In Balkbrug, you’ll find short trails in the Reestdal, longer hiking options, a cycling route, as well as the historic Reestkerk and De Star windmill. The selection is rounded out by a winery offering visits and wine packages. When planning, consider the route length, starting point and visiting arrangements. This lets you focus your stay on hiking, cycling, culture or wine.
Walking Trails and Excursions
The De Wheem visitor centre is located in a farmhouse in the heart of the Reestdal and is a possible starting or ending point for an excursion into the valley. The Speelnatuurpad Bas de Das starts and ends at the visitor centre and runs for 1 kilometre through the Reestdal. As a play, discovery and adventure trail, it is aimed at children aged 4 to 12. Its short distance and focus on play and discovery set it apart from the longer hiking options.
For longer distances, there is “Balkbrug: Then & Now”, a 12-kilometre circular walking trail. Two mill trails lead from the mill into the Reestdal and to Ommerschans; they are 6.5 and 11.5 kilometres long, respectively. This lets you choose trails by distance and distinguish between a circular walk and trails with destinations in the Reestdal and at Ommerschans.
Another activity is the app-based treasure hunt “Haardens Mysterie” in Haardennen, Balkbrug. It is aimed at participants aged 6 and over and starts at the camper parking area on the grounds of Si-Es-An campsite, De Haar 7. Starting arrangements, app content and route operations may change. Check the starting details and how it works in advance.
Cycling and Starting Points
The 38.7-kilometre Reestdal cycling route starts at the De Wheem visitor centre and passes the historic Reestkerk. It offers a longer cycling option alongside the shorter walking trails. Balkbrug also has a TOP, a designated starting point for cycling or walking tours. It is easy to reach by car and offers free parking. Route details and parking rules may change; before setting off, check the information for your chosen route and the TOP.
Church, Mill and Local History
The Reestkerk was built between 1851 and 1852 and has been protected as a Rijksmonument since 11 May 1971. Its construction period and subsequent protection date provide two specific historical reference points for a visit. The De Star windmill, dating from 1848, stands on De Omloop in Balkbrug. It was extensively restored in 2020 and was once again fully capable of milling afterwards. Tours are available by appointment.
The local history is also reflected in the landscape of the centre: Balkbrug’s former colonial avenues are part of the old “green heart”, which has a rich history. Ommerschans-Balkbrug is an officially designated protected townscape in the municipalities of Hardenberg and Ommen. This townscape and the historic buildings offer different starting points for a cultural and historical focus.
Wine and Visit Packages
At Wijngoed de Reestlandhoeve, individual visitors can tour the winery, taste wine and buy bottles of wine. Rotating exhibitions can be seen year-round in the wine-tasting room. The winery also offers wine-and-walking packages and wine-and-cycling packages. You can choose between an individual visit with wine tasting and experiences linked to walking or cycling. The exhibition programme and visit packages may change; check the current options in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ane, Slagharen, Gramsbergen, Bergentheim, Bruchterveld, Collendoorn, Sibculo, Loozen
For the broader travel overview: Hardenberg.
