In and around Haaksbergerveen

The nature reserve of Haaksbergerveen is an area of outstanding natural beauty near the town of Haaksbergen in the province of Overijssel. Haaksbergerveen is a relict of one of the raised bog areas on the border of the Netherlands and Germany. The reserve is a Natura 2000 area and forms a transborder reserve with the "Ammeloër Venn" in Germany.
During the last few decades a network of dams was constructed in order to restore the necessary water tables to allow the fen-vegetation to recover. Raised bogs (in Dutch: hoogveen) are scarce in the Netherlands and are therefore protected and sustained.

The unique landscape here, the fens, meadows and fields are a treat to walk and cycle through. This hike combines a number of trails that are signposted in the area.

However, what a surprise we had when suddenly a new boardwalk had not been fully finished, suddenly the elevated wooden planks stopped. We heard that within 2 weeks the boardwalk would be finished. So expect to be able to enjoy its full length from September 2021 onwards.

As you can see on the map there are a few extra sidesteps, this had to do with finding out if a bird watching spot was open to the public, which it was not unfortunately. The area was closed as a resting area for the wildlife there. It's easy to skip this when you decide to try out this trail.

On the way we came across a shepherd with a large flock of sheep; we also think we saw the flamingos that are promised to be in the area. We decided to include on this trail a part that neighbours on the nature reserve. This turned out to have many maizefields, apart from an enjoyable stretch along a brook (Zodderbeek).

All in all, a rewarding hike.