Top 20 Natural Monuments around Twenterand

The Twenterand region offers a diverse range of natural features. You can explore rare active raised bogs at Engbertsdijksvenen, which is a Natura 2000 protected area with unique peatlands and wet heathlands. The area also features impressive ice-age formations known as "stuwwallen," visible in areas stretching from Ommen towards Hoge Hexel, where you might even find fossils. Additionally, the Sahara Sand Drift (Ommen) presents a striking sandy landscape surrounded by forest.

Yes, several natural monuments in Twenterand are great for families. The Big Stone, a large glacial erratic, is a fun spot where you can explain how these hills were formed during the Ice Age. The Sahara Sand Drift (Ommen) is also popular for children to play and build huts in the sand. The Nijverdalse Berg area, particularly near the Sallandse Heuvelrug Visitor Center, offers activities like gnome walks for small children.

The Engbertsdijksvenen is a prime location for wildlife spotting. It's a vital habitat for various bird species, including the bluethroat, stonechat, common crane, Taiga bean goose, and black-necked grebe. You might also encounter reptiles such as adders, smooth snakes, and sand lizards, as well as tree frogs and various dragonflies like the four-spotted chaser and emperor dragonfly. Birdwatching from designated hides is a popular activity there.

The region around Twenterand offers numerous outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking and cycling routes around the Archemerberg, which provides varied landscapes and great views. The Vecht River, though partly canalized, offers opportunities for boating and cycling along its banks. For more structured routes, you can explore various cycling routes, road cycling tours, and MTB trails that pass through or near these natural areas.

Yes, hiking is a popular activity. The Archemerberg is known as a wonderful hiking area with varied and rugged nature. The Nijverdalse Berg also offers pleasant forest and heathland walks. For a unique experience, guided tours are available for exploring the bog up close in the Engbertsdijksvenen.

The best season to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for observing diverse flora and fauna, especially in areas like Engbertsdijksvenen, where peat plants and various bird species are active. Autumn offers beautiful colors in the forested areas and heathlands. The observation tower at Besthmenerberg provides compelling panoramic views year-round, weather permitting.

The landscape of Twenterand is significantly shaped by the last ice age. You can observe "stuwwallen" (push moraines), which are elevation differences of sand and gravel created by creeping land ice over 100,000 years ago. These formations are visible in areas like those stretching from Ommen towards Hoge Hexel and near Westerhaar. The Big Stone is a notable example of a glacial erratic, a large stone transported by the ice.

Visitors frequently praise the varied and rugged natural beauty, especially around the Archemerberg, which offers great views. The unique sandy landscape of the Sahara Sand Drift (Ommen) is often described as breathtaking and a pleasant surprise. Many appreciate the tranquility and opportunities for nature observation, as well as the family-friendly aspects of places like The Big Stone.

Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The Archemerberg offers extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Additionally, the Besthmenerberg, located in the vicinity, features an 18-meter high steel observation tower that provides grand panoramic views of the natural surroundings, perfect for photography and appreciating the vastness of the region's nature.

While the main natural monuments are well-known, the expansive Engbertsdijksvenen, with its rare active raised bog, offers a truly unique and tranquil experience that feels off the beaten path for many. Exploring the specific ice-age formations (stuwwallen) near Westerhaar can also lead to discovering less-trafficked areas with interesting geological insights.