Cycling route Salland between Vecht and IJssel
Cycle through a rustic Salland landscape of country estates, quiet tree lined avenues, stream valleys, open farmland and the ever changing scenery of the Vecht and IJssel rivers.
The Landscape
Between Dalfsen and Zwolle, this cycling route follows the broad story of water and time. The Vecht winds through green meadows and floodplains, while rows of poplars and old dikes set the rhythm of the landscape. Further along, the IJssel also reveals how a river shapes the region, with side channels, former river arms and floodplain forests continually opening up new vistas.
Between these two rivers, Salland reveals itself at its very best: peaceful, spacious and remarkably rich in history. Monumental country estates, manor houses and the medieval Rechteren Castle recall centuries of nobility and craftsmanship, surrounded by park forests, hedges, water features and long beech lined avenues. Beyond them unfolds a mosaic of fields and grasslands, drainage canals, hedgerows and ribbon villages, ideal for anyone who appreciates natural beauty and the calm rhythm of rural life.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Between Heino and the Vechtdal, you cycle through cool woodland strips and long tree lined avenues, where small heathlands briefly open up the greenery. This contrast between shade and open space gives the route a calm and natural rhythm.
You start at Landgoed Old Heino and cycle past stately entrance avenues, historic farmhouses and hidden farmyards that give Salland its distinctive atmosphere. Near Dalfsen, Rechteren Castle appears as a historic landmark, with even more country estates emerging among the greenery along the route.
Around Zwolle and between the villages, wide stretches of farmland with meadows and fields create the characteristic openness of Salland. Along quiet roads, you look far across the open countryside, with ditches and farmyard planting giving structure to the landscape.
The route follows the Vecht towards Dalfsen, allowing you to experience the river from constantly changing perspectives, sometimes close by and sometimes from a distance. Afterwards, you cycle via Zwolle along the Nieuwe Wetering back towards Heino, truly riding between the Vecht and the IJssel.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through Salland between the Vecht and the IJssel lets you experience from home the calm rhythm of the Overijssel countryside, where long avenues, woodland strips and open farmland alternate naturally. Along the way, you pass characteristic Salland vistas with hedgerows, drainage canals and village edges, so that every kilometre reveals a new piece of landscape.
In the video, you also experience the dynamics of water, with the winding Vecht near Dalfsen and the broad influence of the IJssel on the landscape around Zwolle. The route becomes even more special through its estate landscapes and heritage sites, with stately entrance avenues, historic farmhouses and Rechteren Castle as the historical highlight along the way.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start en finish near cycling junction 83 at the Stationsweg in Dalfsen. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 53 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 32 minutes
Elevation gain: 29 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.
