Around 125 gravestones and burial vaults at Oale Karkhof bear witness to life and death in the 19th century. From 1829 to 1897, the site was a central place of remembrance in Hellendoorn. Benches for walkers and cyclists, and its designation as a municipal monument, connect the site’s history with a place to pause and relax.
Clothing, crafts and local history
Erve Hofman Museum is dedicated to the history of regional and Dutch traditional dress. The farmstead has been expanded with historic buildings to create a small open-air museum. Talks, workshops and exhibitions complement the theme; dates vary. So check the event schedule before your trip.
Gerrit Valk’s Bakkerij- & IJsmuseum in Hellendoorn offers another glimpse of traditional craftsmanship. Covering almost 1,000 m², the collection features tools, objects and machines from former bakeries, as well as from the early days of ice-cream making. Bakers regularly make a range of treats in the original oil-fired oven. During school holidays, the museum offers guided tours with a baking demonstration. Check the exact dates in advance.
Water, routes and landscape
The municipality of Hellendoorn lies in the Sallandse Heuvelrug and Twents Reggedal area. This wider landscape also includes De Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, one of Europe’s largest contiguous heathland areas. Each named route offers a specific way to experience nature: the starting point, distance and waterways along the way vary.
In De Koemaste, large sections of the canalised Regge were filled in and old river bends were excavated again. Paths for walkers and cyclists were created as part of the site’s development in 2013. The Toegankelijke route Hellendoorn runs through the De Koemaste nature area and along the Regge. This 3.2-kilometre, accessible walking route is designed for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, buggies and prams. Check route conditions before setting out.
The purple Boksloot walking route starts at the Eelerberg trailhead and is 7.4 kilometres long. For a longer ride, the Hellendoornse Waterroute is a 35.4-kilometre cycling route that follows the Regge, the Overijssels Kanaal and the Boksloot. These options can be compared by mode of transport and stated route length.
Leisure for play and discovery
Avonturenpark Hellendoorn lies in the green heart of the Hellendoorn forests and offers more than 45 rides, slides and shows. The offering may change, so check the current attractions before your trip. Aquaventura Slidepark has eleven slides and a water play area for young children.
Speelbos Sallandse Heuvelrug has climbing and balancing equipment, swings, tunnels, bridges, treetop paths and space to build dens. The play area is open year-round from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. As access rules may change, it is worth checking the latest information.
Cool Nature Koemaste is a nature playground in Hellendoorn for children up to 14 years old. Children and adults can use seven fitness stations. Facilities may change, so check the information before heading out.
Buitencentrum Sallandse Heuvelrug in Nijverdal is a starting point for activities and walking routes, and also houses food and drink facilities and an observatory. It can be reached by public transport via Nijverdal railway station; free parking is also available. Transport connections may change, so it is worth checking before you travel.
Hellendoorn Observatory has two telescopes, a solar telescope, a radio telescope, the Sky-Walk viewing platform and a planetarium. If you are planning a visit, check the programme and opening hours in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Hellendoorn, Nijverdal, Haarle Gem Hellendoorn, Haarle, Daarle; Kampen, Losser, Borne.
See the main travel overview: Overijssel.
