The Springendal - Hezingen

Springendal literally means: the valley where springs arise. And that’s exactly what makes this area so special. In the Springendal, just north of Ootmarsum, several brooks rise to the surface, including the Mosbeek. Crystal-clear spring water flows through forests, heathlands, meadows and old farmlands. Small waterfalls, wooded banks and fens make the landscape varied and surprising.

The area has been in use for thousands of years. Prehistoric burial mounds and early medieval finds show that people already lived, worked and even made sacrifices here long ago. In the 20th century, textile manufacturer Jannink from Enschede redesigned the landscape in English style with winding paths, vistas and ponds.

Springendal was also a place of escape. During wars and smuggling, people would walk through the forest to cross into Germany. For strangers, it was a real maze, with thick vegetation, streams and countless paths making it hard to navigate. Perfect if you needed to cross the border unnoticed.

Today, it’s mainly a peaceful nature reserve, managed by Staatsbosbeheer and Landschap Overijssel.