yet flavorful dish served fresh daily. Savor Bitterballen de Vlaanderen, crispy fried meatballs with mustard sauce, a regional specialty. Dine at De Gouden Kruis or Het Grote Huis, century-old restaurants preserving traditional recipes. For a quick bite, grab a freshly made Aaltse Pannenkoeken (pancake ring) from the morning market, topped with jam and butter—an authentic Dutch breakfast staple.

Public transport in Aalten is efficient for regional travel. The Aalten Train Station connects directly to Arnhem and Tilburg, with frequent departures every 30 minutes. Within the town, Bus Line 401 and 502 cover major attractions and shopping zones, accepting OV-chipkaart tickets. On weekends, the free electric shuttle service runs from the city center to Valkhof Castle and Beekse Meer, lasting about 30 minutes. Download the Gelderland Travel App for real-time updates, route planning, and multi-modal journey optimization—ensuring smooth and stress-free exploration throughout the region.