Losser between fossils and the Twente landscape

In Losser, natural landscapes, geology and industrial heritage come together. At the Staringgroeve, more than three metres of Losser sandstone are exposed. The municipality itself also lies entirely within the Nationaal Landschap Noordoost-Twente: forests, drifting sands and heathland shape its character.

Nature and trails around Losser

The Oelemars is a permanent nature reserve featuring a created wetland, a nesting wall for sand martins and an observation hut. From an observation tower, unobstructed views extend across Twente and Germany. Several distinct natural features can be found side by side at the Oelemars: the wetland, the distinctive nesting wall and the expansive views.

There is also an extensive woodland between Losser and the German border, with diverse flora and fauna. It is of great importance to breeding birds. The Losser area has well-marked walking and cycling trails. Conditions on individual trails can vary. Both short and multi-day routes for walking, cycling, mountain biking and driving lead through the Twente cultural landscape. The options range from a shorter outing to a longer tour, which can be done on foot, by bike or by car.

Sandstone and fossils

Losser sandstone dates from the Lower Cretaceous, more precisely the Hauterivian, and formally belongs to the Gildehaus Sandstone formation. The rock is soft and crumbly, making it unsuitable as a building material, but rich in fossils. Researchers and collectors can visit the Staringgroeve by appointment and accompanied by the Stichting Staringmonument. During such a visit, they can search for fossils themselves on a small scale using modest tools; appointment and safety requirements apply. Arrange your visit in advance with the foundation.

The Geologie Museum Losser is devoted to the geological and, in particular, paleontological wealth of the municipality and its immediate surroundings. It displays fossils from the Staringgroeve, including casts of shells, snails, sea urchins and ammonites. In the centre of Losser, the museum is housed in the Hengelhoes, a rural burgher's house dating from the early 17th century. The outcrop and the collection each have a different focus: here, the sandstone itself takes centre stage; there, the fossils from the Staringgroeve.

Industrial heritage and historic farmsteads

Steenfabriek De Werklust is a Rijksmonument where bricks were fired for more than a hundred years. The clay pit, ring kiln and 45-metre-high chimney are all fully preserved. Visitors can see the entire production process and join a guided tour; visiting arrangements may change. Check them before you set off. The site is easy to reach via the road between Oldenzaal and Losser, and free parking is available.

Erve Kraesgenberg offers a different historical experience: at this cultural park, visitors can experience the atmosphere of a 17th-century farm. Cultural experiences are also at the heart of the Openluchttheater Brilmansdennen in Losser. The theatre offers a varied programme, with content that changes seasonally.

Walks and cultural programme

A bookable walk through and around the centre of Losser shares entertaining and interesting stories along the way. The dates for this activity may change. Another option is a guided climb of the Martinustoren for €2.50 per person. As arrangements may change, check the price and details in advance.

Consider which of these aspects interests you most and tailor your hotel search accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Beuningen, De Lutte, Losser, Overdinkel, Wierden, Hellendoorn, Tubbergen, Hof Van Twente.

For the overarching travel overview: Overijssel.