Staphorst’s character is especially evident in De Streek: long farmhouses with green and blue color schemes define its long lanes. The forests and heathlands of Boswachterij Staphorst, along with the wet meadows of the Reestdal, provide a contrasting landscape. In Staphorst, cultural history and nature can be experienced at specific places, along routes and through local activities.
De Streek: Farmhouses and a Protected Village Scene
De Streek has been a protected village scene since 1988. Long Staphorst farmhouses, with their distinctive green and blue color schemes, define the long lanes. De Streek has 577 national and municipal monuments and 695 buildings that contribute to the character of the village. These figures cover different categories: monuments and buildings that shape the village scene.
Museum Staphorst is housed in two farmhouses, including an older, typically Staphorst-style farmhouse. One farmhouse preserves its living area in its original condition. The museum also displays regional costume, jewelry and folk art. In Rouveen stands the church dating from 1641, considered the oldest building in the municipality of Staphorst.
Stipwerk: A Craft to Discover
You can learn about Staphorst Stipwerk at demonstrations during the Staphorstdagen or try it yourself: Stichting Staphorster Stipwerk offers workshops where participants learn the technique and decorate an object. The 2026 Staphorstdagen program also includes traditional crafts, Staphorst painting, a street market, sporting activities and routes through the region. Individual demonstrations and activities may vary from one edition to another.
The Stip & Smul package combines an approximately one-hour workshop led by an experienced craftsperson with lunch, high tea, drinks or dinner at Grand Café Waanders. Check in advance which combination is currently offered and whether the package is available.
Forests, Heathland and Trails
In the forests and heathlands of Boswachterij Staphorst, you can spot foxes, roe deer, badgers and birds of prey. The area is accessible year-round between sunrise and sunset. Horse-riding and carriage routes run through coniferous and deciduous forests and along heathlands. There is also a 27-kilometer riding route with a picnic area, paddock and watering trough; route conditions and facilities may change.
The long-distance Maarten van Rossumpad trail passes through Staphorst, and the tourist route network includes cycling tours through the Olde Maten. The landscape there is characterized by a so-called “slagenlandschap,” formed through centuries of inheritance and considered unique in the Netherlands. Historic church mounds are still visible in the Olde Maten. Staphorst and nearby IJhorst lie on the edge of the Reestdal and offer access to a landscape popular with hikers and nature lovers, with wet meadows, forests and abundant wildlife.
The guided Dorpswandeling IJhorst village walk takes about 1.5 hours and covers approximately 2.5 kilometers. It combines nature, landscape and cultural history, passes the historic church in IJhorst and shares some of the history of Dickninge Monastery. Check the route and available dates in advance. There are also bicycle rental locations in IJhorst and Rouveen; availability may change.
Recreation Areas and Activities
At Zwarte Dennen, activities include swimming, paddling and playing, as well as sandy beaches and sunbathing and picnic lawns. A 700-meter paved family trail is designed for walkers, wheelchairs and strollers. Snacks and drinks are available at the kiosk. Important for planning: the recreation area may close on January 1, 2028, if new funding is not secured. Check access before you travel; the trail and kiosk are also dependent on the area’s future status.
De Veldschuur hosts public activities about the nature and culture of the Olde Maten, including a harvest festival, a Midwinterhoorn activity, the Olde Maten event and Nacht van de Nacht. Dates may vary. The outdoor grounds are open to the public at any time; check access conditions before visiting, as they may change. The grounds include a barefoot trail, a willow hut maze, walking paths, picnic benches and a vegetable garden. De Veldschuur in Rouveen also has a water play area.
De Broene ‘eugte swimming pool has two large indoor pools: a leisure pool with a slide and a competition pool that is also open for recreational swimming. The outdoor area includes a toddler pool, playground, large sandpit, go-kart track, beach volleyball court, air trampoline and climbing equipment. Facilities may change; check before your visit.
Forest Garden and Regional Produce
Voedselbostuyn Reestdal offers walks, guided tours, tastings and workshops in a forest garden with mushrooms, berries, herbs, and nut and fruit trees. At the Rustpunt, cyclists and walkers can get drinks and buy home-grown mushrooms and other harvested produce. Seasonal offerings may vary.
Discover more destinations: Staphorst, Ijhorst, Rouveen, Almelo, Hardenberg, Losser, Borne, Hof Van Twente.
Back to the main travel overview: Overijssel.
