Nature

Twente cannot be praised highly enough. This region in the far corner of Overijssel is so beautiful, so special. Walking through Twente means walking across rolling countryside. Strolling past hedgerows and wooded banks, through stream valleys, woods and meadows, over little bridges past cows chewing their cud contentedly and past swaying maize and grain fields, from which the red roofs of centuries-old farmhouses peek out gently.

If you’re looking for the atmosphere of the farming countryside of yesteryear, there’s nowhere better than the area north of the Oldenzaal–Almelo line, around Ootmarsum. If you’re looking for unique peatlands, Twente is also the place to be.

But above Ootmarsum lies the pride of Twente: the Springendal. Utterly romantic, with picturesque ponds, little waterfalls and narrow streams amidst woodland and historic farmhouses.

Springendal
Near Ootmarsum you’ll find the Springeldal nature reserve. This stretch of countryside is Twente at its most beautiful. Picturesque seepage ponds, little waterfalls and narrow streams in the heart of the forest create a romantic scene. Hills, meadows, small lakes, hayfields, heathland and historic farmhouses complete the picture. The Springendal covers an area of 365 hectares.

The Lutterzand
The Lutterzand is a unique stretch of countryside where the little river Dinkel has been able to follow its course undisturbed. The river meanders beautifully, carving its way through steep slopes in the sandy soil. This stretch of countryside is unique in the Netherlands. In the Lutterzand, it feels as though time has stood still. Nature here appears to have remained untouched for the last hundred years.