Discover Beerze through two distinct themes: the landscape of its nature reserve and the history of the village. In the nature reserve, drifting sand, heathland, juniper and old pine forests meet. In the village, a country house, historic farms and Beerze’s early mention tell the story of a long local history. When planning your visit, consider which theme you would like to spend more time exploring.

Heathland, dunes and peat cuttings

The Beerze nature reserve covers about 400 hectares. Its landscapes include areas of drifting sand, a long ridge dune, juniper thickets, a complex of peat cuttings, dry and wet heathland, and old pine forests. These varied habitats shape the character of the area: dry heathland and sand give way to wetter areas too. Beerze is designated as a protected Natura 2000 site.

One striking landscape feature is the ridge dunes on the boundary between the drifting-sand area and the old cultivated land. There, a steep, sharply defined wall has formed. It offers a tangible point of reference if you are interested in the shapes of the landscape. The combination of open sandy areas, heathland and pine forest also makes clear that the nature reserve is not made up of just one type of landscape.

Traces of earlier land use are also part of the picture. If you travel from the Beerzerpoort towards Beerzerveld, old peat cuttings lie to the left of the road. Peat was once extracted there; today, rhododendrons grow over them. This allows you to look at the landscape not only in terms of its natural features, but also in terms of how people have used it.

Country estate and village history

Landgoed Beerze includes a country house, a formal avenue and an estate forest. Beerze Country House was built in 1924 by the carpenter “Gait van Tiks” from Beerze, commissioned by Baron Bentinck. These details link a specific building with a local craftsman and his client. If you are visiting with an interest in history, this story offers a different perspective from the nature reserve’s landscape.

Along Beerzerweg, nine farms designated as national monuments stand in a row. Many of the buildings date from before 1800. Beerze is a brink village and was first mentioned in 1227; the village is also designated as a protected village setting. The farms and these historical distinctions make the village’s history a subject in its own right, alongside the natural areas.

Another historical trace relates to Huize Beerze: a fragment of the former private railway stop has been restored and can be read from the train. This small architectural remnant adds a connection with the railway to the stories of the estate and village.

Guided walks and route options

Landschap Overijssel offers guided walks in the Beerze nature reserve. They explain natural features and the area’s cultural history. If you would prefer to explore both themes together, one of these walks could be a good option. Check the available dates before planning your visit.

Another way to connect different places is the 43-kilometre “Rondje Hardenberg - Beerze” route. It is fully signposted and runs along and across the Vecht, through Beerze and the Oldemeijer. Check the latest route download before setting out. The route and the guided walks offer different ways to plan: the route focuses on distance and itinerary, while the walks provide explanations of nature and cultural history.

If you are looking for accommodation for a trip to Beerze, first decide whether you want to focus mainly on the landscape, the village’s history, or both. This priority can help you choose activities that suit your stay, without trying to fit every theme into a single outing. It is best to check the dates of guided walks and the latest route download separately.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Ommen.