Nieuwleusen: Discover mills, museums and routes

In Nieuwleusen, you can combine local history with walking and cycling routes. Specific points of interest include the Grote Kerk, Molen Massier, Museum Palthehof and routes with different themes. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, these themes can help you decide in advance what you are most interested in seeing locally.

Local history between church and mill

The Grote Kerk is now the oldest public building in Nieuwleusen. The current church building was constructed in 1830 on the same site as an earlier church dating from 1672. The two dates distinguish the earlier building from the church that shapes the village today.

Molen Massier is a grain and hulling mill built in 1861 by Willem Hendrik de Graaf. The miller Jan Massier acquired it at a public auction in 1893. Its construction history can thus be traced through a specific building and the names of two people.

Palthehof and the landscape

Museum Palthehof is located in the Palthebos and presents the history of Nieuwleusen and its surroundings. The museum grounds are home to a Verhalenwagon, which was used by the Dedemvaartsche Stoomtramweg Maatschappij (DSM). Local history and this historic object can therefore be explored in the same place.

The landscape also offers its own connection to local history: Nieuwleusen lies on a sand ridge that once rose above the raised bog. This former landscape feature adds a perspective on the natural surroundings to the themes of the church, mill and museum.

Walking routes of varying lengths

The Gedichtenwandeling Nieuwleusen starts and ends at Museum Palthehof. You can choose a 5- or 8-kilometre route, or combine both into a 13-kilometre route. Poems written specifically for each location are displayed along the route.

The 5-kilometre option leads through the Palthebos to Molen Massier. The 8-kilometre option runs through the village, Zuiderpark and along the Hulsterplassen. The two routes therefore differ not only in length, but also in the landscapes and places mentioned: forest and mill on one hand, village, park and Hulsterplassen on the other. Printed route materials may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

The Nieuwleusen walking starting point is on Burgemeester Backxlaan, opposite number 52. From there, three walks are offered, ranging from 7.6 to almost 15 kilometres. Route availability may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before planning.

Cycling route and other route options

The “Vecht & molens: Nwleusen/Ommen” route follows easily accessible, partly paved cycle paths. For 90 percent of its length, it follows the Overijssel cycle junction network. This gives you two specific points of reference when planning: the described condition of the paths and the large proportion of the route on the junction network.

Parking for this route is available at the Museum Palthehof car park, Westeinde 3, 7731 CH Nieuwleusen, or at Dommelsdijk. The Vrolijke Vijverroute starts behind Natuurboerderij BalkInn in Nieuwleusen. It is free, wheelchair-accessible and suitable for children. As local route conditions may change, check them in advance.

Discover more destinations: Dalfsen, Lemelerveld.

Go to the main travel overview: Dalfsen.