Holidayhomes in Overijssel
The province of Overijssel (“Lands across the river IJssel”) can be divided into four parts: kop van Overijssel, the Vechtdal (Vecht Valley), Salland and Twente. Situated in the central eastern part of the Netherlands, it is a province with a large amount of nature. Here you can hike or cycle past meadows, on dykes, through forests and along water. There is also plenty to see in this province. You'll certainly not have time to become bored on your vacation!
In the northern part of the province lies the watery Overijssel, with its numerous lakes, rivers and canals. Here you will find the valuable wetland known as the Weerribben. This system of lakes was the result of former peat-mining. When peat was no longer used for fuel, the mining stopped and the area became a beautiful nature reserve which you can discover by canoe or kayak. This way you can explore every nook and cranny. Along the way you will encounter lots of birds, fish and other wildlife. They have found a home here and have become dependent on the wetland. After a few hours on the water you can head to one of the cozy villages and relax at a cafe. This area is also excellent for walking and cycling enthusiasts. Along the lakes many paths have been constructed. This means you can divide your day so that you spend half walking or cycling and the other half on the water. In this way you can see all facets of the Weerribben. In summer, insect repellent is highly recommended.
The valley of the Vecht is located in the north of the province and extends all the way to the German border. This beautiful area offers lots of recreational possibilities, but also plenty of history, art and culture. Along the valley there are a number of beautiful villages and towns such as Dalfsen (which has splendid castles and manor houses) and Ommen. In Ommen there are also a number of fens plus beautiful drifting sands. Furthermore, there are many wonderful villages in the valley which are ideal for cycling and walking. For example, there is the Vechtdal route (Vechtdal footpath) which is 75 km in length. It can also be split into shorter routes. For a day of fun for the children you can visit theme parks in Slagharen and Hellendoorn.
Salland originated in the ice age. It has been inhabited continuously, more or less, since the last ice age. This area has traditionally been an agricultural area, thus not surprisingly you will find farms and mills everywhere. This helps make Salland a perfect place for cycling and walking. There are a number of routes you can choose from.
Twente is located in the far eastern part of Overijssel. The name comes from the Roman name for the Tubanti, the Germanic tribe who lived here in the early Middle Ages. Again, nature is beautiful and perfect for cycling and walking and again, there are several routes you can follow. The landscape is quite varied and includes many charming villages and towns which are worth a visit. Hengelo, Almelo and Enschede were famous in the 19th century for their textile industry. Over time these towns have grown tremendously, becoming the economic hub of Twente. These towns have excellent shopping facilities. On hot summer days you can swim in one of the lakes in the region.
In Overijssel you will find a few beautiful old Hanseatic cities like Kampen, Deventer and Zwolle. These cities were originally members of the Hanseatic League, an economic alliance between various cities along the coast of Northern Europe during the Middle Ages. When you visit these cities you can admire their architecture as seen in the old buildings, beautiful gates, bridges and churches. You can also enjoy shopping, a cafe or a variety of museums.