If you want to hike in Arriën, you can choose between two routes of different lengths: a six-kilometre trail through changing landscapes and an 8.7-kilometre loop. The elevated Es, the floodplains along the Vecht and the former heathland of the Arriërveld also shape the area. Plants, birdwatching and traces of local history offer further ways to discover Arriën.

Hiking: two different routes

The 6 km Ommen (Arrien) hiking route starts in Arriën and passes the Vecht, heathland, woodland and farmland. River, open spaces and woodland are all part of the same route. The starting point is at Ridderinkweg 1, 7735 KG Arriën; there is a car park on Ridderinkweg. From the start, hikers follow the orange arrows of the hiking trail network. Before setting out, check the local signage, parking arrangements and conditions along the route.

The 8.7 km Groene Route also starts in Arriën and follows a circular route. It is flat and almost entirely paved. Compared with the 6 km route, it is longer; the two paths also differ in their course and the surface described. This means you can choose based on practical features such as route length and whether it is a loop.

Es, the Vecht and the floodplain landscape

Arriën’s arable fields lie on the elevated Es between the Vecht and the village. The lower-lying alluvial soils along the Vecht near Arriën are grassland. Arable land on higher ground and grassland in the lower areas show two distinct aspects of the landscape. Arriën is also one of the subareas of the Vechtdal nature reserve.

Arriën’s floodplain meadows can withstand extreme drought and are also regularly flooded. The Arriër Koeland is home to species-rich grasslands with maiden pink (Dianthus deltoides) and lady’s bedstraw (Galium verum). There is a birdwatching hide nearby at the Koeland, where you can observe birds.

Historical traces in Arriën

Arriën is an Esdorp (a village centred on an open field) by origin. North of the village, the Arriërveld was once an extensive area of heathland belonging to the common lands used collectively by Arriën. Today, routes pass through the Arriërveld woodland complex.

A memorial panel on Brinkweg is another link to the area’s history: it commemorates the former Arriën Jewish labour camp. Together with the former landscape of the Arriërveld, this site offers another perspective on Arriën’s history without taking the focus away from nature and hiking.

Strawberry growing as a local feature

RozemArrie is a strawberry farm in the hamlet of Arriën. The Rozema family has been growing strawberries there since 2007. The farm adds an agricultural dimension to the hiking trails and natural areas. If you are considering a visit, check the current arrangements directly in advance; farming activities and visitor rules may change.

Discover more destinations: Dalmsholte, Lemele, Ommen, Stegeren, Beerzerveld, Vilsteren, Beerze, Giethmen

Go to the main travel overview: Ommen.