Audio Guide of Fiere Wijnakker

The vineyard is located in the inner courtyard of the Old Bornhof and is generally accessible for viewing during the day. Although it is a space cared for by volunteers, you can see it freely from the public paths in the courtyard; for updated information about specific guided visits, check InZutphen.

Visiting the courtyard and viewing the vineyard is completely free, making it a must-see and budget-friendly stop. If you want a deeper experience with tasting or a guide, you should check the special events organized by the local tourist office.

As it is a small and historic urban vineyard, a visit of 15 to 20 minutes is enough to appreciate the vines and the surrounding architecture. It is the perfect addition to a longer walk through the historic Hanseatic city of Zutphen.

Fiere Wijnakker revives the medieval tradition of wine growing in the region, showing that Zutphen has a suitable microclimate for it. They cultivate resilient varieties such as Johanniter and Regent, connecting the present with the city’s rich agricultural history.

Without a doubt, the best time is from late summer to early autumn (September and October), when the vines are heavy with grapes before the harvest. Spring is also lovely, when you can see the fresh new leaves emerging against the backdrop of the old buildings.

Access to the Old Bornhof includes paved areas, but keep in mind that Zutphen is an old city with many cobblestones that may make wheelchair access difficult. It can still be enjoyed visually, although getting close to the vines themselves may require crossing uneven ground.

You are in a privileged location, just a few steps from the impressive Saint Walburgis Church and its famous chained library. You can also visit Musea Zutphen (the Zutphen City Museum and the Henriette Polak Museum), which are just a short walk away.

I recommend combining this stop with a route through the city’s almshouse courtyards to better understand the local architecture. Don’t forget to bring your camera—the afternoon light on the vines creates spectacular photos—and use our Zutphen audio guide to understand every historical detail as you walk.