Things To Do
in Ulft

Ulft is a small town in Gelderland, located in the Achterhoek along the Oude IJssel river. It blends rural Dutch charm with hints of its industrial past, once tied to local manufacturing. Today Ulft feels tranquil, surrounded by green fields, waterways and welcoming cafés.

It serves as a quiet base for exploring Doetinchem, Zevenaar and the broader Achterhoek countryside by bike or on foot.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Historical Village
morning
:

Start your journey with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village of Ulft, where beautiful old buildings tell stories of the past. Visit the local museum to delve into the town's rich history and understand its significance in the region. Don’t forget to grab a traditional Dutch breakfast at a quaint café.

afternoon
:

After lunch, wander through the nearby parks and gardens, soaking in the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere. Engage with local artisans at the craft market, where you can learn about traditional Dutch crafts. Consider renting a bike to explore the surrounding countryside for a more immersive experience.

evening
:

As the day winds down, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a traditional Dutch dinner featuring local specialties. After your meal, take an evening walk along the scenic riverside, watching the sunset cast a golden hue over the water. Conclude your day with a visit to a local pub for a taste of Ulft's vibrant nightlife.

day 2
Cultural Immersion Day
morning
:

Begin by visiting the local art galleries showcasing the works of local artists and their interpretations of Dutch culture. Participate in a pottery workshop to create your own memory of Ulft. Enjoy a coffee break at a nearby bistro, surrounded by the warm atmosphere of the local art scene.

afternoon
:

Dedicated to cultural experiences, head to a nearby theater to catch a live performance or play that showcases Dutch storytelling. Visit a historical windmill in the area that offers insights into traditional Dutch farming practices. Use the afternoon to reflect on the day at a local café, where you can people-watch and enjoy fresh pastries.

evening
:

Join a guided night tour of the village, where lanterns illuminate the historic streets while a local guide shares tales and legends of Ulft. End your evening at a traditional Dutch pancake house, savoring sweet or savory pancakes. Share your experiences with fellow travelers as you discuss the evening’s adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
🧀Groceries for a week$60-100
🚆Public transport ticket (local)$3-5
🛏️One-night stay (budget hotel)$60-120
Coffee or pastry$2-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Serene countryside and easy access to nature
  • Friendly locals and relaxed pace of life
  • Limited nightlife within Ulft itself
  • Small-town amenities may require short trips to nearby towns for some services
  • "Goedemorgen" - Good morning
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Ulft

Visit one of these nice places.

Oude IJssel Riverbank near Ulft

Open water, willows and boats create calm silhouettes at dawn or dusk.

Market Square and church spire in Ulft

Traditional Dutch facades and a compact townscape ideal for urban photography.

Achterhoek countryside farm lanes

Long straight lanes, hedges and farm fields offering seasonal light and color.

Lankheet Nature Reserve viewpoints

Wooded trails and wetlands with opportunities to capture birds and wetlands scenes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ulft

Achterhoek cuisine is straightforward and hearty, with a focus on dairy, fresh produce and seasonal meals. In Ulft you’ll find cozy cafés, farm shops and markets where you can taste simple Dutch classics and locally produced goods.

Ulft Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Boerenkool Stamppot

A hearty potato and kale mash served with rookworst; a winter staple often featured in local eateries.

Must-Try!

Zuurkool met rookworst

Sauerkraut with smoked sausage, another warming Dutch favorite commonly found on seasonal menus.

Appeltaart uit Achterhoek

Classic apple tart with a crumbly pastry, typically enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly farmers market in Doetinchem

Fresh produce, breads, cheese and regional specialties; best on market days (usually Saturdays).

Summer markets and regional festival street food

Seasonal events in nearby towns showcase local snacks, pastries and regional bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ulft experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is common year-round, and humidity is typical, with transitional springs and autumns that can be quite changeable. Average highs in summer hover around 20-22°C, while winter temperatures often dip near 0-5°C, with occasional frost or snow.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Direct communication

The Dutch are straightforward; polite greetings and punctuality are valued, and queues are often strictly observed.

Bicycle etiquette

Cyclists have priority on bike lanes; pass with care and use signals when turning.

Hospitality and greetings

A handshake upon first meeting is common; small talk is fine, especially in cafes and markets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ulft is generally a safe town with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, especially on bicycles, be mindful of traffic when walking near roads, and ensure you have travel insurance and health coverage as per Dutch norms. In emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical help.

Tipping in Ulft

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated in restaurants and pubs.

Payment Methods

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and iDEAL are common for online or mobile payments; cash is still used but less common in urban venues.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days, blooming fruit trees and fresh greenery; great for cycling and outdoor photography, with occasional showers.

Summer

Warm days and long daylight hours; outdoor cafés thrive, but be prepared for sudden showers and occasional thunderstorms.

Autumn

Harvest colors and misty mornings; pleasant for walks and scenic drives, with cooler evenings.

Winter

Cool to cold with short days; cozy indoor venues are popular, and frost or light snow can offer crisp photos.

Nightlife Guide

Ulft at Night

Ulft itself offers a quiet nightlife scene with small pubs and cafés. For more options, the nearby towns of Doetinchem and Zevenaar provide a broader mix of bars, live music venues and seasonal events, especially on weekends during warmer months.

Hiking in Ulft

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Oude IJssel Valley Trail

A scenic hike along the river with rural viewpoints, ideal for day trips from Ulft.

Lankheet Nature Reserve Trails

Well-marked paths through wetlands and woodlands, offering birdwatching opportunities and peaceful scenery.

Airports

How to reach Ulft by plane.

Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)

Major international gateway about 1.5-2 hours by car/train from Ulft; good for long-haul connections.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Smaller international hub with many European routes; typically a shorter drive from Ulft.

Weeze Airport (NRN)

Low-cost carrier airport in Germany; convenient for short trips to Ulft when flying from select destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ulft is highly walkable within the town center, with most amenities reachable on foot. For broader exploration or longer excursions, cycling is popular and practical due to flat terrain and good bike infrastructure.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Dutch residents

Predominant demographic in Ulft and the Achterhoek, with a mix of families and seniors.

Immigrant communities

Smaller communities from Turkish, Moroccan and Eastern European backgrounds exist in the wider region, contributing to cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (voetbal)

The Netherlands’ favorite sport; local clubs and school teams are common in the Achterhoek.

Cycling

Achterhoek’s flat landscapes make cycling a staple hobby and mode of transport.

Tennis

Local clubs and public courts are common in towns around Ulft.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads around Ulft are quiet and well-maintained; car travel is common, while rail service is available via nearby towns. The region is very bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and safe crossings, making cycling a practical option for daily trips and sightseeing.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ulft.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common; look for cheese- or mushroom-based dishes and request meat-free versions when needed.

Vegan

Vegan options exist in larger towns nearby; check for plant-based dishes or request substitutions at cafes.

Gluten-free

Many places can accommodate gluten-free meals; inform staff about dietary needs and options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

In the Netherlands, healthcare is accessible through general practitioners and hospitals in nearby towns like Doetinchem and Zevenaar. Visitors should carry travel insurance and register with a local GP if staying for an extended period. Ambulance and emergency services operate nationwide with standardized emergency numbers (112).

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide