Rheezerveen: Hiking, Cycling and Local History

Rheezerveen combines nature with local history that reaches back to the Second World War. The De Klimberg area includes a fen, a production forest and small heathland areas. Hiking and cycling offer further ways to explore. Historically, the story spans from the first mention in 1829 to the crash of an American bomber in 1945. When planning a stay, you can consider whether nature, activity, history or a combination of these interests should be your main focus.

Landscape in the De Klimberg area

The De Klimberg area includes the Schreursven fen, a production forest and several small heathland areas. The landscape therefore comprises more than one type of feature: the named fen, the forest and the heathland areas are distinct elements of the area. The heathland areas are explicitly described as small; this detail gives a more precise picture of the landscape. Schreursven is the name of the fen within De Klimberg. This helps nature enthusiasts distinguish the area’s different features.

Hiking and cycling

Hiking and cycling are possible in the publicly accessible part of the De Klimberg estate. Local access rules may impose conditions. If you are planning a specific activity, check the current rules before your visit.

The designated section of the Vechtdal hiking network in Rheezerveen was completed as Phase 17. This network section offers a different basis for planning than the estate: here, you follow part of the hiking network, while there, you can make use of the opportunities in the publicly accessible part of an estate. As route infrastructure can change, check the current network route if you are planning a specific walk.

The “Op de fiets in Rheezerveen” cycling route starts and ends at the Het Stoetenslagh holiday park. As route details can change, check the current route before setting off.

The two cycling options differ for planning purposes: cycling is possible in the publicly accessible part of the estate, while “Op de fiets in Rheezerveen” is a named route that starts and ends at the same place. This lets you distinguish between a general opportunity on the estate and a specific route.

Local history and wartime

Rheezerveen was first mentioned in 1829; at the time, its inhabitants were mainly peat workers. The early reference connects a specific year with information about the population at the time. During the war, Rheezerveen was considered a suitable refuge for people seeking to hide from the Germans. This role as a refuge is a different historical aspect from the early reference to the local population.

On 16 February 1945, the American B-17G bomber “MAID TO ORDER” crashed in the Colenbrandersbos, near Het Stoetenslagh. There were nine crew members on board. The war memorial is located next to Het Stoetenslagh. The first mention in 1829 and the crash in 1945 are two clearly separated points in time; the role as a refuge forms part of the historical context of the war.

Discover more destinations: Rheeze, Lutten, Diffelen, Sibculo, Collendoorn, Slagharen, Bergentheim, Ane

For the main travel overview: Hardenberg.