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Gildehaus Dinkel Route 50 years
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The Gildehaus–Dinkel Route is one of the oldest cycling routes in Twente in the border region and has existed for 50 years between the Netherlands and Germany (around Losser, De Lutte, and Bad Bentheim). When this route was first established, border controls were still in place. Today, cycling across the border is fortunately much easier. It shows how cross-border tourism has developed.
On Sunday, October 4, the Gildehaus–Dinkel Route will start again in connection with its 50th anniversary. The Gildehaus–Dinkel Route is a special cycling tour for tourists, recreationists, and local residents. Along the way, there are all kinds of fun activities. Starting is possible from various locations. The route follows the river Dinkel and nature areas such as the Lutterzand. A combination of culture and landscape in Germany and the Netherlands creates a sense of connection.
The route usually starts and ends in the area of Losser, De Lutte, and Gildehaus. Along the way, you pass sights such as Bentheim Castle (on a 91-meter-high sandstone rock) and typical farms.
The 41 km cycling route between Gildehaus, De Lutte, and Losser was officially opened in 1976. In those days, the “Schengen Agreement” did not yet exist (treaties between several European countries allowing free movement of people), and crossing from one country to another was only possible via official border crossings where military police and customs controlled access. One of the first places where tourists could easily cross the border was the Drielandenpunt in Vaals. The Gildehaus tourist office (VVV) also wanted this, but it was not possible to obtain the required permits. Through cooperation with the VVV of the municipality of Losser, things eventually accelerated.
In the summer of 1976, the German Ministers of the Interior and Finance granted their cooperation, and in the Netherlands the VVV received permission from the Ministry of Justice. Between sunrise and sunset, it was allowed to cross the “green border” at two locations (Lutterzand and Aarnink) on foot or by bicycle. You still needed a valid passport. The Schengen Agreement, which abolished border controls, came in 1985, but the VVV organizations were already ahead of their time.
