Ootmarsum, Oldenzaal, Rossum

Your adventure begins in lively Oldenzaal, a town with a rich history and a Burgundian character. The imposing Sint-Plechelmusbasiliek basilica forms the heart of the city centre and is a reminder of a past that goes back centuries. From here, you can cycle straight into the Twente countryside. You wind your way through the leafy bocage landscape towards Ootmarsum, past hedgerows, meadows and quiet roads.

In Ootmarsum itself, you can stop off in a town known for its charming streets, galleries and half-timbered houses. From here, you continue along the river Dinkel, passing the Schuivenhuisje van Tilligte and the watermill at the Singraven estate.

Brave the Hakenberg for beautiful views of the mystical landscape. There is also a viewpoint at the Paasberg, where you can look out over the woods, pools and fields with wild flowers and corn. This hill is steeped in history and myths. According to legend, pagan rituals were once performed here for the annual spring festivals.

The absolute highlight is the unique nature reserve and quiet area of Egheria, located between Oldenzaal and De Lutte. This estate used to belong to the textile baron Ten Cate. He named the estate after his four sons: Egbert, Hendrink, Richard and Arnold.

The 85-metre-high Tankenberg is the heart of the estate. From the former tea dome of the family at the top, you have a magnificent view of this beautiful, but above all quiet nature reserve. The only thing you hear here is the rustling of the wind through the trees, the singing of the birds and the babbling of the streams.

You end where you started: in Oldenzaal. But after this trip, the city feels slightly different, like a place where you return full of new impressions.