Land of Lochem and Ravenswaarden

The Landscape

The Land of Lochem is not an officially defined nature or cultural area, but a name for the green landscape surrounding the town of Lochem. This region breathes a harmonious blend of nature, agriculture, and history. Green stream valleys, ancient deciduous forests, sandy soils, hedgerows, and hay meadows alternate with stately estates and characteristic farmsteads. The landscape unfolds like a stage set, where hedgerows and groves act as natural backdrops, constantly changing the view. The Gorsselse Heide is a welcome addition to this scenery. In this quiet nature reserve, you can cycle past open heathlands, ponds, and forest edges.

Between Gorssel and Eefde you cycle through the open floodplains of the Ravenswaarden, a wild and lively river landscape with hay and pasture lands, hawthorn hedges, pollarded willows, and old river channels. Here the IJssel River still has plenty of space. During high water the area floods, causing the nature to change with every season. You cycle past wet riverbanks, flower-rich grasslands, and open water where storks, geese, oystercatchers, and lapwings feel at home. The IJssel winds along with you, and everywhere you enjoy wide views over a landscape that lives to the rhythm of the river.