On foot through the Reestdal and Ommerschans

The winding river Reest flows straight through the Overijssel landscape. This route runs through the Reestdal, an area full of flowering meadows, forests and heathlands with an old farm here and there.

The meandering Reest
If you walk through the Reestdal, you may notice that the Reest river meanders strongly. That is quite unique in the Netherlands. The Reest has carved out a large bed, especially in the flat peat areas through which this river flows. Walk along the Reest and relax by listening to the soothing sound of the rippling water. Along the way you will be surprised with beautiful vistas and fields full of beautiful flowers. The Reestdal is the habitat of various animals and you will also find all kinds of vegetation here. Storks in particular feel at home in this area. You will also find badgers and foxes here. The rarest vegetation you will encounter in the Reestdal is the marsh serrated leaf, the Reest Orchid.

Beam bridge
This route takes you past the village of Balkbrug. The village originated on the Dedemsvaart canal. In the 1960s this canal was filled in to build a road. Part of Balkbrug and the area south of Balkbrug enjoys a protected village view. So be sure to take a look at this village and admire the historic buildings that you find here.