Discover Balkbrug – Holiday Apartment in Balkbrug between the Reestdal and History

Holiday apartment in Balkbrug: Reestdal and historic trails

Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Balkbrug can tailor their travel plans to very different interests: historic buildings, varied trails, nature experiences with children or regional wine. This makes the town an exciting base for days when you want to combine culture and activity without committing to just one type of travel.

History that remains visible in the townscape

In the centre of Balkbrug, former colonial avenues are part of the old “green heart”, which has a rich history. The Reestkerk also represents the historic side of the town: it was built between 1851 and 1852 and has been protected as a Rijksmonument since 11 May 1971. At Boslaan 92, you will also find the last so-called Limiethuisje of the Ommerschans colony, which is likewise a Rijksmonument.

Ommerschans-Balkbrug is an officially designated protected townscape in the municipalities of Hardenberg and Ommen. Another distinctive building is the De Star windmill, dating from 1848, on De Omloop in Balkbrug. The mill underwent extensive restoration in 2020; afterwards, it was once again fully capable of milling. Guided tours of De Star are available by arrangement.

Walking and cycling in the Reestdal

Balkbrug has a TOP as a starting point for cycling or walking tours. It is easily accessible by car and offers free parking. From De Star windmill, two mill trails of 6.5 and 11.5 kilometres respectively lead into the Reestdal and to Ommerschans. If you prefer a shorter circular route, you can plan the 12-kilometre circular walking route “Balkbrug: Then & Now”.

The 38.7-kilometre Reestdal cycling route starts at the De Wheem visitor centre and passes the historic Reestkerk. Along the route, flowering meadows, arable fields, old hedgerows, heathland and forests alternate. The different route lengths help you shape the day according to your own preferences: when planning a trip with a holiday apartment in Balkbrug, you can take this choice into account.

Discoveries for families

The De Wheem visitor centre is a starting or finishing point for an excursion into the Reestdal and is located in a farmhouse in the middle of the Reestdal. The Speelnatuurpad Bas de Das is situated right there: a play, discovery and adventure trail for children aged 4 to 12. The trail starts and ends at the De Wheem visitor centre in Balkbrug and runs for 1 kilometre through the Reestdal.

The app-based treasure hunt “Haardens Mysterie” is aimed at participants aged 6 and over and starts at the motorhome parking area on the grounds of the Si-Es-An campsite, De Haar 7 in Balkbrug. The Reestkamer can also be rented from the foundation that manages it.

Wine and regional impressions

Wijngoed de Reestlandhoeve has a wine tasting room with changing exhibitions that can be viewed there year-round. Wine walking packages and wine cycling packages are also offered. Individual visitors can tour Wijngoed, taste wine and buy bottles of wine.

More places for your planning

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Balkbrug, you will also find Sibculo, Loozen, Hardenberg, Slagharen, Dedemsvaart, Rheeze, Rheezerveen and Ane here.

To the higher-level travel overview: Hardenberg.