In the Wierdense Veld, raised bog and abundant wildlife meet in a landscape whose history is also part of its appeal. The Natura 2000 area lies between Nijverdal and Wierden and is known for its raised bog. Heather and small birch woods characterise the area; adders and cranes also live here. Walking in the Wierdense Veld, you can spot remarkable plants and animals.
The Regge tells a different story of nature. It has been restored to its original state and now meanders freely through the landscape between Twente and Salland. At Dakhorst, nature conservation and water retention go hand in hand: the area attracts many bird species and offers opportunities for birdwatching. You can also photograph reflections on the water, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Walking between Hoge Hexel, Zuna and the Regge
For a walk around Hoge Hexel, the Ommetje De Barkel route covers about 8 kilometres through the esch landscape and the woods around the village in the municipality of Wierden. The route follows the Wandelnetwerk Twente and is signposted with green arrows and the Ommetje logo. For travel by public transport, Vriezenveen station is the suggested option: it is 3.5 kilometres from the starting point, so an OV-fiets rental bike is recommended. Signs and the route may change due to maintenance.
The Ommetje Zuna is shorter, at about 5 kilometres, and leads through farmland, along hedgerows and beside the Regge. Both distances are approximate; they provide a helpful guide when choosing between the walks, without specifying a walking time. The Twente Hiking Network connects signposted routes via numbered junctions, including routes of 3 kilometres or more. There are also numerous cycling and walking routes along the Regge in the Twents Reggedal.
For cyclists, Lageveld has a 4.6-kilometre singletrack that forms part of a 35-kilometre mountain biking circuit around Wierden. For a different kind of river crossing, a hand-operated ferry lets walkers and cyclists cross the Regge. Check whether the ferry is operating before setting out. An excursion along the Regge, dependent on the season and programme, starts at the TOP de Wisselmaat car park on Enterweg in Wierden. It covers about 6 kilometres, with a short break along the way; check the dates in advance.
Wooden shoes, boatmen and crafts in Enter
Discover Enter through two traditional crafts: wooden shoe making and shipbuilding. The Klompenmuseum Sköpke is dedicated to the history of Enter wooden shoes, the clog makers and their tools. It is closed until the end of 2026 due to renovation work. The Zompenmuseum explores another side of the town’s history: Enter was once a village of boatmen, and the navigable Regge was important for trade and transport. Enter zompen had a flat bottom, could travel in water about 45 centimetres deep, and were built in Enter from the 16th to the 19th century.
At De Enterse Waarf, you can take a trip on an authentically reconstructed zomp across the Regge. The site also explains the river’s former importance as a waterway, as well as the decline and revival of the zomp. Sailing days and booking options may vary. Those interested in everyday history can explore the Oudheidkamer BuisJan, with its historic shops, clothing, lace caps and rolled linen from Enter’s past. Visitors can also try on traditional clothing worn by a farmer or farmer’s wife.
The Wagenmakerij Langenhof offers another perspective on traditional crafts: century-old machines are demonstrated there, and the centuries-old craft of wagon making is explained. At Ingrid Groeneveld’s Galerie Groot’n Jans, you’ll find paintings, ceramics, sculptures, glass art and jewellery; workshops for children and adults are also available. Exhibitions and dates may change.
Flowers, local produce and events
At Pluktuin Hoge Hexel, you can stroll among more than 150 varieties of dahlias, cornflowers and chrysanthemums, as well as other flowers, and pick a bouquet. Opening hours depend on the season. De Wijnmakers in Wierden sells wine at its wine shop by appointment and offers wine tastings or vineyard tours on Sundays from April to September. Arrange your visit to the wine shop in advance and check the dates for tastings or tours.
The Twentse Boerderijwinkel Zunakaas farm shop sells farm cheese, dairy products, meat and other local produce. Reggezuivel products—including yoghurt, buttermilk, kefir, butter, hangop and quark—are available at Zunakaas and Tukkers Culinair Verswinkel in Enter, among other places. A seasonal event is Wiezo, the Wierdense Zomerfeesten. Held every July, the festival features music, a market, art and street theatre. Specific dates and programme details may vary from year to year.
Getting to Wierden
Enter is right off the A1. Wierden is close to the A35 and N36 and is easily reached by train from Deventer, Enschede and Zwolle. This lets you tailor your journey to the starting point for your explorations, without assuming that the same connection serves every location.
Discover more destinations: Hoge Hexel, Wierden, Enter, Zuna, Notter, Losser, Tubbergen, Zwolle.
For the main travel overview: Overijssel.
