Watch tower & Forest Theatre Ommen - Ommen

This 18-metre-high watchtower is not to be missed! The steel structure stands atop Besthmenerberg. Once you reach the top, you will have a beautiful view over the heath and forests of Vechtdal Overijssel.

This used to be a fire tower. In summer, it was often very dry and the tower was manned by the forest fire brigade. From the top, they could keep a close eye on the surroundings and the fire brigade could be called as soon as possible. There was no telephone on the fire tower itself, but funnily enough, the lookout tower is now actually used as an antenna for mobile phone traffic.

Right next to the watchtower is the Forest Theatre Ommen. With a capacity of 2,500 people, it is the largest open-air theatre in the Netherlands. Visitors and performers alike find it a fantastic experience to enjoy performing arts in nature. Not surprising, such a theatre in the middle of the forest in the beautiful Vecht valley.

To get to the watchtower, you need to take a short walk, as cycling is not allowed on the paths leading to the watchtower.