The best gravel rides in Overijssel

Overijssel offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 1000 trails available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from moderate to difficult, ensuring there's something for every gravel biker.

You'll find a diverse landscape in Overijssel. Expect to ride through the expansive low peat swamps of Weerribben-Wieden, the rolling dry heathlands and forests of Sallandse Heuvelrug, and the varied terrain of Buurserzand and Haaksbergerveen. The trails feature a mix of unpaved and semi-paved sections, broad sand paths, and hardpack gravel routes. While elevations are generally gentle, areas like Sallandse Heuvelrug offer light slopes and hills.

Yes, Overijssel has a good selection of routes for those new to gravel biking. There are nearly 200 easy routes and over 600 moderate routes available, providing plenty of options to get started and build confidence on varied terrain.

Overijssel's gravel trails often pass through stunning natural areas. You might encounter the unique watery landscape of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the heathlands and forests of Sallandse Heuvelrug, or the diverse environments of Buurserzand and Haaksbergerveen. Specific highlights include the White Fen, or the picturesque Singraven Watermill. Many routes also offer tranquil spots and benches to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Yes, Overijssel features several longer gravel routes for those seeking a more extensive ride. For example, the Gortelse Heide – Noorderheide Heathland loop from Zwolle covers nearly 89 km, and the Eerde Castle – Holterberg Forest Path loop from Ommen is about 87 km, both offering challenging and rewarding experiences.

Many of the gravel bike routes in Overijssel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Eerde Castle & Besthemerberg loop from Hardenberg, which explores the Vecht Valley, or the Haaksbergerveen & Witte Veen loop from Enschede, traversing heathlands and forests.

The gravel biking experience in Overijssel is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1200 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from low peat swamps to rolling heathlands, and the extensive network of unpaved paths that provide a varied and engaging ride.

While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always explicit, the region's generally gentle elevations and numerous easy to moderate routes make many trails suitable for families. Look for routes in areas like Weerribben-Wieden National Park, which offers dedicated paths through its watery landscape, or areas with broad sand paths that are less technically demanding.

Overijssel's diverse nature reserves are home to various wildlife. In Weerribben-Wieden National Park, you might spot rare bird species like kingfishers and purple herons, as well as otters. In areas like Buurserzand and Haaksbergerveen, cyclists can expect to see adders, fish, lizards, frogs, and even a flock of Scottish Highlanders grazing the land.

While Overijssel is generally flat, some areas do offer more noticeable elevation. The Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, with hills like the Lemelerberg (78 meters) and Oasekop (60 meters), provides routes with light slopes and segments requiring good fitness. For example, the De Dellen – Tepelberg loop from Oldenelerbroek features over 230 meters of elevation gain, offering a more challenging ride.

Overijssel has a decent public transport network, and many towns that serve as starting points for gravel routes are accessible by train or bus. While specific trailheads might require a short ride from a station, planning your route with public transport in mind is generally feasible. It's advisable to check local transport schedules and bike-on-train/bus policies for your chosen starting point.

Yes, some routes offer a blend of nature and culture. The Eerde Castle & Besthemerberg loop from Hardenberg, for instance, passes by Eerde Castle. You might also find routes near charming settlements like Blokzijl or Ootmarsum Town Centre, offering opportunities to explore local history and culture.