Over the Kuiperberg into the Springendal

You set off from the market square of Ootmarsum, among the plastered facades and the medieval church. From the artist town it is a quarter of an hour up the first slope: the Kuiperberg, at just over seventy metres one of the highest points in Twente.

Along the way

On top of the moraine the landscape opens up. You look out over the hedgerow landscape: rounded fields, dark wooded banks and scattered farmhouses, one plot greener than the next. You descend along sandy tracks through the hamlet of Oud Ootmarsum, where old farmsteads sit among the oaks.

Highlight

The Springendal is the heart of the route. Here glass-clear springs rise to the surface and run as narrow streams through the woods. At De Bronnen mirror-still pools lie among the coppice; a little further the Springendalsebeek babbles through a cool, shaded valley. Because the area is closed to motor traffic, you mostly hear water and birds.

Back

You close the loop along the Hazelbekke, an idyllic brook valley, and walk through open farmland back towards the towers of Ootmarsum. The last kilometre climbs again, towards the town.

Good to know

• Many unpaved sandy tracks; sturdy walking shoes recommended.
• Dogs are welcome, but keep them leashed in the fragile spring area.
• The Springendal is at its finest in early spring and early autumn.

From Hotel De Landmarke

De Landmarke is within walking distance of the centre, so you can literally start this walk from the front door. Afterwards a quiet room and the hotel kitchen await to recover.