The Achterhoek ("rear corner"), also known as the Gelderse Achterhoek, lies to the south of Overijssel province in eastern Gelderland, bounded by the river IJssel and the Oude (Old) IJssel. It is a sandy plain between 10m/35ft and 50m/165ft above sea level; with its wide river valleys and prominent morainic ridges it was formed during the second-last Ice Age (the Saale/Riss glaciation), when the glaciers advancing from the north extended over this part of the Netherlands.
The southern part of the Achterhoek was formerly an expanse of marshland and heath which was brought into cultivation and is now covered by arable land, pasture and forest, with outcrops of ancient rock here and there. Numerous small streams flow through this idyllic region. In a nature reserve at Winterswijk some patches of bogland, with rare species of orchids, have been preserved.
Neighborly help and co-operation plays a great part in the life of this region. The importance of the community is demonstrated, for example, in the large-scale celebrations of weddings, attended by hundreds of guests.
Other great communal occasions are the patronal festivals of the churches and numerous other village celebrations, which give the local craftsmen (particularly clog-makers and basket-workers) an opportunity of showing their skill.
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