Holten lies at the foot of De Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. Hiking trails on the Holterberg, nature attractions and local history offer a range of reasons to stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Holten, your plans can help guide your choice: route distances and starting points help you plan hiking days, while museums and local traditions offer other highlights.
Hiking between Holten and the Holterberg
The Belevingspad connects the village of Holten with the Holterberg for hiking and cycling. For a single circular walk, there’s the Ommetje Holterberg: the 7.7-kilometre route starts at the Dagrecreatieterrein Holterberg. The 50-kilometre Wereldtijdpad is divided into several themed walks ranging from 4 to 10 kilometres.
These figures describe different formats: 50 kilometres is the total length of the Wereldtijdpad, 4 to 10 kilometres is the length of each themed walk, and the Ommetje Holterberg circular route covers 7.7 kilometres. This lets you choose between a set circular route and several themed hiking options without confusing the total route with individual walks. The final annual marker on the Wereldtijdpad stands in the centre of Holten. The Holterberg viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Landscape and nature
In the national park, impressive hills dating back to the Ice Age shape the landscape alongside drifting sands, coniferous forests and juniper bushes. Together, these features give the area a varied landscape, from open sandy stretches to wooded terrain.
The Natuurmuseum Holterberg has a collection of European animal species featuring more than 1,000 animals. The museum also houses a free information point for De Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. You can explore two different subjects under one roof: European wildlife and the national park.
At Bos van Daantje Das, children can play in the woods, build dens and have picnics. This is another nature-themed activity for visitors who want to spend time in the woods as well as on the hiking trails.
History and local traditions
The Informatiecentrum Canadese Begraafplaats Holten presents stories, images and exhibitions about the graves at the honorary cemetery. The Oudheidkamer Hoolt'n is housed in Holten’s former town hall, built in 1906. It hosts changing exhibitions by the Expositie, Textiel and Mariniers working groups. The two places therefore offer different historical perspectives.
As the exhibitions at the Oudheidkamer change, check the current topic in advance if you’re visiting for a particular exhibition. The Easter fires in Holten are an annual tradition and attract visitors from further afield. If the Easter fires are the reason for your trip, check the specific event date in advance.
Practical information
The Landschap vol Smaak cycling route starts at Holten railway station. For a visit to Holten and the Holterberg, there is a P+N car park at De Kandelaar by the station. These details offer two useful reference points: a starting point for the cycling route and a parking option for visiting the places mentioned.
On the outskirts of Holten, towards Deventer, you’ll find Jansfarm Ambachtelijk Vlees, which has a farm shop. Among other things, it sells meat without additives. Products and opening hours may change, so check both in advance if you’re planning to visit the farm shop.
Discover more destinations: Rijssen
For the wider travel overview: Rijssen-Holten.
