Borne: Linen culture and routes through the hedgerow landscape

Visitors to Borne encounter an unusual combination of the linen trade, local history and routes through a green landscape. The options range from historic buildings in Oud Borne to walking and cycling opportunities in Borne, Hertme and Zenderen. You can shape your stay around culture, outdoor activities or a combination of both.

The linen trade and traces of history

The Bussemakerhuis Museum is the only preserved linen merchant’s house in the Netherlands and is almost entirely in its original condition. The building was constructed in 1655 and remodelled in 1779 by manufacturer Jan Bussemaker. The permanent exhibition explores the significance of linen today and complements the building’s history with a look at the material in the present day.

Oud Borne has been a protected townscape since 1991; several buildings from the 19th century have been preserved. One specific route through it is the Rode Draad: it is 3.9 kilometres long, starts at Borne railway station and passes through Oud Borne. Before setting out, it is worth checking the latest route details, as distance information may be updated.

The memory of the former Jewish community is also part of the townscape. Borne Synagogue was ceremonially inaugurated in 1843 and regularly focuses on the history of the synagogue and Borne’s former Jewish community. It was designated a Rijksmonument and given the status of a cultural centre. Exhibitions, concerts, talks and courses are part of the programme; individual events may vary. Stolpersteine outside former homes commemorate Borne’s Jewish residents.

Other architectural landmarks reveal different aspects of local history: only two Klopjeswoningen remain in Borne. The Klopjeswoning on the edge of Oud Borne dates partly from the 17th century; in 1786, a dwelling was added specifically for a Klopje. The Mariakapel stands on the site of a former cemetery. The Meijershof farm complex is one of the most important Rijksmonumenten in Borne; the town’s agricultural origins can still be felt here.

Churches, traditions and culture in Hertme

The Oude Kerk combines architectural history with opportunities to visit: its wall paintings date from shortly after it was built, and the tower houses an exhibition about the church’s construction history. Guided walks through Oud Borne may include a visit to the Oude Kerk. Tower visits can be booked with André Muller or through gidsenoudborne.nl; check in advance whether a visit can be booked for your preferred date.

Two churches with similar names are easy to distinguish by location. Borne is home to the RK St. Stephanuskerk, built in 1888, a neo-Gothic Rijksmonument church with stained-glass windows and rib vaulting. The H. Stephanuskerk in Hertme was built in 1902–1903 to a neo-Gothic design by architect Wolter te Riele. It is open during weekend services and on special days. Check which special days offer access before visiting.

In Borne, the Pinksterbruidjes tradition is also continued every year on the first day of Pentecost. It is listed in the Dutch inventory of the Centre for Folk Culture and Intangible Heritage. Its fixed date gives this tradition a distinct place in the annual calendar.

The Openluchttheater Hertme hosts concerts, children’s performances and the Afrika Festival. It is set in green surroundings and features a medieval-style backdrop. As the specific programme may change, check the latest event dates before visiting. Another way to discover Oud Borne and Hertme is the Borns Onderonsje audio walk: it takes you through the streets of both places as Borne residents talk about monuments and notable buildings.

Walking and cycling around Borne

Walks around Borne follow sandy tracks and paved paths, through woods and meadows, and across a hedgerow landscape with wide-open views. Borne, Hertme and Zenderen are important hubs in the regional network of well-known cycling and walking routes. The green surroundings, with woods, streams and hedgerows, also define these three places.

The Kloosterpad Zenderen can be walked every day and is available in 3, 5, 8 and 11-kilometre variants. The route runs through woods and across fields, as well as through the Weleveld estate. A Kloosterpad walk focusing on culture, history and religion takes place every two years. As route details may occasionally be updated, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.

For a cycling trip, the 58-kilometre Hulsbeek–De Lutte route is another option. It passes through Oud Borne and across the Twente hedgerow landscape towards Tankenberg. While cycling the routes in Borne, you can also buy eggs from a local farmer; availability may vary. The Meijershof grounds are open to the walking public and are occasionally used as a venue for theatre in special locations.

Planning your stay

The TOP in the centre of Borne is at the railway station; from there, you can connect to the regional cycling network. The Rode Draad also starts at the station. For information about events and attractions, as well as walking and cycling maps, you can contact Kulturhus Borne.

At Spanjaardgemaal, visitor information goes hand in hand with practical insights into the place: visitors can press a button, look through viewing openings and watch a video. There is also an information board for the Twente route network at the site; it is a starting point for routes. This makes it possible to plan outings around a specific destination, as well as days when the journey itself is the main focus.

Discover more destinations: Borne, Zenderen, Hertme, Zwolle, Hof Van Twente, Zwartewaterland, Kampen, Haaksbergen.

Go to the main travel overview: Overijssel.