Haaksbergen: Nature, Windmills and Railway History

Haaksbergen combines nature with regional railway and windmill history. If you are looking for a hotel in Haaksbergen, it helps to first consider your interests: Would you like to hike or cycle, are you interested in the local railway, or would you like to learn about windmills and traditional farm buildings? The different destinations give you specific points to consider when deciding whether Haaksbergen fits your travel plans.

Natural areas between peat bog and sand

The Haaksbergerveen covers more than 590 hectares. In some places, it has floating layers of peat, while in others, the peat lies on sandy ground. The Natura 2000 site Buurserzand en Haaksbergerveen lies within the municipality of Haaksbergen in the southeast of Overijssel. In the Buurserzand, the landscape is shaped by wet heathland, patches of woodland, small fields and dunes of wind-blown sand. The peat formations of the Haaksbergerveen thus contrast with a landscape in the Buurserzand that brings together several different elements.

Various hiking and cycling routes run through the Buurserzand. At the Haaksbergerveen, accessibility is an important consideration: the central area is not open to the public. Outside this area, you can walk on designated trails. Check the information at the entrances before your walk.

Cycling routes with different themes

The Haaksbergen Heritage Cycling Route runs through the Buurse-Haaksbergsveen and passes old farmhouses in the hamlets of Brammelo, Boekelo (St. Isidorushoeve), Holthuizen, Eppenzolder, Stepelo, Buurse and Langelo. If you are particularly interested in farmhouses and hamlets on a cycling trip, this route offers a specific thematic focus.

The “Watermolens & Noabers” cycling route starts in the centre of Haaksbergen. It follows country lanes and well-maintained cycle paths through a rural setting of meadows, winding streams, old forests, welcoming villages and authentic windmills. By contrast, the Haaksbergen Heritage Cycling Route specifically focuses on farmhouses and hamlets; “Watermolens & Noabers” describes its surroundings through the landscape and windmills. This lets you choose between two different cycling themes.

Railways, windmills and regional culture

The Buurtspoorweg Museum presents the history of the local railway between Haaksbergen and Boekelo. A visit includes the station yard, the workshop and the locomotive shed, which houses historic steam and diesel trains. There is also a ride on a real steam train.

The De Korenbloem windmill was built in 1798 and is an octagonal gallery windmill in the centre of Haaksbergen. De Bommelas is an example of a “los hoes” farmhouse in Twente, complementing the windmill and railway themes with traditional farm architecture. Huis van Haaksbergen is a venue for theatre, cabaret, music and film screenings. Haaksbergen therefore offers various cultural themes: railway history, windmills, farmhouse styles and performances.

Planning information

According to visitor information checked in 2026, the Toeristisch Informatiepunt Haaksbergen offers detailed hiking and cycling routes through natural areas and past historic sights; you can also make reservations there for boat trips on the Buurserpot. Check the latest visitor information in advance, as such offers may change.

For the general travel overview: Haaksbergen.