Tankenberg Nature Reserve
With a beautiful pavilion at 85 meters above sea level, the Tankenberg in De Lutte is the highest point in Overijssel. Many cyclists and walkers combine a visit to this hill with the Paasberg and Hakenberg. The area offers a stunning coulisse landscape in the Schatkamer van Twente.
The Tankenberg is a glacial ridge formed around 130,000 years ago, when glaciers pushed the ice-cold ground upward. At the highest point, a small pavilion was placed in 1844 in memory of a Germanic goddess. The area is surrounded by Egheria Estate, a true paradise for walkers.
Many cyclists and hikers combine a visit to this hill with the Paasberg and Hakenberg. From the pavilion, you can enjoy a spectacular view, and on clear days, you can see far into Germany.
Tanfana
This location is steeped in myths and legends. According to one story, at the beginning of the first century AD, a temple dedicated to Tanfana, a Germanic fertility goddess, stood here. The Roman historian Tacitus describes the temple of Tanfana, although it is uncertain whether it was actually on the Tankenberg. On the back wall of the pavilion, a stone bears a text from Tacitus referring to the destruction of Tanfana’s sanctuary in 14 AD.
The hexagonal pavilion on Egheria Estate originally dates from around 1840. In 1955, the famous Twente architect Jan Jans rebuilt the then-dilapidated pavilion. At that time, the pavilion belonged to textile baron H.J. Ten Cate.
Routes
Several routes from the Twente walking network pass over the Tankenberg. At the foot of the hill, five different routes start, ranging from 3.1 km to 6.9 km. Maps of the routes can be ordered from the webshop.
Accommodation
If you want to stay near the Tankenberg, options include Hotel ’t Kruisselt or Hotel De Grote Zwaan. Large groups can stay at Oerboerderij Erve Middelkamp or ’t Keampkeen. There are also several vacation homes and B&Bs nearby, such as ’t Keampke, Erve Steiboeren, and Hoge Bavel. The nearest campsite is Camping de Sproakstee.
Practical Information
At the start of Tankenbergweg, at the foot of the hill, there are parking spaces for about 10 cars—near the Mariakapel and the former Pan restaurant. It is also possible to park at Pannenkoekhoes de Stroper. Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash.