Hardenberg: Discover nature, cycling and walking routes

If you’re looking for a hotel in Hardenberg, first consider which activities you’d like to shape your stay. Options range from forests and birdwatching to cycling and walking routes, as well as art, history and leisure activities. Then check the location, price and terms directly with the specific hotel offer.

Forests, dunes and birdwatching areas

Around Hardenberg, 1,000 hectares of coniferous and deciduous forest stretch across the landscape. The Rheezerbelten offer a different kind of scenery: a wooded dune landscape shaped by the wind, with oak coppice woodland. You can picnic there and wander through the sand. The Vloeivelden De Krim are a birdwatching area that attracts rare species; in winter, they also draw large flocks of taiga and tundra geese. Birdwatching is a seasonal possibility and is not guaranteed. The Reest River forms the natural boundary between the municipality of Hardenberg and the province of Drenthe. In Vechtpark Hardenberg, the town and nature blend together.

Walking trails, cycling routes and art

The Reestdal walking route starts at De Wheem Visitor Centre in Balkbrug and leads through forests and heathland, along sandy paths and beside waterways. The Oldemeijer-Landschappenroute passes a body of water and heathland, then crosses open countryside with views of the Vecht Valley. The main difference between the two routes is their scenery: one is characterised by forest and sandy paths, while the other also features open countryside and views of the Vecht Valley. The 23-kilometre mountain biking route near Hardenberg starts and ends at the Oldemeijer car park. Route details may be updated; check the current route before setting off.

Kunstwegen connects art and landscape along the Overijsselse Vecht: the art route is 180 kilometres long and includes 80 artworks. Walking stages connect, among other places, the NS railway stations in Hardenberg and Gramsbergen. If you’re planning these stages, check the signage and train connections before setting off.

A cycling route passes a buffalo farm in Radewijk, where you can enjoy buffalo ice cream, and eventually reaches Laar in Germany. The ice cream may be available seasonally. For practical planning, there are three tourist transfer points in the municipality of Hardenberg: in Hardenberg, Balkbrug and Gramsbergen. They are easily accessible by car and offer free parking; check the parking regulations before setting off.

Culture and activities

The Historisch Cultureel Vechtdal Info Centrum Gramsbergen presents monuments, landscapes and leisure activities, and shares the history of the Vechtdal. Slagharen amusement park offers more than 30 attractions in a Wild West setting. The number of attractions may change. Nature activities at Natuuractiviteitencentrum De Koppel include mushroom walks and examining owl pellets; individual activities may vary by season.

Water and practical planning

The De Oldemeijer recreation area is a natural swimming lake surrounded by woodland. Its bottom slopes gradually, so children don’t suddenly end up completely submerged. Water conditions and access for swimming may change; check before your visit. In good weather, the kiosk offers snacks, ice cream and drinks. Check the seasonal selection before your trip.

At Hardenberg harbour, Expedition Outdoor rents out canoes, SUP boards, sloops and motorboats. The rental fleet and booking terms may change; check them before making a reservation.

Discover more destinations: Ane, Balkbrug, Bergentheim, Gramsbergen, Hardenberg, Lutten, Rheeze, Rheezerveen, Slagharen, Loozen, Sibculo, Schuinesloot, Dedemsvaart, Collendoorn, Diffelen, Bruchterveld.

Go to the main travel overview: Overijssel.