Heino was first mentioned in a document issued by the Bishop of Utrecht in 1236. The village grew out of the hamlet of Ter Heyne; today, its history can be read in its buildings, village landmarks and cultural venues. Routes through the landscape and recurring events also offer different ways to shape a stay.

Church Architecture and Village History

The N.H. hall church at Canadastraat 1 combines an older tower with a later church building, completed in 1867. The church and tower are significant in terms of cultural history, architectural history and urban planning. Alongside its early documentary history, Heino therefore offers a tangible example of the village’s architectural history.

Another distinctive village landmark is the Leugenpomp, also known as the Leug’npompe. The centuries-old pump stands in the heart of Heino and is considered the village’s best-known symbol. In the 19th century, it was installed beside the Nicolaaskerk to provide residents with clean water. In 2022, the Stichting de Leugenpomp restored the pump. Water once again flowed through it afterward, and a bench and a water play feature were also added. This restoration is part of the landmark’s more recent history.

De Maalderij also tells a story of changing use: it began as a steam-powered grain mill and is now Heino’s cultural and historical centre. Together, the pump and the former mill show two different aspects of village life—practical facilities with histories that continue into the present.

Culture and Events Throughout the Year

The Pompdagen Heino is an annual folk festival organised by the Stichting Heija Heino. It begins on the third Wednesday in August and takes place at several central locations in Heino. Venues may vary from one edition to the next, so check the programme for the relevant year for specific dates and events. If you would like to combine your stay with the festival, check the dates for that year.

THEATER Podium Heino’s programme includes cabaret, children’s shows, theatre and classical concerts. The selection changes with the season. When planning, check which performances are actually scheduled for your chosen dates; the genres listed describe the range on offer, not a fixed programme for every date.

The local history association Omheining organises walks around Heino, Lierderholthuis and Laag Zuthem every year on Easter Monday and the second day of Christmas. These recurring occasions are at quite different times of the year from the Pompdagen in August. If you would like to plan a trip around a recurring local event, there are several seasonal dates to choose from, but check the organisers’ latest information in advance.

Routes, Nature and Kasteel Het Nijenhuis

The 47-kilometre “Sallands weteringenlandschap” route leads into the centre of Heino and to Marktplein, where the Nicolaaskerk stands. The landscape features mentioned in the route description also include the Heinose vloedgraven, a wetland nature area that is periodically flooded or marshy. The route thus combines a destination in the village with a distinctive natural feature.

Another link between nature and history is the Heinose weeping beech. It was planted in the first half of the 19th century in the Hof van Rakhorst and is one of Heino’s oldest trees. Its planting date gives this natural landmark a historical connection distinct from the church buildings and the former mill.

Kasteel Het Nijenhuis is a very well-preserved havezate, a historic manor house. Around the castle is a sculpture garden with ornamental gardens interspersed with woodland. More than 100 sculptures from the collections of Museum de Fundatie, Museum Beelden aan Zee and the Provincie Overijssel are displayed there. The works on display may change. The combination of garden spaces, wooded sections and art makes the sculpture garden a cultural attraction in its own right; the castle adds another form of cultural heritage to Heino’s historical themes.

Getting Here and Getting Around

Heino has its own railway station, several bus stops and a community bus. As timetables and services may change, check the connections for your travel date. A footpath also leads from the station through the woods to Kasteel Het Nijenhuis. The walk is approximately 1,200 metres and takes around 20 minutes; walking times and conditions may vary. These approximate figures are intended as a guide and do not imply that walking conditions are always the same.

Discover more destinations: Laag Zuthem, Nieuw-Heeten, Broekland, Heeten, Luttenberg, Raalte.

Back to the regional travel overview: Raalte.