Oudereaarde

Oudereaarde is a village in the Netherlands, situated in the province of Gelderland and part of the municipality of Voorstad. It lies in the IJssel valley, roughly 25 kilometers east of Arnhem and 15 kilometers south of Zutphen. The village is known for its historic center and surrounding farmland.

Etymology: The name Oudereaarde derives from Dutch words oud (old) and aarde (land, soil), reflecting its location on older alluvial soils along the river. Geographically, the village sits on a flat, fertile plain with polder landscapes and a single main watercourse.

History: Oudereaarde dates to the 12th century, developing around a parish church. It grew as an agricultural community and, in the 18th–19th centuries, peat and timber industries provided local employment. In the municipal reorganization of the early 21st century, Oudereaarde ceased to be an independent municipality and became part of Voorstad.

As of the latest estimates, the village has about 6,500 residents. The economy relies on agriculture, small-scale industry, and regional services; many residents commute to larger towns for work.

Landmarks include the 14th-century St. Jacobs Church, the windmill De Veldmolen, and a well-preserved town square with a 17th-century fountain. An annual harvest festival in autumn draws visitors from surrounding communities.

Transportation and facilities: Oudereaarde is served by regional bus routes; the nearest railway station is in Voorstad. The village has a primary school, a secondary school in the municipality seat, a community center, and several small shops.