Staphorst between farm history and nature

The municipality of Staphorst combines cultural history, farms and traditions with forests, heathland and diverse natural landscapes. De Streek is particularly distinctive: its protected village landscape has been in place since 1988 and is characterised by elongated Staphorst farmhouses in shades of green and blue, lining long lanes. De Streek has 577 state and municipal monuments, as well as 695 buildings that contribute to the character of the village. This gives an impression of how strongly historic architecture defines this part of the municipality.

Farm history, a museum and Stipwerk

Museum Staphorst is housed in two farmhouses, including an older, typical Staphorst farmhouse. The museum preserves the living quarters of a farmhouse in their original condition; it also displays regional costumes, jewellery and folk art. The church in Rouveen is another striking historic building: dating from 1641, it is considered the oldest building in the municipality of Staphorst.

Experience a living craft tradition with Staphorst Stipwerk. Stichting Staphorster Stipwerk offers workshops where participants can learn the technique and decorate an object themselves. The Stip & Smul package combines a workshop of about an hour led by an experienced craftsperson with lunch, afternoon tea, drinks or dinner at Grand Café Waanders. Booking availability may change; check before your trip. The programme for Staphorstdagen 2026 includes demonstrations of Staphorst Stipwerk, traditional crafts, Staphorst painting, a braderie, sporting activities and routes through the region. Individual activities may change in future editions.

Forests, heathland and routes through the landscape

Foxes, deer, badgers and birds of prey can be spotted in the forests and heathland of Boswachterij Staphorst. The area is open year-round between sunrise and sunset. Horse riders can cross it on bridleways and carriage routes through coniferous and deciduous forests and along heathland. A 27-kilometre horse-riding route also runs through Boswachterij, with a picnic area, paddock and watering trough; conditions and facilities may change.

Staphorst and nearby IJhorst lie on the edge of the Reestdal. Its landscape of wet meadows, forests and rich natural habitats is popular with walkers and nature lovers. At Olde Maten, visitors can see a slagenlandschap, a type of landscape created through centuries of inheritance and considered unique in the Netherlands. Historic church mounds are still visible there today. Tourist routes include cycling tours through Olde Maten; bicycle rental locations are available in IJhorst and Rouveen.

The guided Dorpswandeling IJhorst takes about 1.5 hours and covers approximately 2.5 kilometres. The walk brings together nature, landscape and cultural history: the route passes the historic church in IJhorst and also introduces visitors to some of the history of Dickninge Monastery. The route and booking dates may change. There are also walking trails in Boswachterij; the long-distance Maarten van Rossumpad trail runs through Staphorst.

Recreation areas and outdoor activities

The Zwarte Dennen recreation area offers opportunities for swimming, paddling and playing, as well as sandy beaches and sunbathing and picnic lawns. It may close on 1 January 2028 if no new funding is available, so check access before your trip. The 700-metre family trail there is paved and designed for walkers using rollators, wheelchair users and pushchairs. The availability of the kiosk at Zwarte Dennen, which sells snacks and drinks, also depends on the future status of the recreation area.

De Veldschuur in Rouveen has a water play area. Its outdoor grounds also include a barefoot path, a willow-hut maze, walking trails, picnic benches and a vegetable garden. The grounds are open to the public at all times; check the conditions before your visit, as access and facilities may change. De Veldschuur hosts public activities about the nature and culture of Olde Maten, including a harvest festival, a Midwinterhoorn activity, the Olde Maten event and Nacht van de Nacht. Dates may vary.

De Broene ‘eugte swimming pool also offers a range of facilities: it has two large indoor pools, including a leisure pool with a slide and a competition pool that is also used for recreational swimming. Outdoors, facilities include a toddlers’ pool, a playground, a large sandpit, a go-kart track, a beach volleyball court, an air trampoline and climbing equipment. Facilities may change. At Alpa Farm Rouveen, you can book woodland walks with alpacas; the farm also hosts children’s birthday parties. Availability should be checked in each case.

Regional products and practical information

Voedselbostuyn Reestdal combines walks, guided tours, tastings and workshops with a food forest of mushrooms, berries, herbs, nut trees and fruit trees. At Rustpunt, cyclists and walkers can buy drinks as well as home-grown mushrooms and other harvested produce. The selection may vary seasonally. In Rouveen, Stegeman’s Textiel serves as a tourist information point and offers regional walking and cycling maps as well as souvenirs; check the availability of this visitor service in advance. At Kerkzicht, visitors can learn about the Christian faith, the church, and Staphorst traditions and customs. Check the visiting arrangements in advance.

When planning a hotel stay in Staphorst, you can consider cultural history and nature experiences as distinct areas of interest: De Streek, the museum and Stipwerk represent local traditions, while Boswachterij, Olde Maten and Reestdal offer landscapes and nature. This makes it easier to choose planned activities that suit your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Staphorst, Ijhorst, Rouveen, Hardenberg, Olst-Wijhe, Tubbergen, Twenterand, Wierden.

For the wider travel overview: Overijssel.