Haaksbergerveen covers more than 590 hectares. It contains partly floating layers of peat, as well as peat over a sandy base. The Buurserzand en Haaksbergerveen Natura 2000 site lies within the municipality of Haaksbergen in the southeast of Overijssel. The landscapes have distinct features: at Haaksbergerveen, the peat layers and sandy base stand out, while Buurserzand combines wet heathland, woodland, small fields and dunes of blown sand.

Moorland and trails

Several walking and cycling routes run through Buurserzand, allowing you to explore the area on foot or by bike. There is an important access restriction for walks in Haaksbergerveen: the central section is not open to the public. Outside this area, you can walk on designated trails. Check the notices at the entrances before setting out.

The Haaksbergen Heritage Cycling Route also passes through Buurse-Haaksbergsveen. Along the way, it passes old farmhouses in the hamlets of Brammelo, Boekelo (St. Isidorushoeve), Holthuizen, Eppenzolder, Stepelo Buurse and Langelo. The route thus identifies specific places and farmhouses as landmarks for a ride through the landscape; the farmhouses are waypoints, not necessarily places to stop and visit.

The “Watermolens & Noabers” cycling route offers a different perspective and starts in the centre of Haaksbergen. It follows country lanes and well-maintained cycle paths through a rural landscape of meadows, winding streams, old forests, welcoming villages and authentic mills. By comparison, the Haaksbergen Heritage Cycling Route places greater emphasis on the old farmhouses and hamlets. Both are cycling routes, but they differ in the landscape and cultural features they highlight.

Railway heritage and mills

The Buurtspoorweg Museum tells the story of the local railway between Haaksbergen and Boekelo. A visit includes the station yard, workshop and locomotive shed, where historic steam and diesel trains are housed. The museum experience also includes a ride on a real steam train. This brings the history of the railway to life not only through the trains, but also through the station’s different areas.

The De Korenbloem windmill, an eight-sided gallery mill, stands in the heart of the town centre. It was built in 1798. Visitors can view the inside of the mill; check in advance whether access is possible on the date of your visit. Its year of construction, mill type and central location make De Korenbloem a clearly identifiable destination for anyone interested in Haaksbergen’s milling history.

More cultural attractions

De Bommelas is an example of a Twente “los hoes” farmhouse. Along with the old farmhouses on the Haaksbergen Heritage Cycling Route, it offers another way to explore the area’s cultural heritage. Huis van Haaksbergen hosts theatre, cabaret, music and film performances. So, alongside nature and railway history, there are also various forms of cultural entertainment to discover.

Plan routes and excursions

The Haaksbergen Tourist Information Point offers detailed walking and cycling routes through nature areas and past historic attractions. You can also make reservations there for boat trips on the Buurserpot. These visitor services may change, so check the current route selection and reservation options before making plans.

Back to the main travel overview: Haaksbergen.