Treehouse rental Ommen - 1 treehouse

A Hidden Gem Awaits in the Vecht Valley

Nestled in the eastern Netherlands, where rolling forests meet peaceful rivers, lies the charming Hanseatic town of Ommen. This picturesque destination in the province of Overijssel has been welcoming visitors since the early 12th century, offering an authentic Dutch experience far removed from crowded tourist hotspots. For travelers seeking something truly special, a treehouse stay in Ommen provides the perfect base to explore one of the Netherlands' best-kept secrets.

Where Exactly Is Ommen?

Ommen is located in the Vecht valley of the Salland region in Overijssel. The town sits approximately 20 kilometers east of the provincial capital Zwolle and 35 kilometers northeast of the fellow Hanseatic city Deventer. With coordinates at approximately 52°31'N, 6°25'E, Ommen enjoys a central position in the eastern Netherlands, making it accessible from major Dutch cities and international airports.

The municipality covers an area of approximately 182 square kilometers, characterized by a remarkably varied landscape of forests, hilly heathlands, and river valleys. This rural setting means tourism and agriculture form the backbone of the local economy, creating a peaceful atmosphere that draws nature-seeking visitors year after year.

Why a Treehouse in Ommen Makes Perfect Sense

Choosing Ommen for your treehouse escape combines the magic of elevated accommodation with a location that genuinely celebrates nature. Here is why this destination stands out:

• Immersive natural surroundings: The forests and hilly heathlands surrounding Ommen create an ideal backdrop for treehouse living, allowing guests to wake up among the treetops in genuine woodland.
• Authentic Dutch character: Unlike busier tourist destinations, Ommen retains its traditional Hanseatic charm with historic buildings, charming streets, and welcoming locals.
• Four-season appeal: Whether you visit for summer festivals, autumn foliage, winter tranquility, or spring blossoms, Ommen rewards visitors throughout the year.
• Accessible wilderness: You get the feeling of being in remote nature while remaining connected to amenities, shops, and restaurants in the historic town center.
• Varied activities: From water sports on the Vecht to hiking and cycling through diverse landscapes, there is something for every type of traveler.

The Vecht River: A Ribbon of Adventure

The River Vecht flows through Ommen like a liquid pathway to discovery. This meandering waterway has shaped the region for centuries, once carrying trade barges between Germany and the Hanseatic city of Zwolle. Today, it offers visitors a refreshing way to experience the landscape.

You can explore the Vecht by canoe, kayak, or even stand-up paddleboard. Guided river cruises depart from Ommen and journey to the historic river lock at Vilsteren, where boats are still operated manually. For those seeking a truly unique experience, traditional wooden flatboats called Vechtzomps now glide silently along the water using electric power, offering whisper-quiet journeys through rich nature and history.

The Regge River also flows near Ommen, providing additional opportunities for water-based exploration. Canoeing on these gentle rivers allows you to discover the Vechtdal region at your own pace, with plenty of spots to moor and enjoy riverside picnics.

Unexpected Treasures Most Visitors Miss

The Sahara of Ommen

Yes, you read that correctly. Tucked between the hamlets of Zeesse and Junne lies a 20-hectare expanse of drifting sand that has earned the nickname The Sahara of Ommen. This surreal landscape offers a striking contrast to the surrounding forests and creates a fascinating terrain for walking and photography. The area was formed when pine forests were planted around the sand drifts in 1840 by Baron van Pallandt from the nearby Eerde estate, unintentionally creating a beautiful mix of sand and forest, including heathlands with juniper.

Landgoed Eerde

This magnificent 540-hectare estate lies between Ommen and Den Ham, stretching from the Vecht to the Regge. Between 1925 and 1929, Landgoed Eerde became one of the most important spiritual centers in the world, with people traveling from distant places to attend Star Camps for philosophical discussions. Later, in 1933, Quakers established an international school on the estate, which provided refuge for Jewish children from Germany in the lead-up to World War II. Today, the estate offers walking routes through remarkably preserved countryside where agriculture and nature work in harmony.

The Dikke Steen

The Pieterpad hiking trail passes through Ommen, and one of its notable features is the Dikke Steen, the largest boulder in the Netherlands. This glacial erratic offers a tangible connection to the geological history of the region and the immense ice sheets that once covered this land.

A Living Language

Many inhabitants of Ommen still speak Low Saxon or Plat, an ancient language related to Low German and Old English that is indigenous to the northeastern Netherlands. The local dialect is called Sallands. Both the Dutch government and the European Union recognize Plat as a regional language, offering visitors a chance to hear linguistic traditions that stretch back centuries.

Five Experiences Worth Your Time

1. Hike a section of the Pieterpad: The famous 500-kilometer trail from north to south Netherlands passes directly through Ommen. Section 10 from Ommen to Hellendoorn is particularly scenic, climbing to viewpoints on the Besthmenerberg and Archemerberg hills where forests, hills, and heather alternate beautifully.
2. Paddle the Vecht or Regge by canoe: Rent a canoe and drift downstream through the Vechtdal, stopping for picnics on the riverbank. The slow pace reveals wildlife, traditional farms, and landscapes you would otherwise miss.
3. Explore the Besthemermolen windmill and nature center: This working mill includes a Nature Information Centre with exhibits about the varied landscape and ecosystems of Ommen. A knowledgeable volunteer miller can explain the traditional craft.
4. Visit the National Tin Figures Museum: Located in the old Town Hall in the heart of Ommen, this unique museum houses over 200,000 tin figurines and dioramas depicting historical and cultural scenes, including the work of artist Willem Gerard Hofker.
5. Witness the Bostheater (Forest Theatre): This outdoor amphitheater at the Besthmenerberg hosts performances against a backdrop of natural woodland. The area has rich history, including the presence of Jiddu Krishnamurti, who was Head of the Order of the Star based at Ommen between 1927 and 1929.

A Town Steeped in History

Ommen was officially founded as a city in 1248, though historical records mention the town as early as the 12th century. The town played a role in pivotal moments of Dutch history, including 1581 when the Estates of Overijssel convened outside Ommen to depose Philip II of Spain and proclaim Dutch independence.

The 17th century brought both triumph and tragedy to Ommen. A great fire in 1624 damaged the church, and an even more severe fire in 1672 destroyed nearly the entire city during the disaster year (Rampjaar) of the Franco-Dutch War. Yet Ommen rebuilt, and the town still centers around its oldest building, a church originally constructed around 1150.

Today, Ommen has a population of around 18,000 residents spread across the municipality, with the town itself home to approximately 8,700 people. Despite its historic significance, Ommen has retained a peaceful, small-town atmosphere that feels worlds away from modern hustle.

Summer Celebrations: The Ommer Bissingh

If you visit in summer, you might encounter the Ommer Bissingh, an annual market with traditions dating back to at least 1557. What began as a farmers' fair has evolved into a weeks-long celebration featuring markets, performances, music evenings, and traditional activities. The main market always falls on the second Tuesday of July, with festivities spreading across several summer Wednesdays. The origin of the name Bissingh remains debated: some believe it derives from Bishop's Day in recognition of Ommen's town rights, while others connect it to the Low Saxon word for bustling activity common at such markets.

Getting There and Getting Around

Ommen has been served by a railway station since 1903, designed by the renowned architect Eduard Cuypers. The station sits approximately one kilometer from the town center on the opposite side of the Vecht. Trains on the Zwolle-Emmen line stop roughly twice an hour, making connections to the wider Dutch rail network straightforward.

Once in Ommen, cycling is the ideal way to explore. The area boasts approximately 700 kilometers of cycling and hiking trails through the Vechtdal region. The relatively flat terrain interspersed with gentle hills makes cycling accessible for all fitness levels, and bike rental is readily available.

A Treehouse Experience Like No Other

Booking a treehouse in Ommen places you at the intersection of comfort and wilderness. Imagine ending your day of river exploration or forest hiking by climbing into your treetop retreat, watching the sunset through the canopy, and falling asleep to the sounds of owls and rustling leaves.

This is not merely accommodation; it is an integral part of your Ommen experience. The region's commitment to nature tourism means treehouse stays here feel genuinely connected to the landscape rather than artificially imposed upon it.

Book a treehouse now and step into a world where ancient forests, peaceful rivers, and centuries of history create the backdrop for unforgettable memories. Ommen awaits, ready to surprise you with its natural beauty and authentic Dutch charm.