Cycling route Twente Regge Valley and Dutch Black Forest
Cycle through a rustic Twente landscape of elevated es fields, flowering farmland and the winding Regge flowing as a green thread between meadows and hedgerows.
The Landscape
People have lived along the Regge since prehistoric times, once forced to adapt to sand, peat and water, but today drawn instead by the peace and natural dynamics of the landscape. As the river meanders through the valley, open meadows, farmyards and changing vistas follow one another, with every bend revealing a new view. From the Regge Valley, the route gradually leads into rolling natural scenery, with De Borkeld as a highlight, where heathlands, burial mounds and impressive juniper thickets together create a unique Twente landscape.
Near Sallandse Heuvelrug lies a hilly forest area nicknamed the Dutch Black Forest, with dense woodland and winding paths that feel surprisingly unlike the Netherlands. It was created through afforestation projects during employment schemes and gradually developed into a small scale, tranquil forest landscape where broad deciduous canopies softly filter the light. Here, you cycle along sheltered and winding paths in complete relaxation, as if you have briefly disappeared from Twente altogether.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
You cycle from the open Regge Valley straight into the sheltered forests of the Dutch Black Forest, where winding paths and gentle elevation changes add extra character to the route. At De Borkeld, the heathland atmosphere truly comes to life, with ancient burial mounds and the distinctive juniper thickets that make this area so recognisable.
Around the Regge unfolds a mosaic of elevated es fields, green meadows and farmland that changes colour with every season. Hedgerows, farmyard planting and quiet country lanes create the characteristic Twente patchwork landscape, with constantly changing views across the rural countryside.
In the lower parts of the valley, you pass wet meadows and marshy lowlands that reflect the historic interaction between water, peat and sand. Reed beds, ponds and damp edges along the ditches give the route a soft green character, especially after rainfall and during spring.
The Regge forms the common thread of this cycling route, with every bend revealing a different view across riverbanks, meadows and hedgerows. Small streams and ditches feed the valley and strengthen the feeling of a true Twente stream landscape along the way.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through the Twente Regge Valley and the Dutch Black Forest lets you experience the charm of Twente from home, with the winding Regge serving as a peaceful guide past meadows, hedgerows, elevated es fields and flowering farmland. In the video, open vistas and small scale rural landscapes alternate continuously, giving every bend in the route a different atmosphere.
Afterwards, you enter the Dutch Black Forest, a surprisingly hilly woodland area with winding paths and tall deciduous trees that softly filter the light. Along the way, you experience the contrast between the open river valley landscape and the sheltered forest, with the heathlands and juniper thickets of De Borkeld providing an extra landmark.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish at cycling junction 91 on the Enterweg in Wierden. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 50 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 21 minutes
Elevation gain: 58 m
Paved roads: 88%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 12%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
