Twenterand: Raised Bogs, Waterways and Cultural History

Engbertsdijksvenen is one of the few places in the Netherlands where active raised bogs can still be found. Walking trails, museums and historic sites offer a glimpse of Twenterand’s many facets. Den Ham lies where Twente, the Vecht valley and Salland meet.

Check a hotel’s location against the places you plan to visit.

Raised bogs and walking trails

The Heide Route passes bodies of water, crosses the sandy rise known as “Haar,” with its heathland vegetation, and runs along the raised bog core. The Leidijk Route runs through the southern tip of Engbertsdijksvenen in Twente, passing peat cuttings and waterways. The Freek van ’n Ekkelpad in the northern part of the area is a short circular walk. From there, you can look out over the Friese Koelen, a body of water home to numerous waterbirds.

The central part of Engbertsdijksvenen is not open to the public; outside this area, you can walk on designated trails. Follow the signs on site and check current route conditions.

Peat history and museums

The Veenmuseum offers a glimpse into life, living and working during peat extraction in Noord-Twente from around 1850 to around 1950. Original peat trains run around the grounds. Along the way, they stop at furnished peat huts, an old Vriezenveen farmstead and a former shop with a taproom. Train services may vary by season; check when trains run before your visit. You can also explore the grounds on a circular walk of about 30 minutes.

The Historisch Museum Vriezenveen, housed in the former town hall in the center of Vriezenveen, focuses on the Rusluie, textile production and the village’s centuries-old history. The Rusluie were a group of merchants from Vriezenveen: in the 18th and 19th centuries, they sold goods in Russia and established a trading colony in Saint Petersburg. The museum’s subject matter therefore ranges from the village’s history to the merchants’ trade relations.

The Streekmuseum Middendorpshuis presents the history of Den Ham, Vroomshoop and Geerdijk through a range of themes. The Peddemorsboerderij serves as a cultural center. Exhibitions, events, discussion evenings, workshops and other activities take place there throughout the year; individual program items may vary. The Peddemorsboerderij has been a Rijksmonument, a listed national heritage site, since 1972.

Leemansmolen is a historic windmill dating from 1862. Guided tours for groups are available by appointment, explaining how the mill works and demonstrating the centuries-old technique of grinding grain. If you plan to visit, arrange your visit in advance.

A changing landscape

In 2011, Wederopbouwgebied Vriezenveen was designated one of 30 areas from the post-war reconstruction period to be of national cultural and historical significance. A cycling route through the area follows public roads and partly uses the cycling junction network. The observation tower in Wederopbouwgebied represents the boom of a dragline excavator.

In Veenschap, long, narrow agricultural plots can still be seen, some of which once stretched for several kilometers. Fayersheide was preserved as a remnant of the old landscape during land consolidation because of its distinctive flora and fauna. Mageler Es, in turn, is characterized by a prominent Jewish cemetery in its center, another on the edge of the es, and a ring of farmsteads.

Water and other excursions

South of Den Ham, the Linderbeek winds its way toward Ommen and on to the Vecht. A circular trip on the Linderbeek is about 17 km long; check water conditions locally. Camping en Kanoverhuur De Linderbeek offers canoe trips for small or large groups in kayaks or Canadian canoes. Check availability with the provider in advance.

A children’s cycling route passes the “Sahara,” a large area of drifting sand, and several frog ponds. Route details may change, so check the latest route information before setting off.

Regional production

Kalkwijck Distillers makes spirits from grain grown on its own surrounding land. Tours and tastings are available by prior arrangement.

Discover more destinations: Den Ham, Westerhaar-Vriezenv Wijk, Oldenzaal, Steenwijkerland, Hof Van Twente, Tubbergen, Ommen, Borne

Go to the main travel overview: Overijssel.