Diffelen is located on the Vecht and is one of the sub-areas of the Vechtdal nature area. Specific starting points for a stay include an 8.6-kilometre walking route between Diffelen and Oud Bergentheim, the Mariënberg / Diffelen lock and local history surrounding the Hofsink family. There are also jetties with landing places for boat trips along the river. This brings walking, water and history to the fore without combining them into a single tour.
Walking routes with different highlights
The “Diffelen - Oud Bergentheim Walking Route” runs between the two villages and is 8.6 km long. Along the way, it crosses the Distelbelt, a hilltop viewpoint created by sand extraction and subsequent piling. From there, you can enjoy a view over the Vecht. The hill thus links a specific leg of the walk with a viewpoint and a landscape shaped by people.
Along the Vecht, the route also passes the Zieleschepen: a group of five ships associated with legends, stories and fantasies. The ships offer a different highlight from the Distelbelt. Here, the focus is on stories and public art by the river, while the viewpoint hill draws attention both to its origins and to the view over the Vecht.
Another option is the “Vechtdal: Wild Landscapes (Mariënberg)” route. It is fully signposted with Vechtdal cycle network direction signs. The walking route lists its distance and endpoints; for this route, the signposting is an important feature. Check the latest route information before setting out, as the signs may change if the route is altered.
The Vecht, the lock and boat trips
The Mariënberg / Diffelen lock on the Vecht can be used during the boating season and is operated by lock keepers. It is 18.00 m long and 4.00 m wide. The boating season is a key consideration when planning a specific trip; check the latest information on passing through the lock before making plans.
In Diffelen, there are jetties with landing places for boat trips on the Vecht. With Le Bateau Napoleon, you can travel through the lock near the De Koppel Nature Activity Centre towards Diffelen. The “Stuwenroute” crosses the Vecht at the weir near Diffelen. These places play different roles in your planning: the lock is part of the water passage, the jetties serve boat trips, and the weir is part of the cycling route.
Local history and activities
Diffelen has historic farmhouses. Egbert Hofsink, also known as Assen Eb, was Diffelen’s last ferryman. An old lime tree behind the Hofsink family’s house is considered the last visible trace of the war; it burned from the inside after the house was shelled. The house was rebuilt in 1951 with support from the reconstruction programme. These details give local history a specific connection to the Hofsink family and the former ferry crossing.
A practical activity is also associated with Diffelen: at De Klashorst nature campsite, bushcraft involves building shelters, sleeping outdoors, gathering wood, making fires and cooking. These individual elements show what the activity involves. Check the latest dates and availability before making specific plans.
Aspergeboerderij Het Nijenhuis has been growing asparagus since 1986. The farm also has a farm shop and offers guided tours and walks. If you are planning a visit, check availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Hardenberg, Rheeze, Rheezerveen, Sibculo, Lutten, Schuinesloot, Loozen, Balkbrug.
Back to the main travel overview: Hardenberg.
