In Twenterand, open bog landscapes, waterways and traces of peat extraction lie side by side. This is particularly striking in the Engbertsdijksvenen, one of the few places in the Netherlands where active raised bog can still be found. The walking trails offer different highlights: the Heide Route passes bodies of water, crosses the sandy rise known as “Haar” with its heather vegetation, and runs along the raised bog core. The Leidijk Route crosses the southern tip of the Engbertsdijksvenen in Twente and follows peat cuttings and waterways. On the short Freek van ’n Ekkelpad in the northern part, you can see as far as the Friese Koelen, a body of water with numerous waterbirds.
Walking Between Bog and Water
The routes differ in what you see along the way: heather and a sandy rise, peat cuttings and waterways, or waterbirds beside a body of water. The central part of the Engbertsdijksvenen is not open to the public; outside this area, you can walk on designated trails. Follow the signs on site, as access rules may change. You should also check trail conditions before setting out.
In Twenterand, themed routes are identified by their own symbols and names on arrows and signs. The route network may develop as new routes are added. This lets you explore the landscape along different paths without reducing bog, heath and water to a single, uniform picture.
Waterways and Canoe Trips
South of Den Ham, the Linderbeek winds its way towards Ommen; from there, you can continue to the Vecht. A circular trip on the Linderbeek is about 17 kilometres long, regardless of the canoe options available; check water conditions locally. At Camping and Canoe Rental De Linderbeek, canoe trips are available for small or large groups, using kayaks or Canadian canoes. Ask the local operator about availability for your preferred date.
Peat History and Village Life
The Veenmuseum offers a glimpse into life, housing and work during peat extraction in Noord-Twente from around 1850 to around 1950. On trips aboard original peat trains, the train stops along the way at furnished peat huts, an old Vriezenveen farmstead and a former shop with a taproom. Train operations may vary by season. The museum grounds can also be explored on a circular walk of about 30 minutes.
The Historisch Museum Vriezenveen focuses on the Rusluie, textile production and the village’s centuries-old history. The Rusluie were merchants from Vriezenveen who sold goods in Russia during the 18th and 19th centuries and even established a trading colony in Saint Petersburg. The museum is in the former town hall in the centre of Vriezenveen.
Cultural Venues and Shaped Landscapes
The Peddemorsboerderij serves as a cultural centre. Exhibitions, events, discussion evenings, workshops and other activities take place there throughout the year; the programme may change. The Peddemorsboerderij has also been designated a Rijksmonument since 1972. The Streekmuseum Middendorpshuis presents the history of Den Ham, Vroomshoop and Geerdijk through a range of themes. By arrangement, the historic Leemansmolen windmill, dating from 1862, offers groups guided tours and demonstrations of the centuries-old grain-milling technique.
The landscape also tells a story of use and change. In 2011, the Wederopbouwgebied Vriezenveen was designated by the state as one of 30 areas from the post-war reconstruction period of national cultural and historical importance. A cycling route through the area follows public roads and partly uses the cycling junction network; use up-to-date route information. The observation tower there represents the boom of a dragline excavator. In the Veenschap, long, narrow agricultural plots can still be seen, some of which stretched for several kilometres. During land consolidation, the Fayersheide was preserved as a remnant of the old landscape because of its distinctive flora and fauna.
The Mageler Es is characterised by a striking Jewish cemetery in its centre, another on its edge, and a ring of farms. Kalkwijck Distillers offers another facet of local production: spirits are made there from grain grown on the surrounding land owned by the distillery. Tours and tastings are available by arrangement.
Discover more destinations: Den Ham, Westerhaar-Vriezenv Wijk, Haaksbergen, Zwartewaterland, Rijssen-Holten, Wierden, Hengelo, Tubbergen.
For the overview of the wider region: Overijssel.
