Rijssen-Holten: Heathland, museums and trails

On the Holterberg, heathland, forests and a wealth of trails come together. It forms the southern part of De Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. Sand lizards, black grouse, foxes and goshawks live on the Holterberg and in the surrounding area. De Borkeld also shapes the landscape: this heathland lies between Holten, Rijssen and Markelo, and several burial mounds dating from before the Common Era are located within it.

Walking and exploring the outdoors

There are routes of various lengths to choose from. Rijssen-Holten’s signposted walking network can be used for short or long walks, according to your preferences. The Ommetje Holterberg circular route is 7.7 kilometres long and starts at the Dagrecreatieterrein Holterberg. A longer route is the Wereldtijdpad: this 50-kilometre trail runs between Rijssen and Holten. More than 2,000 year posts stand along the route, each with information and an image relating to a particular year. Themed walks on the Wereldtijdpad range from 4 to 10 kilometres.

The Pieterpad, Reggepad, Marskramerpad and Sallandse Zandloper also pass through the municipality of Rijssen-Holten. On the Holterberg, you can walk, cycle and go mountain biking. There are also signposted walking, cycling and horse-riding trails in the forests around the De Borkeld recreation area. The municipality has an extensive cycling network with numbered junctions.

If you would like to explore the area by water, the Enterse Zomp offers a different way to see the surroundings. In the 18th century, this traditional flat-bottomed boat carried goods such as wood and peat along the Regge. During the boating season, trips lasting about an hour depart from the Pelmolen in Rijssen. Check the current timetable before planning your trip.

Museums and local stories

The Natuurmuseum Holterberg is known for its life-size dioramas and collection of more than 1,000 European animals. The museum also houses an information point for De Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park and a tourist information point. Various walking and cycling tours start there, making it easy to combine a museum visit with a tour afterwards.

In Holten, the Informatiecentrum Canadese Begraafplaats Holten focuses on stories, photographs and exhibitions about the 1,394 graves at the cemetery of honour. The Oudheidkamer Hoolt'n presents a range of exhibits and exhibitions. In Rijssen, the Internationaal Brandweermuseum offers a different focus: its collection comprises around 15,000 objects and tells the story of firefighting through the centuries. On display are firefighting equipment used around the world, including helmets from Japan, South Africa and China, as well as complete fire engines from before the Second World War.

The Rijssens Museum is housed in Havezate de Oosterhof. The Museumgalerie de Oosterhof hosts duo exhibitions by recognised artists six times a year; the exhibition programme may change. Parkgebouw Rijssen also connects architectural and cultural history with a contemporary venue. It was built around 1914 at the behest of jute manufacturer Ter Horst as a cultural centre for the people of Rijssen. The building is significant for its cultural history, architectural history and urban planning; it continues to host theatrical performances.

Another historical attraction is the Rijssens Leemspoor, a narrow-gauge railway in Rijssen at the foot of the Rijsserberg. Visitors can view the railway and take a ride. The Wereldtijdpad offers another perspective on local history, with year posts that bring individual years to life through information and images.

Local experiences and practical information

There are also plenty of ideas for a break with a local flavour. Happen & Stappen combines a walking route with several culinary stops at local restaurants. Walks of 10, 14 or 17 kilometres are available. At the market in Holten, you can find handmade regional products, delicacies and local specialities. The Lommerdmarkten in the centre of Rijssen traditionally take place over five consecutive Thursdays in summer; specific dates vary from year to year.

For families, Bos van Daantje offers nature activities, play areas, hut building and picnics. Speelboerderij Dondertman in Holten is a family attraction with a large collection of animals. It is located along walking and cycling routes and is a convenient starting point or place to take a break. When planning your visit, you can choose to focus on nature, culture, exercise or local experiences.

You can also plan your journey by car using the parking options described here: in Holten, free all-day parking is available at the Groentransferium or at P+N Dorp next to the NS railway station. For shorter visits to the Holterberg, P+N Berg is a suitable option. As parking rules may change, it is best to check them before you travel.

Discover more destinations

Holten, Rijssen, Enschede, Olst-Wijhe, Tubbergen, Dalfsen, Haaksbergen, Twenterand

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