Sagenland route Twente by car
A loop through the hedgerow landscape of north-east Twente past the artists' town of Ootmarsum, old fields, hedgerows and farmhouses, from Oldenzaal via Rossum and Denekamp. For convertible, touring car, motorbike and camper.
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Photos via Wikimedia Commons: lane in Ootmarsum by Michielverbeek (CC BY-SA 3.0), overview of Ootmarsum by A. J. van der Wal (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Through the hedgerow landscape of Twente
North-east Twente is one of the best-preserved landscapes in the Netherlands: a rolling hedgerow landscape of small fields, tree lines, old sandy uplands and centuries-old farmhouses, cut through by streams and sand tracks. It is the land of the Twente legends and folk tales, of white women and witches' circles, from which this route takes its name. A loop of about 51 kilometres past the finest of the region, with the artists' town of Ootmarsum as its shining centre.
You start in Oldenzaal, the old town with its imposing Plechelmus basilica, and drive via the hamlet of Rossum to Ootmarsum, perhaps the loveliest little town in Twente. The route then runs via Denekamp and the Singraven estate along streams and country houses back through the farmland. In just over an hour you see the real, small-scale Twente; take your time for Ootmarsum and a terrace.
The route on the map
A schematic overview by Touren.app, not a navigation map. The exact route opens under “Drive this route” or in Google Maps. Map orientation: north is up.
Soon: your time and starting point
The places along the route
1. Oldenzaal
Oldenzaal is the old town of north-east Twente, with the mighty Romanesque Plechelmus basilica of red sandstone at its heart. The pleasant centre with its cobbles and terraces is a good starting point; from here you drive straight into the hedgerow landscape.
Practical: park around the centre; the basilica and the market are within walking distance.
2. Rossum
Rossum is a small Twente church village between Oldenzaal and Ootmarsum, ringed by old fields and hedgerows. The road to it winds through the rolling land with its small fields and farms: here you see at once why the hedgerow landscape is so special.
Practical: a short stop; fine winding roads in the area.
3. Ootmarsum
Ootmarsum is the shining centre of the route: a tiny, pristine town with winding lanes, half-timbered houses and a Romanesque church, beloved of artists for over a century. There are galleries, studios and the Los Hoes open-air museum. It is reckoned one of the loveliest little towns in the Netherlands.
Practical: park on the edge; the low-traffic centre is at its best on foot.
4. Denekamp
Denekamp lies on the little river Dinkel, with the picturesque Singraven estate and water mill nearby, one of the finest spots in Twente. Around the village lie old country estates, streams and the Dinkel valley nature reserve; plenty of reason to stop a while.
Practical: park in the village or at Singraven; footpaths along the Dinkel.
5. Weerselo
Weerselo closes the loop, an old village with a former abbey and one of the finest upland fields of Twente around it. From here you drive through the hedgerow landscape back to Oldenzaal, with the tree lines and farmhouses one more time along the road.
Practical: a short stop; park in the village, fine surroundings for a last stroll.
Practical: for convertible, motorbike and camper
From which town: the route starts in Oldenzaal, but you can join anywhere. Enter your address in the planner, choose your time, and Touren.app rebuilds the same loop from Ootmarsum, Denekamp, Enschede or wherever you are staying.
For which vehicle: the narrow, winding roads through the hedgerow landscape are one of the finest scenic drives in the east. With a camper, mind the narrow centre of Ootmarsum and park on the edge.
Take your time for Ootmarsum: the town is the highlight of the route, with galleries, terraces and the Los Hoes open-air museum. Park on the edge and walk into the low-traffic centre; an hour's stroll is part of it.
The land of legends: many Twente folk tales are tied to this landscape, from white women to the devil. The name Sagenland refers to that. Along the way you see the old fields, hedgerows and farmhouses that have shaped the land for centuries; drive gently, for the roads are narrow and winding.
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Mail this route to yourselfFrequently asked questions
What is the hedgerow landscape of Twente?
A small-scale landscape of fields and meadows separated by hedgerows and little woods, like the wings of a stage. North-east Twente has one of the best-preserved hedgerow landscapes in the Netherlands.
How long is the Sagenland route by car?
About 51 kilometres, with just over an hour of pure driving, measured via Google Maps with motorways avoided. With Ootmarsum and Singraven it is a fine half day.
What is there to see in Ootmarsum?
A pristine, low-traffic town with winding lanes, half-timbered houses, a Romanesque church, many galleries and studios and the Los Hoes open-air museum. It is reckoned one of the loveliest little towns in the Netherlands.
Is the route suitable for convertible, motorbike and camper?
Yes, and for convertible and motorbike this is one of the finest routes in the east. With a camper, mind the narrow centre of Ootmarsum and park on the edge.
Are the exports really free?
Yes, free with a Touren.app credit on them. You never pay us for exports; those who want to drive ad-free and offline choose Plus.
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