Explore Zalk via its trails and the IJssel: the Laarzenpad runs along the river and through meadows and woodland around the village. Other highlights include a rare floodplain forest, De Valk windmill and historic details about the village. This gives you a choice of different focal points for your stay: nature, history and insights into milling.

On foot: Laarzenpad and Zalkerbos

The Laarzenpad Zalk runs along the IJssel and also through meadows and woodland around Zalk. Possible starting points include Kerkplein or the car park at the Dorpshuis ‘An de Steege’, Broeksteeg 42, 8276 AG Zalk. If you are planning where to start, check the latest route information beforehand, as access details may change.

Zalkerbos is one of the oldest forests in Overijssel. It is a rare hardwood floodplain forest managed as coppice woodland. Please stay on the paths: the forest is home to delicate plants and ground-nesting birds. This is an important feature of the woodland to bear in mind when choosing your activities.

The “Zalk met het pontje” route also starts in the centre of Zalk, at Kerkplein. This square is also one of the possible starting points for the Laarzenpad. The two routes therefore share a reference point; check the current stated starting point for the Pontje route before setting off, as it may change when the information is updated.

Castle and local history

Kasteel Buckhorst stood on the former castle grounds until 1840. Another precisely dated episode took place on the IJssel near Zalk in the autumn of 1826: a fisherman killed the last wild beaver in the Netherlands, according to current knowledge. The Schultehuis adds a building with a former administrative function to the village’s history. It was the residence of the schult, dates from the early 17th century and is a Rijksmonument.

Molen De Valk: windmill, tour and farm shop

Molen De Valk was built in 1860 for miller Van Raalte as a grain and hulling mill. Today, it is a working grain mill and is open every Saturday, run by volunteer millers. Check the opening information before your visit.

The millers offer tours and show visitors how grain is turned into flour. Groups can also visit Molen De Valk outside regular opening hours by prior arrangement. The regular Saturday opening and a group visit arranged in advance are therefore separate options.

Since October 2022, the lower section of the mill has housed a small farm shop selling flour and regional products. Check the shop’s current opening hours before your visit.

The IJssel, a foot ferry and a coffee break

The Zalkerveer is a foot ferry across the IJssel between the Dutch villages of Zalk and ‘s-Heerenbroek. If you are planning a crossing, check the timetable beforehand. This lets you consider the ferry as a separate planning option without confusing it with the starting point of the “Zalk met het pontje” route.

On the ‘s-Heerenbroek side of the IJssel, the Theehuis serves freshly ground coffee with a homemade filled biscuit or a slice of its famous apple pie. If you are planning a specific stop, check the current visitor information beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Kampen, IJsselmuiden, Grafhorst, Kamperveen.

Return to the main travel overview: Kampen.