Hoge Hexel offers different ways to enjoy the area, from walking and local history to seasonal flowers. When choosing a walk, the approximate route lengths and starting points of the Ommetjes are especially useful. Historical topics range from the rebuilt sheep barn 't Skoap'nskot to the former Molukse woonoord Vossenbosch. You can tailor your stay depending on whether you want to focus on a walking route, cultural history or the garden during the season.

Walking: Compare Length and Starting Point

The signposted Ommetje Hoge Hexel is about 5 km long. It starts at 't Skoap'nskot in Hoge Hexel and runs on and around the Es. The Ommetje De Barkel is about 8 km long and starts either at the sheep barn in Hoge Hexel or at the De Barkel estate. This gives you two different lengths to choose from; for the longer route, you can also choose between two starting points. Compare the approximate distances and starting location when deciding how far to walk. Trail conditions and markings may change, so it is advisable to check the latest route information before setting out.

Another walking route is the Ommetje Janninksbos in Hoge Hexel. A route description from 2023 gives 't Skoap'nskot at Piksenweg 6b as the starting point; check before setting out that the route is currently signposted and available. To reach the Ommetje De Barkel by public transport, travel via Vriezenveen railway station. The starting point is 3.5 km from the station; renting an OV-fiets is recommended for this leg. Check train connections and bike availability in advance.

Sheep Barn, Archaeology and Local History

The old, listed sheep barn 't Skoap'nskot was dismantled in 2005 by Stichting Cultureel Erfgoed Hoge Hexel and rebuilt in an authentic style. It is also the starting point for the Ommetje Hoge Hexel and the Ommetje Janninksbos. The sheep barn is therefore a clear landmark for both routes.

Pleisterplaats De Barkel is an information point for cultural history and archaeology. It includes a reconstruction of a burial mound in a landscaped garden with historic planting. Workshops for adults and children are offered there by appointment and registration. The De Barkel estate has been mentioned since 1410 under the name “de Berckelmaet”. Another historical connection dates back to the Middle Ages: the Hogehals jurisdiction of Twente was located on the Galgenhaar.

Vossenbosch is also part of the area's history. The former Molukse woonoord Vossenbosch housed former soldiers of the Koninklijke Nederlands-Indisch Leger and their families from 1951 to 1972.

Seasonal Flowers and Getting Around

More than 150 varieties of dahlias, cornflowers, chrysanthemums and other flowers grow at Pluktuin Hoge Hexel. The selection is seasonal, and varieties may change. The offerings also include fresh bouquets, including field bouquets in a range of colours or coordinated shades. Check the current opening schedule before visiting.

Well-maintained walking and cycling routes through the countryside make it easier to get to Wierden and Hoge Hexel.

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