Twente—surprisingly close to home, of course

So close to home, and yet you feel like you’re in another world. In the municipality of Hof van Twente (Delden, Diepenheim, Markelo, Goor, and Hengevelde), you’ll find the charming “coulissen” landscape—a patchwork of irregular plots bordered by hedges and wooded embankments. A little further east lies the artistic town of Ootmarsum and the beautiful natural surroundings of Denekamp.

Twente has something for everyone—whether you want to go for a walk, ride a bike, enjoy nature, experience art and culture, or sample local delicacies. Let me take you on a journey of discovery right here at home.

Cycling in Twente: 6Castles in and Around Diepenheim

We’ll start in Diepenheim, the smallest town in Twente, which is why the locals affectionately call it “’t Stedeke.”

There are six beautiful castles in and around Diepenheim. The Six Castles Bicycle Route is an ideal way to discover these gems, but you can, of course, also visit the castle estates individually. Starting from Diepenheim, you’ll walk past Huize Diepenheim, on to Warmelo Castle, and then continue to Westerflier Castle. Weldam Castle, the Nijenhuis, and Wegdam are located on the other side of Diepenheim.

All six castles in a row

• Diepenheim House: located on the outskirts of the town center, next to the church. Part of the park is open to the public and features beautiful rhododendrons.
• Warmelo Castle: As you stroll through the beautiful historic garden, you’ll pass intricately carved sand sculptures, each with a new theme every year. The Summer Delights Event takes place in July.
• The Westerflier: The Westerflier is located west of Diepenheim and is part of the Nijenhuis & Westerflier Estate. It is larger (330 ha) and less romantic in character than the Nijenhuis, featuring large meadows, expansive wooded areas, and straight avenues. There are various walking and biking trails on the estate.
• The Nijenhuis: The Nijenhuis (approx. 200 ha) is located east of Diepenheim. The estate has a park-like character: romantic walking paths along the meandering Molenbeek, groups of historic trees, and picturesque vistas define the landscape. The house is imposing, with its four towers and two outbuildings. It is part of the Nijenhuis & Westerflier Estate; there are various walking and biking trails on the estate, which can be explored on Castle Day.
• Weldam Castle: located east of Diepenheim. Weldam is one of the larger estates in the eastern Netherlands. The centuries-old estate, centered around the castle and gardens, consists of forests, fields, meadows, streams, characteristic avenues, historic houses, St. Mary’s Chapel Weldam, and farms. The shutters, painted black and yellow, are a telltale sign that you’re looking at a building on the estate. It’s a wonderful place for walking and biking. I’m always impressed by the number of birds you can hear here. A visit to the garden is highly recommended, especially in the summer. In September, the English Fair is held at Weldam Castle.
• Havezate Wegdam is part of the Weldam estate. You can walk or bike along it.

If you’re coming from far away and would like to take a shorter walk, Weldam Castle and Warmelo Castle have spacious parking lots.

“Stedeke” Diepenheim, the smallest town in Twente

Diepenheim is a charming little town. Since there’s plenty to do in the area, day-trippers regularly stop by (in a friendly way) to relax on a sidewalk café.

Located along the beautiful cycling and hiking trail between the Deventerdijk and Goordijk in Diepenheim, artist Jeroen Kooijmans created *De Boomtuin* in the crown of a 250-year-old oak tree. It’s definitely worth a walk or bike ride!

Would you like to dine at a special place? Then be sure to visit Restaurant den Haller, which is idyllically situated next to the old watermill.

Delden: Cycling and Local Products

Delden is a 15-minute drive away. It’s a picturesque little town with the Twickel Estate (4,400 ha) just outside the center. A real gem!

Characteristic features include the centrally located castle with its famous gardens, the traditional farmsteads (recognizable by their black-and-white shutters), and the varied landscape consisting of gently rolling fields, meadows, forests, and centuries-old oak trees, heathlands, and fens, interspersed with streams and hedgerows.

There are some beautiful hiking and biking trails here, such as the Umfassungsweg (11 km).

