Ane: Battle history, the Anermolen windmill and landscape

Ane appeals to travellers interested in regional history, a distinctive windmill and rural landscapes. The Battle of Ane, the Anermolen windmill and the “Jochem en de Slag bij Ane” cycling route represent different facets of the area. This lets you plan a stay around your own interests, rather than getting to know Ane through just one subject.

The Battle of Ane: site and remembrance

The Battle of Ane took place on 28 July 1227 in the Mommeriete, northeast of the hamlet of Ane. At the beginning of the 13th century, the Mommeriete was a marshland. The battle monument stands in Ane on Anerveenseweg. The site and the monument are therefore two different locations: the Mommeriete is the historic battlefield, while the monument is in Ane. The troops from Drenthe were victorious; the bishop and his brother were killed in the battle. The landscape, date and outcome provide a concrete historical context for the event.

An exhibition about the battle is held at the Infocentrum Vechtdal in Gramsbergen. Check the current opening hours before your visit. According to a report from 2025, the “Herdenking Slag bij Ane” association held an annual commemoration of the battle on 16 August. This commemoration date differs from the historic battle date of 28 July 1227.

The Anermolen windmill and the landscape

The Anermolen is a visitor mill: it does not grind grain for a baker, but for a chicken farmer. It is about 15 metres tall. Its distinctive purpose and approximate height describe different aspects of the mill—its use and its physical dimensions.

Ane’s esch and farmstead landscape also includes the hall farmhouse type. Typical hall farmhouses add an architectural dimension to the landscape. This offers a separate point of interest for travellers who are interested in rural architecture as well as the battle’s history. Ane can thus be explored not only through historical events, but also through its farming landscape.

Cycle to the battle site

The “Jochem en de Slag bij Ane” cycling route takes visitors to the site where the battle took place. Its name directly connects cycling with the historical subject. The route booklet is available at Museum Gramsbergen; check whether it is currently available before setting off. The route offers its own way of visiting the site, while the monument stands on Anerveenseweg in Ane.

A regional speciality

Bakkerij Slatman offers a culinary highlight: original Saxon spiced cake, also known as “Slatmanskoek”, is available in Ane or Hardenberg. The family business has been known for handmade products since 1893. If you want to make a special trip for this treat, check its current availability in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Dedemsvaart, Bergentheim, Diffelen, Collendoorn, Rheezerveen, Schuinesloot, Slagharen, Sibculo

Return to the main travel overview: Hardenberg.