When choosing a stay in Bornerbroek, cultural history and landscape offer different focal points. St. Stephanus represents a clearly documented architectural history, while De Doorbraak is known for its stream landscape and ecological connection. There is also a monument to eight local residents, a historic farm and a traditional place name. You can tailor your stay according to whether you want to focus more on architectural history, remembrance, local history or nature.

De Doorbraak: Stream, Banks and Walking

De Doorbraak is a 13-kilometre-long stream. Nature on both banks allows plants and animals to move between Twente and Salland. Two distinct features are at the heart of this: the length of the watercourse and its function as an ecological link. With a little luck, you can spot a kingfisher and a reed warbler at the birdwatching screen on De Doorbraak. If you want to observe these species, treat a sighting as a possibility rather than a certainty.

You can park for De Doorbraak in the car park at Wolbes Landen in Bornerbroek. As parking arrangements can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit. A walk offers a different measure of distance: the 10-kilometre “Wandelen langs de Doorbraak 10km” route starts and ends in Bornerbroek. The 13 kilometres refer to the stream, while the 10 kilometres refer to the route, making it easy to distinguish the landscape feature from the specific walking distance. Also check current route conditions before setting off.

Erve Peeze and Its Rural Setting

Erve Peeze is an old farm at Wolbeslanden 5 in Bornerbroek. While De Doorbraak was being developed, it served as an information centre for Waterschap Vechtstromen. The surroundings are laid out as a typical Twente farmstead and include an orchard with standard fruit trees and a vegetable garden. The two garden features offer different highlights: fruit trees define the orchard, while the vegetable garden showcases the growing of vegetables.

Excursions and walks can start at the information room and outdoor grounds of Erve Peeze. If you want to include this option in your plans, check the current local arrangements in advance. It is worth distinguishing today’s opportunity to start here from its former use as an information centre: the latter was part of the development of De Doorbraak.

St. Stephanus: Design, Style and Murals

St. Stephanus is a Roman Catholic hall church. Its present form was designed by architect J.A. Kropholler in 1919 in the Delft School style, with Gothic influences. The term “hall church” describes the building type; the Delft School and Gothic influences define its style. The church is of cultural, architectural-historical and urban-planning significance.

The murals are also part of the architectural and artistic story: they are on the east wall and show a clear influence of J. Toorop. Their authorship is unknown. St. Stephanus therefore offers several specific points of interest for culturally minded travellers, from its building type and design to its style and the artwork on the east wall.

Remembrance and Local History

The “Monument voor Oorlogsslachtoffers” in Bornerbroek commemorates eight local residents who died as a result of acts of war during the years of occupation. Its focus is specifically on these people and the historical context, making the monument a distinct part of local remembrance.

The Historical Circle of Bornerbroek aims to collect, preserve and organise historical material and make it accessible to the general public. Another historical reference point is the 1475 Schattingsregister van Twente, in which Bornerbroek is referred to as “Bi den Brooke”. This place name adds another perspective on the history of the area to the theme of remembrance.

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