Dinkelland Travel Guide

Discover the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, lodging options, and travel logistics to Dinkelland in the Netherlands.


Introduction to Dinkelland

Dinkelland is a municipality in the province of Overijssel, situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands. It consists of various peaceful villages that preserve their cultural legacy and natural charm. This quaint region is the perfect honeymoon destination, family vacation spot, and weekend getaway for history buffs, hikers, and cyclists.

List of Places to Visit in Dinkelland

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Stift Uelsen: A monastery with beautiful gardens and exhibitions displaying historic art, antiques, and crafts.
  • De Museumfabriek: A museum with interactive displays related to the history, science, and art of Twente and beyond.
  • Huis Singraven: An estate near the river Dinkel featuring a watermill, a castle, and a park with walking paths and high trees.
  • Oldenzaal Fortress: A former castle turned museum with historical treasures, paintings, and sculptures.

Natural Attractions of Dinkelland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dinkeldal: A picturesque valley with hiking and biking trails, rivers, and fields.
  • Het Lutterzand: A nature reserve with white sand dunes, forests, and streams.
  • Denekampse Molen: An old windmill with a surrounding garden and bike rental.
  • Kalheupinkpark: A park with a playground, ponds, and fountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dinkelland

Dinkelland has many scenic hiking and biking paths to explore. The most popular ones are:

  • Lutterzandroute: An 18 km route passing through woods, dunes, and moorland.
  • Dinkelpad: A 17 km route along the Dinkel River, crossing through rustic villages and meadows.
  • Singravenroute: A 16 km route leading through a stunning estate and woodlands.
  • Molenroute: A 30 km route passing through different mills and beautiful countryside.

Best Things to Do in Dinkelland: Activities and Tours

  • Take a boat trip on the Dinkel river.
  • Attend a traditional fair, such as the Oldenzaal’s carnival.
  • Visit a cheese farm in Denekamp and indulge in regional dairy products.
  • Take part in the local wine route of Twente.
  • Enjoy horseback riding in the countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dinkelland

Day 1: Arrival in Oldenzaal and walking tour around the fortress. Day 2: Biking tour to Huis Singraven and visiting the watermill and park. Day 3: Hiking in Het Lutterzand and picnicking on the sand dunes. Day 4: Visiting Stift Uelsen and its gardens and museums. Day 5: Biking alongside the Dinkel river to the border town of Nordhorn. Day 6: Wine tasting tour in the Twente region. Day 7: Departure day.

Food and Drink Scene of Dinkelland

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot: A traditional Dutch dish made of mashed potatoes mixed with a vegetable like kale, sauerkraut, or carrots, and sausage.
  • Goudse Stroopwafel: A caramel-filled, round waffle.
  • Erwtensoep: A thick Dutch pea soup with vegetables, bacon and sausage.
  • Poffertjes: Small, fluffy Dutch pancakes, usually served with butter and powdered sugar.
  • Kroket: A small deep-fried snack with meat ragout, covered in breadcrumbs.

Local Beverages

  • Grolsch: A famous Dutch pilsner beer brewed in Enschede.
  • Berentzen Hof: A local distillery in the Twente region, producing apple and plum-based spirits.
  • Jenever: The official Dutch national liquor made from juniper berries, similar to gin.

Where to Stay in Dinkelland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dinkelland offers accommodation options for every budget and preference.

  • Landgoedhotel de Wilmersberg: A luxurious hotel near De Museumfabriek, with a modern spa, swimming pool, and golf course.
  • Erve Hulsbeek: A rustic, historical countryside hotel near Het Lutterzand with a restaurant serving regional cuisine.
  • B&B Erve Benneker: A bed-and-breakfast near Denekamp with a vintage atmosphere and a lovely garden.
  • Camping De Witte Berg: A family-friendly camping site near Lattrop with modern facilities and a heated pool.

What to Buy in Dinkelland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Delft Blue pottery: A type of hand-painted pottery characterized by blue and white patterns.
  • Wooden shoes: Traditional Dutch footwear made of wood, often used for gardening and farming.
  • Dutch cheese: Popular cheeses include Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam.

Local Culture and Customs of Dinkelland

The locals of Dinkelland are friendly and hospitable, and preserving their heritage and traditions is vital to them. The region’s culture is best represented during summer fairs, parades, and festivals where visitors can experience authentic Dutch customs and folklore.

Best Time to Visit Dinkelland

The best time to visit Dinkelland is between May and September, when the weather is pleasant and the flower fields are in full bloom. During winter months, the towns are quieter, but the Christmas markets are popular, and hiking and biking are still enjoyable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dinkelland

Do:

  • Rent a bike or bring your own and explore the countryside by cycling.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Respect the locals’ privacy and traditions while visiting their places.
  • Enjoy the beautiful natural attractions of the region.

Don’t:

  • Smoke or litter in public places.
  • Disturb the wildlife or nature reserves.
  • Behave disrespectfully towards the locals or their customs.
  • Wander off the hiking trails or biking routes without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dinkelland

Dinkelland is a safe place to visit, with very low crime rates. Standard measures, such as keeping valuables safe, not leaving bags and wallets unattended, and staying aware in busy areas, are still recommended.

Health in Dinkelland

Dinkelland is a clean and hygienic region, with good healthcare facilities. European visitors with an EHIC card can use it to access free medical care. Visitors from other countries can buy medical insurance before their trip.

Getting to Dinkelland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Dinkelland is accessible through various transportation options.

Airports Near Dinkelland

  • Muenster Osnabrueck International Airport, Germany (60 km)
  • Eindhoven Airport, Netherlands (150 km)
  • Schipol Amsterdam Airport, Netherlands (170 km)

Bus Stations Near Dinkelland

  • Central Bus Station Oldenzaal is the main bus station in Dinkelland.

Other Options

  • It is also accessible by train from Amsterdam Central Station or Schiphol Airport to Hengelo or Oldenzaal.
  • Taxis are available in various towns.
  • Car rental is available at airports and some towns.

How to Get Around in Dinkelland

The best way to discover Dinkelland is by bike or on foot, as much of the region is rural and has nice biking paths and walking trails. Busses are infrequent and may not run on weekends and holidays. Taxis and rental car options are available.

Where to Go Next from Dinkelland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Muenster, Germany: A charming university town with medieval architecture, museums, and parks.
  • Enschede, Netherlands: A modern city with shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
  • The Netherlands-Münsterland Route: A scenic driving route that takes visitors through Dutch and German border towns, castles, and nature reserves.

Conclusion

Dinkelland is a hidden gem that combines rich cultural heritage with natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Dinkelland has something to offer for everyone. From hiking through rustic villages to tasting local delicacies and staying at charming lodgings, this region of the Netherlands is a must-visit destination.

Ootmarsum, Dinkelland. Ootmarsum, Dinkelland.