Winterswijk Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Winterswijk

Winterswijk seen from Venemansmolen windmill

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in Gelderland

Country

Netherlands

Province

Gelderland

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

138.81 km² (53.59 sq mi)

• Land

138.15 km² (53.34 sq mi)

• Water

0.66 km² (0.25 sq mi)

Elevation

37 m (121 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

28,932

• Density

209/km² (540/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Winterswijker

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

7100–7119

Area code

0543

Winterswijk is a town and a municipality in the eastern Netherlands. It is located in the Achterhoek region, which is part of the Gelderland province. About 28,932 people live there.

The name Winterswijk has been spelled in different ways over time, like Winethereswick or Wenterswic. The word -wich or -wic means a living place. So, Winterswijk likely means the home of a person named Wenether, Winitar, or Winter.

Exploring Winterswijk's Geography
A Look at Winterswijk's History
- Winterswijk During World War II
Railway Stations in Winterswijk
Famous People from Winterswijk
- Sports Stars from Winterswijk
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Winterswijk's Geography

Winterswijk is found in the eastern part of the Gelderland province in the Netherlands. It is a key part of the Achterhoek region. This area is known for its beautiful countryside.

A map showing the area of Winterswijk in 2013.

A Look at Winterswijk's History

Winterswijk was founded around 1000 AD. For a long time, it was a quiet farming community. This changed in 1830 when a new road was built. This road connected Winterswijk to other towns like Borken and Zutphen.

The Jacobskerk church in Winterswijk.

The old town hall of Winterswijk.

Around 1840, many people from Winterswijk moved to America, especially to Michigan. After 1870, the town became important for making textiles, like spinning and weaving cloth. The Tricot factory was a very big employer in the town. In 1878, a railway line was built to Zutphen. This helped the textile industry grow even more. Some families, like the Willinks, have lived in Winterswijk since 1284.

Winterswijk During World War II

Winterswijk was set free on March 31, 1945, during World War II. The day before, on March 30, there was a tank battle in a nearby area called Woold. British forces were moving towards Winterswijk. This battle led to soldiers from both sides losing their lives.

On March 31, Allied troops reached the Slingestream river near Winterswijk. This date is remembered as the official day of liberation for the town. After Winterswijk was freed, a special center was set up for British soldiers to rest.

Even though many Jewish people from Winterswijk were lost during the war, a synagogue still stands in the town. It is open for visitors and guided tours, though regular services are not held there anymore.

Railway Stations in Winterswijk

Winterswijk has two railway stations:

Winterswijk
Winterswijk West

Famous People from Winterswijk

Many interesting people have connections to Winterswijk:

Piet Mondriaan (1872–1944) was a famous painter. He helped create abstract art and lived in Winterswijk from ages 8 to 20.

Piet Mondriaan, a famous painter.

Willem van Otterloo (1907–1978) was a conductor, cellist, and composer.
Max van Dam (1910–1943) was an artist.
Johanna Reiss (born 1932) is a Dutch-American writer.
Bram Stemerdink (born 1936) was a politician who served as Minister of Defence.
Gerrit Komrij (1944-2012) was a well-known poet, novelist, and critic.
Dick Mol (born 1955) is a paleontologist who specializes in mammoths.
Johan Houwers (born 1957) is a politician and real estate broker.
Herman Brock Jr. (born 1970) is a musician known for bluegrass and blues music.

Sports Stars from Winterswijk

Winterswijk has also produced several athletes:

Willy Hillen (born 1943) was a sports shooter who competed in the Olympics.
Jan Vreman (born 1965) is a football manager and former player.
Martijn Meerdink (born 1976) is a football player.
Jurgen Wevers (born 1979) is a football goalkeeper.
Myrthe Schoot (born 1988) is a volleyball player who competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics.