Discover Echten: heathland, trails and history

Echten amid heathland, forest and history

North of the village lies the Echtenerveld nature reserve, which mainly consists of forest, heathland and peat bog areas. It includes the Hunnenkloosterberg, a meltwater hill formed after the Ice Age. It is an open area in the forest covered in heathland and was designated a Geological Monument in 2022.

The approximately 1 km-long Roekpad in Echten is an adventure and sensory trail through the Kraaienbosch and around a small lake. There are natural play structures along the route, and visitors can also climb and scramble there. The information signs include text in Braille for visually impaired children and adults.

Hiking and cycling around Echten

The signposted Echtener Esch route is approximately 13 km long, runs around Echten and passes through the Ruinen Forestry. It starts at the Plattelandswinkel ’t Huus met de Belle in Echten, where there is ample parking. The route is marked with white hexagonal signs featuring brown lettering. It is not easily accessible by public transport.

The Echtenerroute runs along the Esch village of Echten and leads through the valley of the Echtenerstroom stream. In the vicinity of Echten, the Ruinen Forestry is also home to the Echtenerzand dune complex, which includes a peat lake area. The Echtenerroute is generally also suitable for particularly wide bicycles such as tricycles and cargo bikes; however, one narrow bridge should be taken into account.

Culture, rooms and regional specialities

The Witte Villa in Echten was built in 1914 for the aristocratic Van Holthe tot Echten family. Tea Time moved into the villa in 2012 and expresses its English theme there through the menu, gift shop, tableware and staff uniforms. The original room layout has been preserved. Guests can take a seat in the Drawing Room, Study, Dining Room and renovated Conservatory.

Huis te Echten was a former havezate, already mentioned in official documents in the 12th century. The history of the block-shaped manor house dates back to the 15th century, while the current front façade was built in 1808. Huize Echten is a historic havezate with roots in the Middle Ages. The Freek Berend Gallery in Echten hosts changing exhibitions of paintings and sculptures.

The ’t Huus met de Belle tourist information point is housed in a former sheep barn in Echten. Regional products, handicrafts, applied art and art from Echten and the surrounding area are sold there. The art and nature route also begins at ’t Huus met de Belle. Activities such as hikes and guided tours in and around Echten are organised from there throughout the year.

More places for planning your trip

Ansen, Drogteropslagen, Linde, Ruinen, Ruinerwold, Veeningen, Koekange, Zuidwolde

To the overarching travel overview: De Wolden.