Barts Best of: Twente
Twente is located in the east of our country, in the province of Overijssel. The region of the tukkers, the charming towns and villages and lots of nature. You've probably heard of the Achterhoek, but Twente has more! The area around the Dinkel River is beautiful, you can enjoy a wonderful city trip in Hengelo, and Enschede also has plenty of fun.
Below we recommend beautiful accommodations, incredibly fun (group) activities (did someone say a hike together?), sweet tea houses, museums, beautiful nature, places where you can relax in the wellness, open-air theaters and even more beautiful things in Twente. Very beautiful, that's what we think of Twente.
Pack your eel and go (after your trip to Twente you will know exactly what we mean by this)!
Nature house Buurse, Buurse – three small but nice lodges in nature and just off the border of Germany.
Star Cube Heritage Bossem, Bossem – as if you were sleeping under the stars, but in your own cozy wooden house. At Erfgoed Bossem you will also find other beautiful accommodations: sleeping in an old farm or glamping in a lodge tent.
Urban Hotel Moloko, Enschede – in the middle of the city you will find this unmanned, industrial hotel in Enschede. In the old Melkhal, that too. There is no breakfast service, but of course you can just get it somewhere around the corner.
In the Heuvelrug, Hellendoorn – five different, but equally beautiful holiday homes. My favorite is the 'hobbit hole' in 2023 with a grass roof and large sliding doors.
Op10 Staying, Delden and Oldenzaal – Op10 Logeren consists of two group accommodations; one in the country (Delden) and the other in the city (Oldenzaal). Both delicious and both at number 10.
Othmar Bierspa, Ootmarsum – a spa and beer? In one? Yes, that's what they do at Othmar. In a castle-like environment you can take a beer bath (warm water with hops, yeast and malt - the start of every beer), have a drink at the beer brewery, sleep in the inn and bubble in the beer spa. Not your traditional spa, but probably the nicest.
Spa farm Nutter, Nutter – at the Spa Farm (near Ootmarsum) they take a more traditional approach, and with packages that often include a special 'oven' to relax in: a bread oven, hay oven, herb oven, clay oven... Definitely an oven that also suits you. Nature and wellness shake hands here.
Sauna Saré Thermen & Beauty, Deurningen – Sauna Saré is slightly larger than the top two and, in addition to the 'normal' spa treatments, also offers massages and beauty treatments.
Rijksmuseum Twente & Museum Factory, Enschede – once you are in Twente, visiting the Rijksmuseum Twenthe in Enschede is a must. Contemporary, modern and classical art under one roof.
Museum No Hero, Delden – if Jan des Bouvrie has designed your museum café, you know that the art content is good. In addition to the changing exhibitions, you will also find a park garden (with art, of course) and a museum garden with even more art. Art that counts, even in the café!
Museum Ton Schulten, Ootmarsum – the work of painter Ton Schulten is central here. That means lots of color, landscapes in sleek shapes and everything in consensus style: living in harmony with yourself, time and nature. Next to the museum you will find Restaurant de Pastorie, a very good idea after your museum visit.
Enterse Zomp, Rijssen – an Enterse zomp is a kind of boat, and here in Rijssen it is also a (sailing!) museum. You can book your own group on an Enterse zomp, where two skippers literally tell you about the ins and outs of a ship.
Hertme, Hertme – Hertme is the open-air theater and vice versa. In addition to Passion Plays, the Africa Festival and Metropool Open Air, you will also find fairytale performances, performances by famous Dutch people and you can go to the Halloween Special on October 28. Super fun for the kids, but certainly also for the older ones!
Kosterskoele, Markelo – an open-air theater with a farm vibe, a wonderful place! You can already put the open-air games in July on your calendar for 2024.
Brilmans pines, Losser – an open-air theater in a former carriage shed and in greenery. Comedies, concerts, farces, orchestras: everything is presented here, including Tim Akkerman as our 'own' Bruce Springsteen (September 16, 2023).
University of Twente, Enschede – OUT is part of the Vrijhof and is still in a real amphitheater style. Intimate, in the middle of campus and within ten minutes by car you can be at the Enschede Grote Markt to experience something of the city.
The most famous city in Twente is Enschede, and we understand why: you will find a hip-in-the-good-sense-of-the-word lunch & brunch place Frank & Charlie and you can enjoy really tasty and decadent food at the new and fine dining restaurant Joann. You will find many parks (and estates on the edge of the city!) and of course a pleasant center with terraces everywhere and a market on various squares almost every day.
Next is Hengelo, and then of course you visit Lust, a small Bakery & Bistro on the Hazemeijer complex. The Hazemeijer complex is an old factory site, from before WWI. Here you will also find the Oyfo Technology Museum, great fun for the (older) kids: hands on but also interesting facts about technology. Also on the list: a visit to the Twente Beer Brewery (less than half an hour by public transport from the city center). There they brew their own beer (eight types) and bake their own spent grain bread. Oh, they also have a coffee label. They don't sit still.
Almelo is not even huge, but it has it all: on the water, beautiful, historic buildings, and really cozy and good restaurants. During the day, stroll through the old parts of the city and then join us Crete, a good Greek with an even better terrace on the water. If you want more high-end want to have dinner, then Restaurant Ledeboer your place. Patron cuisinier Rick Blanken is at the helm here and Ledeboer is included in Gault&Millau. Quite rightly so, and the prices are also on the good side. Ledeboer is in the old bank building of the Twentsche bank, and where the gold bars used to be in the safe, you can now book a Private Dining there.
Buurserzand – not at all as sandy as the name suggests. A nature reserve where open heathlands, grasslands and forests alternate.
Sallandse Heuvelrug – the outdoor sports region of the Netherlands, especially when it concerns MTB routes. In addition to being a hotspot for mountain bikers, the Sallande Heuvelrug is also very suitable for a walk or the 'normal' cyclist. At Dondertman Petting Zoo you can let the kids run wild and eat a sandwich.
Raised bog – yes, a lot of peat, you will certainly find that here. You won't find many trees here, and therefore there are views: especially beautiful when there is a layer of mist, which gives it something mystical.
In Twente you will also find many estates and castles, from small and cozy such as Engels'Tuin in Ootmarsum to more Downton Abbey-like scenes such as Weldam in Markelo. At some you can also have lunch or a cup of tea, but it is useful to check the opening hours in advance.
Good list also for people who are still looking for a wedding location!
photo credits Vincent Croce
Teahouse Dennenoord, Nutter – in the vast nature, that's what we love. Because the atmosphere is so nostalgic and not much needs to be done for a pleasant afternoon. Moreover, the tea houses are often (sometimes unintentionally) very hip: old-fashioned, light gray painted scraps + floral wallpaper + second-hand crockery = delicious. The authentic Theehuis Dennenoord is located among the woods at one of the most beautiful locations in Twente, between Vasse and Ootmarsum. An original wooden building from 1921. Perfect for tea and cake after a few hours of pedaling with a headwind
The Hoestinkhof tea house, Markelo – Twente conviviality with an English touch and delicious scones. They have sweet and savory, and the High Tea is of course one no-brainer:. There is also a smaller High Tea for the kids, where they can decorate their own cake.
The Bloemenbeek, Dinkeldal – Dinkeldal, that immediately sounds like a party. It is also the case if you join De Bloemenbeek! The cuisine is classic French-Mediterranean, and of course in combination with local, Twente ingredients and herbs from our own garden. They also have a beautiful greenhouse, ideal for a good party.
De Uitkijk estate, Hellendoorn – on the edge of De Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, so a good place to put your feet up on the terrace after a long walk. De Uitkijk is a Bib Gourmand restaurant, so we definitely recommend the five-course menu.
Café Coberco, Enschede – in a former Milk Hall and therefore characteristic, industrial and also a bit urban. The cuisine is a bit French bistro slash Dutch classics with a touch of Italy. Really nice.
Restaurant Dorset, Borne – Phew, also a blast! A Michelin restaurant in a trendy, intimate atmosphere in just the right way. The ingredients mainly come from local suppliers and that results in a work of art on your plate!
