Across the Besthmenerberg: forest, heath and the finest view in Ommen

Starting point: Steile Oever car park

You start at the Steile Oever car park, just south of Ommen. The name says it all: over the years the river Regge has cut into the sand here and left a strikingly steep bank. The walk mostly follows the coloured posts of the Vechtdal Walking Network — keep an eye on them and you won't lose your way.

Into the forest

From the car park you head into the forest, along broad, unpaved sandy tracks between the pines and oaks. The path climbs gently: at around 34 metres, the Besthmenerberg is the highest 'hill' in Ommen. No alpine climb, but by the standards of Overijssel you really do rise well above the surrounding land.

The summit and the tower

At the top stands the lookout tower — eighteen metres high. Climb the stairs and the whole Vechtdal lies at your feet: forest, fields and, in the distance, the Archemerberg. At the foot of the hill is Ommen's Bostheater, with 2,500 seats the largest open-air theatre in the Netherlands — in summer music drifts through the trees here.

Back across the heath

From the summit you loop back across the heath. In August it turns purple and this is the finest stretch of the walk. The paths stay unpaved and soft underfoot. Want to walk further? At the Steile Oever two longer loops of the Walking Network connect: the yellow route (10.5 km) and the blue route (10.6 km).

Good to know

The route is about 6 kilometres and takes roughly an hour and a half. The paths are largely unpaved — sturdy shoes are a good idea, and after rain it can get muddy. Dogs are welcome. There is no café along the way, so bring something to drink.

From De Zon

From Hotel De Zon in Ommen the starting point is just around the corner — the Steile Oever is less than three kilometres away. A perfect morning or afternoon walk: up the tower early before the crowds, or late in the day with the light low over the heath. And afterwards, De Zon is waiting.