The Vecht Valley in Northeast Overijssel

The Landscape

The Vecht Valley in the northeast of Overijssel is a characteristic river landscape, where the Vecht winds its way calmly through wide green fields. Along the river you will find floodplains, river dunes and small woodlands that together create a varied and natural setting. Further away, open meadows, small-scale farmland and old hedgerows alternate with one another. At some distance from the river lie vast coniferous and deciduous forests covering more than a thousand hectares. Originally planted for timber production, they have since developed into a valuable nature reserve. At the heart of this landscape lies the historic fortress town of Hardenberg, an ideal base for exploring the Vecht Valley.

In the surroundings of the charming historic village of Rheeze, with its traditional village green, the Rheezerbelten immediately catch the eye. These are long, wooded sand dunes that add a striking height difference to the green Vecht Valley. The hills were shaped by nature at a time when wind and sand moved freely across the land. On the tops, scrub and gnarled oak trees grow, giving the landscape a lively and playful character. In the lower areas, marsh marigolds bloom in spring, turning the grass bright yellow and creating a picturesque scene.