Rouveen: Nature, History and Craftsmanship

Rouveen brings together several themes that can be explored and understood independently: the distinctive landscape structure of De Olde Maten, the history of the church and a traditional craft. De Veldschuur also touches on several of these themes. You can shape your stay around whichever aspects of nature, history or local culture interest you most.

Landscape and trails in De Olde Maten

De Olde Maten is one of the few areas where the characteristic long, narrow plots have largely been preserved. This plot structure is a striking feature of the landscape. In 2014, De Olde Maten was transformed in its entirety into a new nature area. The aim was to give plants and animals that had disappeared the opportunity to recolonise the former agricultural area in peace. The preserved landscape form and this ecological goal offer two different starting points for learning about the area.

The Olde Maten walking route starts at the car park by Veldschuur Bid en Werk, Wijkweg 2, 7954 HP Rouveen. Another walking trail described is Rondje De Streek – Rouveen, which is 12.0 kilometres long. If you plan to take this route, check the trail conditions before setting off; they can change regardless of the stated distance.

The information provides different guidance for choosing an outing: Rondje De Streek – Rouveen is described as a walking trail with a specific length. If you would like to visit Rouveen’s church and cemetery as part of a cycling route, there is a named detour for this: the “Kleurrijk Staphorst & omgeving” route passes via junction 10, with a short detour to both places.

Church history and architecture

The present-day church in Rouveen was built in 1641 in Monnikenslag. Earlier church sites were near what is now Scholenweg and at Olde Pad. This sequence shows that the church’s history is not tied solely to its present-day location: it also includes the older sites where churches previously stood.

The Hervormde Kerk was built in 1641. Its rectangular hall-church form and relatively tall tower are two distinctive features of the building: its floor plan and its structure. Anyone interested in Rouveen’s history can consider the development of the church sites separately from the description of the present-day building.

De Veldschuur and Stipwerk

De Veldschuur in Rouveen was rebuilt in 2005 and serves as an educational information centre for the region’s nature, culture, history and archaeology. This broad range of topics brings different perspectives on the surrounding area together in one place. It complements the focus on landscape and trails with cultural and historical topics that are also relevant to learning about Rouveen.

One specific example of regional craftsmanship is Staphorster Stipwerk. This traditional technique involves applying multicoloured patterns to fabric using stamps dipped in paint. The craft is part of the culture of Staphorst and Rouveen.

The natural water play area at De Veldschuur is another topic in its own right for families: it is set amid greenery and described as a water play area for families. If the play area is important to your plans, check the latest visitor information beforehand.

Discover more destinations: Staphorst, Ijhorst.

Go to the main travel overview: Staphorst.