Twente, the countryside of the Netherlands.
Nature
Twente is home to forests, meadows, fields, hills, heathland, hedgerows and streams.
With nature reserves such as:
’t Lutterzand Nature Reserve
An absolute highlight in the region when it comes to combining nature, relaxation and enjoyment. For everyone in Twente, Het Lutterzand is synonymous with enjoyable day trips, paddling in the River Dinkel and exploring nature. The river winds its way through the area, creating beautiful sandy stretches and spectacular eroded banks here and there.The natural landscape is varied, featuring pine trees, deciduous trees, juniper bushes, sand drifts and heathland. It is also a paradise on earth for countless birds, and the banks of the Dinkel are home to the sand martin and the kingfisher.
This area is included in the route on almost every cycling map of Twente. There are two charming cafés and restaurants where you can relax on the terrace or in the family restaurant.
You may also bring your dog, provided it is kept on a lead
The Mosbeek Valley
Plenty of nature in a sparkling spring-fed area! Come and be amazed in the Mosbeek Valley. This cultural landscape, with its ancient history, is exceptionally beautiful. The Mosbeek stream and the Frans and Bels watermills are definitely worth a visit. Thanks to the spring-fed landscape and its location on a moraine, you’ll find stunning views here, featuring unique plants and animals. Highly recommended for nature lovers. From the ‘De Molen van Frans’ visitor centre, you can set off on various walks. Be amazed by the striking Mandercirkels or enjoy the view from the Galgenberg.
Tips:
- Come and visit Frans’s old (water) mill, which also serves as a visitor centre, and see how the grain is ground into flour
- Head to the babbling waters of the Mosbeek and walk barefoot through a ford
- Marvel at the Mander circles – circular fields that now form a natural work of art
- Climb the Galgenberg and enjoy the sweeping views
- Treat yourself to some delicious pancakes at the Molen van Bels after a brisk walk
Springendal Nature Reserve
‘The Garden of the Netherlands’ is the nickname given to this part of Twente near Ootmarsum. Picturesque spring-fed ponds, little waterfalls and narrow streams in the heart of the forest. Hills, meadows, small lakes, hayfields, heathland and historic farmhouses complete the picture.
Around 1920, Springendal was purchased by Jannink, a textile magnate from Enschede. He transformed this centuries-old agricultural area into a country estate with many English features. The medieval ‘essen’ (raised fields that grew ever higher through continuous fertilisation) have been incorporated into the overall landscape, gently bordered by trees. There are also a number of fantastic Twente farmhouses. Springs and streams: Springendal is characterised by a network of avenues and waterways. As well as the historic Mosbeeklaan, onto which a number of side lanes lead, the character of the estate is defined by springs and streams. Bubbling water forms three ponds, which in turn feed the Springendalsebeek.
Buurserzand
The name ‘Buurserzand’ probably makes you think of a dry, barren area of shifting sand. In reality, however, this is a strikingly wet nature reserve, offering wonderful walking opportunities. It is a nature reserve where open heathland, grasslands and copses alternate. This variety makes the Buurserzand a popular walking destination.
Sallandse heuvelrug
A majestic landscape. An area offering views that are uncharacteristic of the Netherlands, stretching across vast undulating heathlands and extensive forests. The Sallandse Heuvelrug between Hellendoorn and Holten. In the distant past, shifting ice, meltwater and drifting sand shaped the landscape. Humans have also left their mark here, with the oldest traces dating back five thousand years.The area’s current appearance has largely taken shape over the last few centuries. Sand drifts, caused by overgrazing of heathland, were curbed at the start of the last century by the planting of woodland. But even today, human activity continues to leave its mark on the area – now with the aim of preserving the landscape and its flora and fauna.
The Luttenberg
Adjacent to the village of Luttenberg lies the nature reserve of the same name, the Luttenberg, an isolated part of the Sallandse Heuvelrug. Park your car and come for a walk in the tranquillity of this area. Along the way, you’ll walk through coniferous and deciduous woodland, past a few patches of heathland, coppiced woods and small fields. You’ll be treated to some fantastic views, as the area is situated at an altitude of 31 metres. Can you spot the little tower of Palthe on the Haarlerberg? You can park at the TOP car park on Bergweg in Luttenberg
Overtoom-Middelveen
Where there used to be meadows, Overtoom Middelveen now stands. A new nature reserve where the seepage water provides nutrient-rich soil for rare flora. This attracts insects, which in turn attract rare birds. As many as 140 species of meadow and water birds have already been spotted here. From Overveen near Rijssen, you can follow a special path to visit the birdwatching hide.
De Borkeld
Nature reserve covers an area of around 600 hectares and consists of young woodland, extensive heathland, clay pits, fields, grasslands and even a small area of raised bog. It is also home to the largest juniper thicket in the Netherlands. The terrain is undulating; the highest point, the Friezenberg, stands at 40 metres