Heathland, forests, small bodies of water and flower-rich grasslands alternate in the Bergvennen & Brecklenkampse Veld Natura 2000 landscape. Several hiking trails cross the area, and you can view the water from a birdwatching hide. Landscape and nature watching go hand in hand here, without requiring you to choose just one way to explore.
Discover landscapes and trails
Punthuizen, Stroothuizen and Beuninger Achterveld are also part of the Dinkelland Natura 2000 area. Heathland and rare blue moor-grassland shape the landscape there. The 10 km Springendal hike offers another perspective: it leads through a nature area of about 355 hectares, where clear, flowing water runs downhill through numerous streams.
If you want to compare hikes by length and route, the Hugopad offers another point of reference. The route is 8 km long, making it shorter than the Springendal hike. It starts in the centre of Denekamp at Tourist Info/Boekhandel Brummelhuis, heads towards Beuningen and then follows the Dinkel. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in their course.
Other routes offer different highlights: the 26 km Watermolenroute leads to watermills around the Mosbeek Valley and through the natural landscape near Ootmarsum and Springendal. The Old Canal Avenue Nature Tour follows the Almelo-Nordhorn Canal through the Dutch-German border area. By bike, it passes a nostalgic customs house, an 18th-century peat boat and the oldest aqueduct in the Netherlands. The ride along the canal thus combines with striking traces of history.
Museums and history
The Open Air Museum Ootmarsum is located right on the edge of Ootmarsum town centre, in the municipality of Dinkelland. Sixteen authentic buildings typical of the region tell the story of how farmers lived in Twente in earlier times. The buildings themselves bring history to life. Museum Natura Docet in Denekamp focuses on something different: it is considered the oldest regional natural history museum in the Netherlands. The first Natura Docet museum was established in 1911 in Bernink’s parental home.
At Natura Docet, an extensive permanent exhibition is complemented by temporary exhibitions, workshops, lectures and hikes. The museum is easy to reach by car and public transport; the Oranjestraat bus stop and free parking provide convenient access. The two museums invite you to explore different subjects: Ootmarsum focuses on the former farming life of Twente, while Denekamp offers natural history alongside a changing programme.
Landgoed Singraven also brings landscape and history together. The estate covers about 500 hectares; more than half is forest, while the remaining land is mainly used for agriculture and nature. The Dinkel contributes to the landscape’s diversity. Designated routes can be explored on foot or by bike. The park has its own visitor rule: it is open to walkers only. The estate was first mentioned in 1381 as the agricultural farmstead “Hof ten Singraven”.
A special example of water power at work is the water-powered sawmill on Landgoed Singraven. During the summer months, volunteer millers set the wheels in motion and offer a look inside the watermill. This seasonal experience adds a tangible piece of craft history to the trails through forest, farmland and nature.
Beer and other experiences
In Ootmarsum, Othmar brews craft beer in copper kettles at Gasterij Oatmössche. Othmar’s Proeflokaal offers guided beer tastings and High Beer experiences. Local food and drink experiences are another way to explore the area, alongside nature and history.
Cosmos Sterrenwacht Twente offers customised tours for individual visitors, families, groups and school classes, both during the day and in the evening. Together with the museums, hiking trails and routes, it provides a varied selection of things to explore, which you can tailor to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Denekamp, Ootmarsum, Deurningen, Lattrop, Tilligte, Rossum, Saasveld, Weerselo, Agelo.
For the wider travel overview: Overijssel.
