Ommen reveals itself through its landscapes, buildings and traces of different eras. A vast expanse of drifting sand, a centuries-old cultural landscape and the history of a former fortification offer different perspectives. If you want to combine nature and culture, you can explore specific trails, protected areas and historic sites.
Sand, Forests and Cultural Landscape
The Sahara in the Vechtdal is a 20-hectare expanse of drifting sand. Several waymarked routes and a car park help you find your way; the Sahara also offers families opportunities to play in the sand and enjoy picnics. The Lemelerberg is designated as a Natura 2000 site.
Landgoed Junne is largely protected because it is part of the “Vecht- en Beneden Reggegebied” Natura 2000 site. The estate is a centuries-old landscape in the former valley of the Vecht. Its character is shaped by farmsteads, agricultural land on esch soils, a village green, hedgerows, drifting sand, heathland and distinctive stands of trees.
The Junner Koeland is another distinct landscape: this approximately 100-hectare nature area managed by Staatsbosbeheer lies north of the Vecht. Landgoed Eerde, meanwhile, lies between Ommen and Den Ham; its expansive landscape brings nature and culture together. These three places show different facets of the landscape, without forming a single area.
Mills, Museum and Historic Traces
The Streekmuseum Ommen is housed in the Den Oordt mill and a former customs house in Ommen. Exhibits include an extensive collection of regional costumes, domestic scenes from times gone by and an old classroom. They offer a glimpse of regional history through different scenes of everyday life.
The Vilsterse Molen is an octagonal Dutch smock windmill and grain mill dating from 1858. It is fully operational for milling and regularly opens to visitors. Guides are always on hand during opening hours, and guided tours sometimes begin there. As opening times vary by season, it is worth checking the current schedule before your visit.
Ommerschans also tells the story of several different uses: it was built around 1625 to defend against the Spanish. In 1820, the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid founded a beggars’ colony there. A walking route passes through the historic heart of the colony, along the restored ramparts and ditches of the former fortification. Its shape is still visible in the landscape.
Park 1813 is another place of remembrance. It was created in 1913 to mark the centenary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The dates help put the different historical themes into context: from the former fortification, through the colony, to the commemoration of the Kingdom.
Explore by Bike and on Foot
The more than 60-kilometre Tijdreis van het Oerrund cycling route runs through the Vechtdal between Hardenberg and Varsen (Ommen). Its three historical eras span hunter-gatherers, agriculture and modern farming. The name reflects a route that brings landscape and history together over a longer ride.
There are two themed trails for children in Ommen: Het piratenpad is a children’s route in the Laarbos with a pirate theme. The Wolvenspoor is a children’s walking route where participants take on the role of wolves and complete fun challenges. Another activity is the Ruiterroute Arrierveld, an accessible horse-riding route through the Arriërveld forest complex in Ommen.
The Junnerpad is a walking route through Landgoed Junne. You can choose between 5, 10 and 15-kilometre options; the route starts at the car park next to De Stuw near Junne. The Stuw van Junne is more than 100 years old and is a municipal monument. Its fish ladders allow fish to travel freely both upstream and downstream.
The Pontje Varsen is a seasonal link in the local walking and cycling network. It connects Landgoed Vilsteren with the hamlet of Varsen. Check the timetable before setting out, as the ferry operates seasonally.
Local Places to Visit
At Landgoed Junne, Junners offers a farm shop, a tea garden, a coffee room and workshops. The Bezoekerscentrum Ommen sells cycling and walking maps and provides advice on excursions in Ommen and the surrounding area. Alongside landscapes and history, these are practical starting points for your own explorations.
Discover more destinations: Beerze, Lemele, Ommen, Vilsteren, Arrien, Stegeren, Dalmsholte, Giethmen, Beerzerveld
Return to the main travel overview: Overijssel.
