Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park
Overijssel
Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, located in the Dutch province of Overijssel between Hellendoorn and Holten, covers approximately 35 square kilometers of unique moraine landscape formed during the Saalien glaciation about 150,000 years ago. The park features rolling hills such as the Holterberg and the highest point, Koningsbelt, at 75 meters above sea level. Historically, the area transformed from dense forests in the Holocene to heathland due to human activities like grazing and soil removal for agriculture. Today, the park is renowned for its large heathlands, pine forests planted to prevent erosion, and diverse flora including abundant cranberries. It is home to rare species such as the last Dutch black grouse population, European nightjar, and various lizards. Managed by Staatsbosbeheer, Natuurmonumenten, and others, the park balances conservation with recreation, offering numerous walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails. Visitors can explore the Holten Canadian War Cemetery, a significant World War II site, and the Memorial for Labour Camp Twilhaar. The visitor center near Nijverdal provides interactive exhibits and accessible excursions, making the park a rich destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
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Consiglio: Visit during late summer when the heathlands are in full bloom for the most striking scenery. Purchase tickets or plan excursions via the official visitor center website to access guided tours and activities. Some areas may be closed to protect wildlife, especially at night, so check current access information before visiting. Use the park's extensive trail network for walking, cycling, or horseback riding, and consider visiting the Holten Canadian War Cemetery for historical reflection. Discounts may be available for groups or educational visits; booking in advance is recommended for special tours and events.
Fatti interessanti
- •The park contains the last Dutch population of the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix).
- •The Holten Canadian War Cemetery within the park is one of the largest military cemeteries in the Netherlands with 1,393 graves.
- •The landscape was shaped by glaciers during the Saalien glaciation about 150,000 years ago.
- •The park includes dry valleys such as Wolfslenk and Diepe Hel formed by erosion during the last ice age.
- •A wolf was recorded passing through the park area in early 2018, a rare event in the Netherlands.
Storia
The Sallandse Heuvelrug is a moraine formed approximately 150,000 years ago during the Saalien glaciation when glaciers pushed up river deposits into hills.
After the last ice age, forests developed but were largely cleared by medieval human populations for grazing and agriculture, leading to heathland formation caused by soil removal and sand drifting.
In the early 20th century, forestry programs planted pine trees to prevent erosion and supply timber.
In 2004, the Dutch government officially designated the area as a national park to protect its natural and cultural heritage.
Guida del luogo
Visitor Center Nijverdal
The main visitor center offers interactive exhibitions on the park's history, natural environment, and cultural heritage. It includes a public observatory and facilities for people with mobility impairments, such as electro cars and horse trams. Nearby, a two-kilometer trail provides educational activities for children.
Holten Canadian War CemeteryPost-World War II
A significant World War II military cemetery maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It contains 1,393 graves of Canadian soldiers and is open to the public for remembrance visits.
Memorial for Labour Camp Twilhaar2003
Located on the Nijverdalsche Berg, this memorial commemorates the men deported from the Twilhaar labor camp during World War II, many of whom were murdered at Auschwitz. The memorial was unveiled in 2003 along the Paltheweg road near Nijverdal.
Heathlands and Forests
Extensive heathlands and pine forests dominate the landscape, with open dry heath areas planted with heather and juniper. The forests include century-old Scots pine and younger conifers such as Douglas fir and larch, along with spontaneous deciduous growth in some areas.
Contatto
Telefono: 0548 612 711