The Stiftsjuffer, Weerselo – lunch spot the Stiftsjuffer is located in Het Stift (just a little east of Almelo: beautiful, old monuments in an idyllic village and therefore also a very nice place for a wedding. Anyway, for lunch and you are also in the right place. If you If you have a drink with the nuns, you will receive a drinks platter with surprises. Please note: they are (unfortunately) only open until 18:00 PM.
Brasserie R1854, Enter – here you will find a fine selection of well-made sandwiches, toasties and sandwiches that will delight you. There are coloring pages and puzzles for the kids. The hot chicken salad (with bacon and curry mayonnaise) is recommended. A bit like Broodje Zeedijk from Slagerij Vet in Amsterdam, delicious.
Frank & Charlie, Enschede – just a bit different than usual, almost unOverijssels. On the menu you will find classics such as avocado toast and pancakes, but also less obvious dishes such as sabiche pita and salmon rösti made by them formal and casual looks and taste are taken to a higher level.
Procession, Enschede – Stoet sits in the public library of Enschede. In addition to fresh bread, coffee and (delicious!) cake, Stoet (bread in the east) also has a very nice, colorful terrace. You can also find Stoet in Hengelo, in the library!
Hof van Twente vineyard, Bentelo – A unique soil composition, sophisticated fertilization, a strong production limitation and successful crossings form the basis for the wines here. The first 7.500 grape vines were planted in 2000, after which the wine cellar, winery and tasting room were built some time later. Prizes have already been won, so don't hesitate to go.
The Winemakers, Geesteren – In 2003, Rob Kleinsman took over his grandfather's vineyard and in 2017 he started De Wijnmakers together with Jeroen Ziel and Robert Spenkelink. In addition to wine tastings you will also find restaurant Vinck and boy, boy, is that a great place to have a meal for an evening!
The Tappen March, Den Ham – here you can take tours of the vineyards, do a wine tasting in the wine cellar and buy local delicacies in the shop. A picnic basket party.
Photo right Vincent Croce
Classical Touring Twente, de Lutte – we always turn our heads when we see an old Volkswagen bus driving around and now you can drive one yourself! Or in an old Beetle, that's also possible. In this unique way you discover the most beautiful places of Twente. Can also be combined with a delicious lunch during the “Toern & Smikkln” route.
Pitch & Putt, Diepenheim – you can play golf here (you might have guessed that one), but also throw axes (fun!) and take part in a lumberjack competition. Good for group bonding and muscle building.
Tractor ride, Ootmarsum – hang your bike on the tree and never use any other form of transport other than a tractor! With your own tractor (yep, you at the wheel) you will drive through the Twente nature. BBQ, lunch, Twente krentenwegge: you will certainly find plenty to snack on along the way. Ideal group outing if you ask us.
Active Twente, Twente – what is not possible here? Actief Twente has several fun things to do (archery, Escape from the Estate, riding a Solex, klootshooting) and to make it as easy as possible for you, they have different locations (also for SUPs and canoes). From toddler to grandma; there is something in between.
Escaperoom Hof in Langelo, Haaksbergen – having to escape from a milking parlour; it will happen to you. Exactly this is the challenge. For the real enthusiast, there is also curling with cheese (you read that right).
Holiday park De Witte Berg, Ootmarsum – At De Witte Berg they have places for tents (with private sanitary facilities!), campers or you can book a lodge, tent villa or bungalow. Camping, glamping or staying in a house, no problem there. They also have a swimming pond and an indoor swimming pool, so there is always water fun.
Holiday park Molke, Zuna – camping is no problem (and they have several beautiful houses), but at Molke we are in love with the tree house. There can be up to five people in there, but secretly we like this one best for a romantic getaway.
Papillon Country Resort, Denekamp – oh well, they have so many nice and different houses here: from safari tent to school bus to super luxurious hot tub cabin in such a beautiful A-frame house. You can't make a bad choice, but we find it difficult to choose. There is also a children's farm and kids can tour in a mini Landrover.
Camping Noetselerberg, Nijverdal – the Woodlodge is a favorite, and if you go with a larger group, Het Jachthuis is a very smart choice. Of course, camping is also possible!
