Holiday apartment in Losser: Geology, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Losser combines geological features, industrial history and a nature-rich landscape. The Geology Museum Losser focuses on the geological and especially paleontological wealth of the municipality and its immediate surroundings. This includes fossils from the Staring Quarry, including internal moulds of shells, snails, sea urchins and ammonites. The museum is located in the Hengelhoes, a 17th-century yeoman's house in the centre of Losser.

Culture and history

The Staring Quarry offers an unusual view into the history of the Earth. More than 3 metres of Losser sandstone are exposed there. Formally, the rock belongs to the Gildehaus Sandstone formation and dates from the Lower Cretaceous, more precisely the Hauterivian. The soft, crumbly sandstone is unsuitable as a building material, but rich in fossils. By appointment, researchers and collectors can visit the Staring Quarry accompanied by the Stichting Staringmonument. During a visit, guests may search for fossils themselves on a small scale and with modest tools.

Another chapter of local history is represented by Steenfabriek De Werklust. This Rijksmonument was a brick-production site for more than a hundred years. The clay pit, ring kiln and 45-metre-high chimney have been completely preserved. Visitors can see the entire brick-making process there and take part in a guided tour. Steenfabriek is easily accessible via the road between Oldenzaal and Losser and has free parking. The cultural offering is complemented by the Openluchttheater Brilmansdennen in Losser, which offers a varied cultural programme.

In the centre of the village of Losser stands a historic tower from the 14th century. It is 22 metres high, has a clock mechanism and a belfry, and features a Gothic architectural style. Erve Kraesgenberg is also one of the historic cultural sites: the cultural park recreates the atmosphere of a 17th-century farm. The cultural park also includes seven buildings constructed in an authentic style using original materials and techniques.

Natural environment

The municipality of Losser lies entirely within Nationaal Landschap Noordoost-Twente. Its landscape includes forests, wind-blown sands and heathlands. The Losser area has well-signposted walking and cycling paths, offering active holidaymakers a wide range of opportunities. Short and multi-day routes for walking, cycling, mountain biking and driving lead through the Twente cultural landscape.

The Oelemars is a permanent nature reserve with a constructed wetland, a special nesting wall for sand martins and a birdwatching hut. There is also a viewing tower at the Oelemars, offering a wide, unobstructed view over Twente and Germany. An extensive woodland lies between Losser and the German border, with highly diverse flora and fauna. This woodland is of great importance to breeding birds.

Routes and experiences

Losser can be explored in a variety of ways. A walk through and around the centre reveals entertaining and interesting stories along the way. Those who want to climb higher can ascend the Martinustoren with a guide; admission is €2.50 per person.

A cycling tour through the Dinkeldal follows cycle junctions and includes stops at catering establishments along the way. Musical, sporting and festive events take place regularly in the region's five villages. Visitors from other municipalities are also welcome to attend.

Other places

The supplementary overview of places includes Beuningen, De Lutte, Losser and Overdinkel.

For the overarching travel overview: Overijssel.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Hellendoorn, Twenterand, Almelo, Wierden.