The 7 most beautiful walking routes from Vilsteren
The Vechtdal is a walker’s paradise in the heart of Overijssel: endless forests, purple-flowering heathland, centuries-old estates, drift sand and the river landscape of the Vecht. From our bungalow in Vilsteren you have it all within reach: the estate starts at the front door, and the Lemelerberg and the Sahara of Ommen are a fifteen-minute drive away. Below are seven verified routes, increasing from a morning loop to a sturdy stage of the Vechtdalpad — each with its own page full of details.
1.Estate walk — 2.5 km
The shortest waymarked Anjerpunt route across the Vilsteren estate: past the little church and through the stately wooded lanes. Perfect as a morning walk, also with a pram.
2.Lemelerberg: prime nature — 3.6 km
Drift sand, junipers and far-reaching views on the quiet southern slope of the Lemelerberg — a push moraine 78 metres high from the ice age. With a chance of sand lizards and the great grey shrike.
3.Family route Vilsteren estate — 3.9 km
Alternating woodland and open meadow — the landscape changes every ten minutes, so children stay engaged. Almost flat terrain.
4.Vilsteren estate in a nutshell — 6 km
The Vilsteren estate in a nutshell: woodland, heath and cultivated landscape in one route, with explanations about estate management along the way.
5.Sahara & Besthmenerberg — 10 km
Through the famous drift-sand area of Ommen, past the Zeesserven and Besthmenerven pools and across the heath of the Besthmenerberg. A full day’s walk full of variety.
6.Trage Tocht Vilsteren — 13 km
From the well-known Trage Tochten series: past the Kluizenaarsmeer, the tea pavilion and the hermit’s hut, almost entirely on unpaved paths.
7.Vechtdalpad: Dalfsen – Ommen stage — 16.6 km
A stage of the 110 km Vechtdalpad follows the river landscape of the Vecht and passes Vilsteren, a few minutes from the bungalow. Train back from Ommen to Dalfsen in 10 minutes.
Tip: create your own route via the junction network
Prefer to set your own distance? In the Vechtdal there are hundreds of waymarked walking junctions. Via Vechtdal Overijssel you can put together a tailored route from any starting point you like.
Practical tips
- Footwear: sturdy walking shoes — sandy and forest paths can be muddy after rain.
- Layered clothing: the weather in Overijssel is changeable.
- Water and a snack: on the longer routes there’s barely any catering en route.
- Route leaflets: the Anjerpunt routes cost €1 per leaflet at the estate centre; the Landschap Overijssel routes are free online, including GPX.
Vilsteren as a base
Walking is most relaxing when you don’t have to go looking for your accommodation. Our bungalow is on the estate grounds, and the Lemelerberg and Sahara are a fifteen-minute drive away. After a day’s walking, stretch your legs in the private barrel sauna, light the wood fire under the canopy, or take a refreshing dip in the swimming lake 200 metres away.
A week of walking, eating and rest
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