A 1:10 scale windmill stands in the grain loft of Daams' Molen in Vaassen. Built in 1870, the wind-powered grain mill is open to the public. Its reconstruction began in 1989; on National Mill Day in 1990, the mill resumed operating as a wind-powered grain mill. Its construction, restoration and return to operation mark different chapters in its history.
Walking routes of varying lengths
In the municipality of Epe, the walking junction network brings together existing options such as clogs trails, long-distance hikes and local circular walks. The Eper Enkenpad starts at Veluws Museum Hagedoorns Plaatse and runs over elevated enken and through lower-lying stream valleys between the hamlets of Zuuk and Dijkhuizen near Epe. There are two walking routes on Tongerense Heide: one is 4 kilometres long and the other 5 kilometres. The two routes therefore differ in length by one kilometre.
The 14-kilometre Nijmolensebeekpad offers a different distance: a circular walking route through the countryside around Vaassen. Along the way, it passes, among other things, De Cannenburch Castle, streams such as the Nijmolensebeek, mill sites and prehistoric burial mounds. The castle, waterways, mills and burial mounds each offer a different highlight along the route.
Heathland, wet meadows and woodland
Tongerense Heide combines varied natural scenery with streams and pronounced differences in elevation between the high, dry Veluwe and the lower-lying wet areas around Tongeren. The heath is home to a comparatively large number of adders, as well as lizards, sand lizards and slow worms. The adder is considered an endangered species. Wisselse Veen features wet meadows, pools, spring-fed streams and ditches on the edge of the Veluwe. Mineral-rich spring water supports a diverse flora that attracts rare wildlife such as the small pearl-bordered fritillary.
At Gemeentebos, you can go on longer walks, cycle and ride horses. Areas with fewer paths are quieter for animals such as wild boar, red deer and special bird species. This means you can enjoy both the walking and cycling routes and the quieter parts of the woodland.
Local history in Vaassen and Oene
At Veluws Museum Hagedoorns Plaatse stands a more than 300-year-old, thatched Saxon hall house with characteristic historic outbuildings. The Hagedoorns treasure hunt leads through the museum, around the farmyard, and through the garden and orchard. The house, outbuildings and route through the grounds each form a different part of the museum visit.
Cultuur Historisch Museum Oene has a collection of more than 3,000 objects and documents relating to Oene and the surrounding area. The permanent exhibition focuses in particular on historical objects from the former Zuivelfabriek De Hoop in Oene. Korenmolen Werklust Oene also has a local connection to food: it is known for its own freshly milled pancake flour.
Castle park and active pursuits
The castle park at Kasteel Cannenburch is open free of charge all year round, from sunrise to sunset. The Landgoedwinkel at Kasteel Cannenburch sells regional products. The park and shop offer two different ways to connect with the castle: spending time outdoors and discovering products from the region.
In Emst, Burnside Cablepark has had a water obstacle park for wakeboarders since 2009. The course includes kickers, boxes and rails. Stand-up paddleboarding is also offered as a group activity. At 't Smallert, you can fish for trout and related species every day in three fishing ponds; fishing rods are available to rent for both the catch-and-release pond and the trout ponds. Check the current opening times before your visit, as schedules may change.
Discover more destinations: Epe, Wissel, Vaassen, Oene, Millingen Aan De Rijn, Putten, Brummen, Montferland.
Return to the main travel overview: Gelderland.
