The paths through the park at Landgoed ’t Haveke, the visitor areas at Sluiscomplex Eefde and the signposted Knapzakroute reveal different sides of Eefde: parkland, water engineering and a route of more than 17 kilometres. Historic country estates add architectural history and gardens to this selection. If you are looking for accommodation in Eefde, you can choose your excursions based on what interests you most – walking trails, waterscapes or historic sites.

Walking trails and waterscapes

Landgoed ’t Haveke comprises a manor house built in 1860. It is surrounded by a 14-hectare English landscape park with woodland and manicured lawns. The grounds have kilometres of walking trails, which are open to the public free of charge during the day. Check access again before your visit.

Sluiscomplex Eefde is located on the IJssel at the beginning of the Twente Canals. The grounds around the complex include walking paths, an open area, a viewpoint, benches, a playground and bicycle racks. West of the lock complex is a flower-rich meadow enclosed by a path for exploring. You can combine a walk by the waterworks with a detour to the meadow.

The Eefse Beek offers a different impression of the landscape. This slow-flowing watercourse was formed by the natural confluence of streams such as the Molenbeek, Huurnerbeek and Flierderbeek. Through the woods, it still follows its natural, winding course, with loops and bends. This provides a clear distinction when planning your trips: at Sluiscomplex Eefde, the complex and visitor areas define the place, while at the Eefse Beek, the natural stream winding through the woods takes centre stage.

The Knapzakroute Eefde is signposted, runs around and through the village, and is more than 17 kilometres long. It passes the IJssel, the Oude Eefde Beek, the parks and woods of the De Voorst and Het Haveke estates, and Sluiscomplex Eefde. The route’s length makes it worth planning your time carefully. As route conditions can change, check the current route before setting off.

Country estates and architectural history

Huis De Voorst was built between 1695 and 1700 for Arnold Joost van Keppel. An extensive garden with water features in the classical style was created around the house. The house and garden offer different ways to take in the architecture and garden design together.

The present-day historic building at De Boedelhof was built in 1747 as an orangery on the foundations of an earlier building. It once served as an outbuilding for Huis De Boedelhof. Its construction date, original function and older foundations each tell a different part of its architectural history, without requiring an extensive building complex to explore.

The Knapzakroute also passes the country house Den Dam. The historic estate is well preserved in its layout and, in part, in its details. Its features include the main house, historic gardens and parkland, a coach house, a sundial, a greenhouse with cold frames, and a gardener’s house. The complex also includes the Bosmanshuis farm with its back building. The variety of buildings and garden areas makes Den Dam a multifaceted subject for anyone interested in historic country estates.

Discover more destinations: Gorssel, Laren, Kring Van Dorth, Almen, Barchem.

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