Discover Ommen: Sahara, windmills and history

The Sahara in the Vechtdal is a 20-hectare area of windblown sand. There are several signposted routes and a car park at the Sahara; families can play in the sand and enjoy a picnic. The Lemelerberg offers a different perspective: it is designated as a Natura 2000 site. The sandy landscape and protected-site status therefore offer different starting points for excursions.

Landscape, water and trails

Junner Koeland is a nature reserve of about 100 hectares managed by Staatsbosbeheer, north of the Vecht. Most of Landgoed Junne is protected because it is part of the “Vecht- en Beneden Reggegebied” Natura 2000 site. The estate is a centuries-old landscape in the former river valley of the Vecht. Its features include farms, agricultural land on esch soils, a village green, hedgerows, windblown sand, heathland and distinctive woodland. At Landgoed Junne, Junners offers a farm shop, a tea garden, a coffee room and workshops.

Water engineering and trails can also be explored together in Junne. The Stuw van Junne is more than 100 years old and is a municipal monument. Fish ladders at the weir allow fish to move freely upstream and downstream. The Junnerpad is a walking route through Landgoed Junne that starts at the car park next to De Stuw near Junne. The walk is available in 5, 10 and 15-kilometre variants; these three distances offer a clear choice depending on how far you want to walk.

The Tijdreis van het Oerrund is on a different scale: this cycling route is more than 60 kilometres long and runs through the Vechtdal between Hardenberg and Varsen (Ommen). Its theme connects three historical periods—from hunter-gatherers through agriculture to modern farming. If you are looking for a themed children’s route instead of a longer cycle ride, het piratenpad runs through the Laarbos in Ommen and has a pirate theme. The Wolvenspoor is a children’s walking route in Ommen, where participants take on the role of wolves and complete fun tasks. For horse-riding excursions, the Ruiterroute Arrierveld is an accessible route through the Arriërveld forest complex in Ommen.

The seasonal Pontje Varsen connects Landgoed Vilsteren with the hamlet of Varsen and adds to the local walking and cycling network. Check the ferry timetable before you travel. Between Ommen and Den Ham lies Landgoed Eerde, whose extensive landscape combines nature and culture.

History and places to visit

The Streekmuseum Ommen is housed in the Den Oordt mill and a former customs house in Ommen. Exhibits include an extensive collection of regional costumes, domestic scenes from times gone by and an old classroom. These three themes offer insights into clothing, home life and schooling in the past.

The history of the Ommerschans includes several uses: it was built around 1625 as a defence against the Spanish. In 1820, the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid established a beggars’ colony there. A walking trail passes through the historic heart of the colony, along restored ramparts and ditches of the former fortification. Its shape is still visible in the landscape.

The Vilsterse Molen is an octagonal Dutch windmill and grain mill dating from 1858; it is fully operational for milling. It regularly opens to visitors. Guides are always present during opening hours, and tours occasionally begin. Visiting hours vary by season, so it is worth checking them before your visit. For further excursion planning, the Bezoekerscentrum Ommen sells cycling and walking maps and offers advice on excursions in Ommen and the surrounding area. If you plan to visit these attractions, check opening hours in advance.

Discover more destinations: Beerze, Lemele, Ommen, Arrien, Stegeren, Dalmsholte, Giethmen, Beerzerveld, Vilsteren.

For the main travel overview: Overijssel.