Dalfsen, Ommen, Holt

Cycle through the Vecht valley along the Vechte, as the river is called in Lower Saxon. Along the river's green banks, there is plenty to experience. Be surprised by nature with beautiful views, cosy villages and take a look at the country estate village Vilsteren. Here you should definitely take a look at Vilsteren House, which has been owned by the Cremers family since 1850. The village is built on the more than 1,000 hectares of land belonging to the estate.

Get off in Ommen, the heart of the Vecht valley. This historic Hanseatic town is great for strolling and lounging along the waterfront. Dalfsen may seem like a small, perhaps dumbed-down town, but make no mistake. In the fifth or sixth century, Frankish princes lived here: the Merovingians. During excavations in 2015, they found eight graves here in which, among other things, golden swords were found.

There is so much beauty to see and experience in the Overijssel Vecht valley. As you continue cycling through the river valley, you will pass even more historical traces. Estates, castles and houses from former times pass by one by one. Moreover, you pass a real manor house. This was the original name for a large farm with land, also often called a hofstede or hoeve. In the 17th century, manor houses were mainly owned by knights. Indeed, owning a havezate was a condition for becoming a member of a knighthood. On this route, you will admire the manor Den Berg.