Borne: Textile History and Historic Places

Borne can be explored through a range of interests: the protected village landscape of Oud Borne, the history of the linen trade and textile industry, and present-day cultural offerings. If you are looking for a hotel in Borne, you can plan your trip around whether you want to explore historic buildings, textile heritage or routes through the town. Options include visits by appointment, as well as described routes and cultural events.

Oud Borne and its historic buildings

Oud Borne has been designated a protected village landscape since 1991. Its historic fabric includes numerous national and municipal monuments. Many monuments in Borne are close enough together for visitors to put together their own walking route. Two preserved Klopjeswoningen are also among the historic landmarks: these houses are associated with the so-called Kloppen. The Oude Kerk was built approximately between 1420 and 1515. Groups of up to 15 people can visit its tower by appointment; arrange such a visit in advance.

For a guided tour of Oud Borne, Gidsen Oud Borne offers tailor-made tours by appointment throughout the year. This provides a different framework for your plans than putting together your own route. The grounds of Meijershof are open to walkers and occasionally serve as a venue for open-air theatre. A visit there can therefore also offer a glimpse of the cultural use of the grounds.

The linen trade and textile history

Around 1675, Borne was the most important centre of the linen trade in Twente. Bussemakerhuis is the only surviving 18th-century manufacturer’s house in the Netherlands. As a museum, Bussemakerhuis tells the story of the origins of Twente’s textile industry. Together, the history of the trade and this remarkable building offer a tangible introduction to Borne’s textile past.

Another reminder of this era is the Spanjaardgemaal, also known as the Watermachientje. During the textile era, the installation pumped water from the Deurningerbeek and channelled it to Spanjaard’s textile factory. There, the water was used, among other things, to wash and bleach linen. At the restored Spanjaardgemaal, visitors will find a button to activate it, viewing windows, a video, a drinking-water tap and a bench by the water. Its historic function and these visitor features offer different ways to explore the local textile history.

Borne Synagogue was officially opened in 1843 on the initiative of Salomon Spanjaard. Today it serves as a cultural centre, hosting exhibitions, concerts, lectures and courses. The cultural offering thus extends beyond historic buildings to include a variety of events. Which ones suit your stay depends on whether you would rather see an exhibition or attend a concert, lecture or course.

Walking and cycling routes

Borne has local walking and cycling routes, which are available from, among other places, VVV Borne. The 3.8-kilometre De Rode Draad route passes almost all of Borne’s textile heritage. Before setting out, check that the route is available and check its waymarking. This allows you to include it in your plans without confusing it with other local routes.

The NS Twentse Beken walk also offers a clear itinerary: it runs from Almelo station to Borne station. If you plan this walk, take current timetables and route conditions into account. To listen to location-specific audio clips, visitors can scan a QR code at Borns Onderonsje, find the nearest location on a map and listen to the relevant clips there.

Borne can be reached by train, bus, on foot or by bicycle. The options mentioned differ in character: you can put together your own walking route among monuments that are close together, De Rode Draad focuses on textile heritage, and the NS walk connects the stations in Almelo and Borne. If you are planning a stay at a hotel in Borne, you can use these local and cultural themes as a starting point when choosing your destination.

Discover more destinations: Zenderen, Hertme.

Go to the main travel overview: Borne.