Every first Saturday of the month, there’s a farmers’ market in Delden on the square next to the church. It’s a real celebration of local culinary treasures. Every stall is definitely worth a visit! I love hearing the stories from the proud business owners, who, of course, offer the best products. My favorites include a slice of quiche from Eetrijk, the organic vegetables at ‘t Vreebroek, a delicious jam, wonderful meat, and, of course, a Kozak or another homemade tart from Cynthia.

Be sure to pop into Langestraat 29, where the Twickel Estate Shop is located. On market days, they bake bread in the old wood-fired oven. It’s really fun to watch. The shop carries organic and fresh products from the estate and its tenants, as well as “local” products.

Markelo and the Markelose Berg Walk

The landscape around Markelo is gently rolling, which sometimes makes it seem as if you’re driving through Tuscany. The Markelo Hill (40.1 m) is part of the Salland Ridge and was formed by retreating glaciers during the penultimate Ice Age. Archaeological research shows that the hill has been inhabited since ancient times. World War II also left its mark on the hill. The impressive Provincial Resistance Monument serves as a reminder of this. It’s a surprising little piece of nature where you can enjoy a lovely walk. A stroll around Markelose Berg.

Just outside Markelo, you’ll find De Borkeld, a nature reserve with beautiful heathlands that is easily accessible to cyclists and hikers.

The Art Town of Ootmarsum

Ootmarsum is the next surprise. When I arrive, the historic town is bustling with preparations for the weekend art market. But even without the art market, a morning or afternoon stroll is definitely worth it.

Ootmarsum isn’t very big, but it has many art galleries, boutiques, and, of course, the Ton Schulten Museum. Just outside the town, you’ll find the beautiful Springendal nature reserve, with countless hiking trails, such as the Springs Trail.

Denekamp: Endless Hiking and Biking

In addition to the beautiful Singraven estate, Denekamp has many lively traditions. From midwinter horn-blowing to klootschieten and Paasstaakslepen on Easter Sunday.

But above all, there’s plenty of beautiful nature through which the Dinkel River winds, as well as lovely hiking and biking trails, such as the Landgoed-Coulissenland Route and two “culinary bike routes” where, along the way, you’ll not only experience nature but also sample local delicacies.

For the best ice cream or homemade chocolate, head to La Bomba on Vledderstraat. For delicious food (and a place to stay), check out Erfgoed Bossem in nearby Lattrop.

Dark Sky Twente

Okay, it’s not an official Dark Sky Park Twente, but it is an area with very little light pollution. At Erfgoed Bossem, you can spend the night in a star cube with a glass roof (and a telescope). In Lattrop, you can also visit the Cosmos Observatory to gaze at the stars or the sun.

Twente: A Hub for the Arts

In addition to its beautiful natural scenery, Twente is also a hotbed for the arts.

In Diepenheim, you’ll find various galleries, the Herberg de Pol Cultural Center, and the Drawing Center Diepenheim. Every year around the May break, the Kunstmoment Diepenheim takes place, during which 50 artists exhibit their work for seven days at unique locations in and around Diepenheim. Some of these locations are otherwise closed to the public. Of course, a beautiful cycling route has been mapped out for this event as well!

There are many galleries in Ootmarsum, such as Chez-Moi, Ton Schulten Galerie International, and the Ton Schulten Museum. Be sure to check the opening hours carefully in advance. They are usually closed on Mondays and sometimes on Tuesdays as well.

Rest Areas in Twente

In Twente, you’ll come across quite a few Rest Stops along your bike route; a place to use the restroom, grab a drink (for a small fee), get information about the area, charge your e-bike, and patch a flat tire. All Rest Stops are located along a cycling or hiking route, often on private property, whether or not it’s used for agricultural purposes.

Along the side of the road, you’ll often see stalls selling homemade products, such as jam, home-grown plants, honey, or even pottery. Delicious and a really nice souvenir!

Where to Stay in Twente

Our recommendations for places to stay in Twente

• Bossem Heritage in Lattrop, near Denekamp. In addition to a wide variety of lodging options (from farmhouse rooms to star-shaped cubes and Glamping), it also offers delicious, locally sourced food.

• Our cabin in Diepenheim: a comfortable vacation home in your own forest. Suitable for up to 4 people. Surrounded by nature and close to all the beauty that Diepenheim and Twente have to offer. Comfort, tranquility, nature, and privacy.

Twente on the Map