More than three metres of Losser Sandstone are exposed in the Staringgroeve. The rock formally belongs to the Gildehaus Sandstone formation and dates from the Lower Cretaceous, more specifically the Hauterivian. It is soft and crumbly, making it unsuitable as a building material, but rich in fossils. This site therefore brings together a clear geological classification and traces of past life.
The Geologie Museum Losser is dedicated to the geological wealth of the municipality of Losser and its immediate surroundings, particularly its palaeontological riches. It displays fossils from the Staringgroeve, including internal casts of bivalves, snails, sea urchins and ammonites. The museum is housed in the Hengelhoes, an early 17th-century yeoman’s house in the centre of Losser. Here, a glimpse into the history of the Earth is combined with a historic building in the town centre.
Researchers and collectors can visit the Staringgroeve by appointment and accompanied by the Stichting Staringmonument. During such a visit, you can search for fossils yourself on a small scale and with basic tools; safety restrictions must be observed.
A landscape of forests, heathland and far-reaching views
The municipality of Losser lies entirely within the Nationaal Landschap Noordoost-Twente. Forests, wind-blown sands and heathland shape the municipality’s natural landscape. The Losser area has well-signposted walking and cycling routes, offering a variety of ways to explore it actively. Conditions on individual routes may vary and should be taken into account when planning.
One specific cycling option takes you through the Dinkeldal: the route follows numbered junctions and includes stops at places to eat along the way. It combines cycling with stops along the route, rather than simply describing a journey from A to B.
At Oelemars, a nature reserve meets expansive views. The permanent nature reserve includes a constructed wetland, a special nesting wall for sand martins and a birdwatching hide. From an observation tower, you can enjoy a wide, unobstructed view across Twente and Germany. Here, the wetland’s distinctive features sit alongside a panorama of the surrounding landscape.
Industrial history and culture
Steenfabriek De Werklust tells another side of the story. Bricks were fired at this listed national monument for more than a hundred years. The clay pit, ring kiln and 45-metre-high chimney are all fully preserved. Visitors can see the entire brickmaking process and take part in a guided tour. Steenfabriek De Werklust is accessible via the road between Oldenzaal and Losser and has free parking. As tours and access arrangements may change, it is best to check the details in advance.
Erve Kraesgenberg adds a rural perspective. This historic cultural park lets visitors experience the atmosphere of a 17th-century farmhouse. Unlike the technical history of the brickworks, the focus here is on the image of a historic farmstead.
The Openluchttheater Brilmansdennen in Losser also offers a varied cultural programme. The events change with the seasons. Another guided experience is climbing the Martinustoren: visitors can climb the tower with a guide for €2.50 per person. Programmes and visiting arrangements may change; check dates or conditions in advance if you are planning to attend a specific event or climb the tower.
Discover more destinations: Beuningen, De Lutte, Losser, Overdinkel, Hengelo, Hardenberg, Borne, Kampen.
Back to the main travel overview: Overijssel.
