Saasveld Between Nature and Local History

Saasveld lies in the cultural landscape characteristic of Twente, with its varied scenery. When choosing a hotel, it may therefore help to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: nature and a short walk, a hiking or cycling tour, or local history. Molenven, ’t Gravenbos, and the Plechelmuskerk offer specific local themes to consider when planning your trip.

Nature at Molenven

Molenven is ideal for a short circular walk. On the north shore of the water, a viewing screen offers a view across the water. Bird species found there include little grebe, tufted duck, great crested grebe, and mallard; great spotted woodpecker, black woodpecker, and raven are also found there. This selection combines several waterbirds with woodpeckers and a raven, providing specific points of interest for birdwatching. The viewing screen directs your gaze towards the water, while the short circuit makes for a manageable walk in its own right. For nature enthusiasts, birdwatching and a short walk are two distinct aspects of the same place to visit.

Walks and Route Options

A short walk through ’t Gravenbos can start near the church in Saasveld. If you come by car, you can park in the square in front of the primary school near the church. The route options include 26 walking routes and five starting points for different route lengths and day trips in the region; these numbers may change as the route inventory is updated. When planning, you can choose between the short walk starting near the church and a hiking or cycling tour whose route can be planned using the junction network. Regional day trips are another option if you would like to include more than a short walk in your stay.

There are therefore two distinct reference points for a short walk: at Molenven, a circuit, viewing screen, and birdwatching go together; at ’t Gravenbos, the possible starting point near the church and the parking area near the school are relevant. This lets you use nature observation and ease of finding a starting point as two different criteria for your choice.

Local History Between the Church and the Mill

The Sint Plechelmuskerk in Saasveld and its associated garden are remnants of the former Saterslot Castle. All the stained-glass windows in St Plechelmuskerk were created by Jan Schoenaker, a glazier and artist from Oldenzaal. Together, they offer two links to the area’s history: the church and garden date back to the history of Saterslot, while the windows are connected to Schoenaker’s artistic work. The first Saasveldse Cultuur Historische Optocht (Saasveld Cultural History Parade) took place in 1926 to mark the opening of today’s Plechelmuskerk. The Soaseler Möl was built in 1870. Chronologically, the mill was built before the first parade in 1926; the two dates refer to distinct historical connections, a building and an event associated with the church.

Discover more destinations: Tilligte, Agelo, Rossum, Lattrop, Ootmarsum, Deurningen, Weerselo, Denekamp

For the main travel overview: Dinkelland.