Raalte, Heino, Wesepe

Raalte is the bustling heart of Salland. In the cosy town centre you will find nice shops, terraces and historical buildings, such as the Plaskerk and the Basilica of St. Kruisverheffing. Surrounding are cosy villages such as Heino, Heeten and Broekland, characterised by green fields surrounded by tall trees. In the year 2023, Raalte will celebrate its 900th anniversary. In all those years, of course, a lot has happened.

There was the noble Bentinck family, which meant a lot to this region in the 19th century. Especially Derk and Anna Bentinck, for whom Schoonheeten Estate was their summer residence, were very involved with the local population and showed themselves to be true benefactors. They donated large sums to the poor, contributed financially to the maintenance of the church and even had a school built: The Anna House.

At both the Plaskerk and the village square in Heino, the well played a major role. The Raalter church owes its name to a former well on the church square, where a puddle of water always remained. Heino's village well is a legend! Not only has it become the symbol of the village, it would only give water to people with a clear conscience.... Do you dare crank the pump?

Keep your eyes peeled as you cycle through the beautiful Boetelerveld. This nature reserve is the last piece of wet heathland of the originally vast Sallandse Heide. Here you can still see a piece of truly unspoilt nature!