The Lutterzand

A river still allowed to flow freely

In the east of Twente, in the valley of the Dinkel, lies the Lutterzand: a sprawling nature area between De Lutte and Denekamp. The Dinkel is one of the few rivers in the Netherlands still allowed to meander freely, and you can see it. The water scours along steep, sandy banks several metres high and lays bare the soil layers of thousands of years along the way, an open book on the history of the Dinkel valley since the last ice age.

On an inner bend the river deposits sand instead, slowly building a new bank. It is a landscape literally in motion, finding its shape anew with every high water.

Drifting sand, juniper and Scots pine

Higher up the bank you feel more on the heath than in a river valley. Here old and young pine woods alternate with heathland, drift pines and gnarled juniper bushes on former drifting sand. The sand crunches under your feet, the needles rustle overhead, and the air is steeped in resin and heather.

It is rich bird country. With luck you hear the woodlark above the clearings, spot the great spotted woodpecker against a trunk, or watch a buzzard circle high above the woods.

Walkable all year round

You walk and cycle freely here on the marked paths, all year round, with your dog leashed at your side. Set off at your ease, let the Dinkel set your pace, and come home with sand on your shoes and silence in your head.