Guitar lovers naturally come to Dedemsvaart for The Fellowship of Acoustics' new, vintage and second-hand guitars, gear and amplifiers. But our Fellows are regularly asked at the counter: what else is there to do in Dedemsvaart? More than enough! These are our top tips!
The history of Dedemsvaart
If you want to see more, it helps to know a bit more too. For instance, that Dedemsvaart is ‘De Voart’ in the beautiful Lower Saxon language. And that the village was founded by Baron Willem Jan van Dedem, who was also responsible for building the canal that runs through the town. You guessed it: the Dedemsvaart. An important step, because without this canal, the area was mainly a swamp and thanks to the drainage, suddenly much more could be done, which is why De Voart played a major role in peat extraction and the development of what would later become Dedemsvaart. Should you wish to pay your last respects to our great-great Fellow Willem Jan during a visit, his grave can be found at the Mulderij on the outskirts of Dedemsvaart. The majestic weeping beech and the wrought-iron fence surrounding his final resting place make the visit more than worthwhile.
Something completely different: De Kotermeerstal
Have you promised the children that we will do something really fun later on? Or do you need to get out of your head and into your body? Then Kotermeerstal is a good place to cool off or unwind. Everyone who loves nature and outdoor activities will find what they are looking for here. Let loose on the Pump Track, a dip in the water or casting a rod: you can do it on this lovely waterfront. Also fun, but a little further away: het Heuveltjesbosbad in Balkbrug!
The Mien Ruys Gardens
Sometimes you want to ponder that one guitar for a while. Should I buy it or not? Yes, but that price! What if I trade in something else? Do I really need it? Mien Ruys is a wonderful, serene place for this kind of contemplation ánd the apple pie and hazelnut pastry should definitely be tried there. Once you have sorted out the pros and cons of a new guitar, the redemption of The Fellowship is thankfully still close at hand. Ordinary garden lovers will no doubt also appreciate this place thanks to the stunning designs by renowned Dutch garden architect Mien Ruys. They offer an inspiring mix of styles and plantings and are beautiful all year round!
Regional Museum De Kalkovens
Driving into Dedemsvaart from Balkbrug, you immediately see them: de Kalkovens. This museum provides a fascinating insight into the local history of Dedemsvaart and the role of the lime kilns in the industrial development of the region. Housed in a restored lime kiln, the museum offers interesting exhibitions and guided tours.
Podium (Stage) de Gashouder
On the grounds of the Kalkovens is also the Gashouder: a very cool circular stage with programming full of surprises. We have already seen quite a few guitars from our shop shine there! Look for the programme on the Gashouder website.
Golfclub Hoogegraven
Hospitality and space, that is what is on offer at Hoogegraven near Ommen.
A bit of a drive from Dedemsvaart, but then you turn onto one of the most beautiful forest courses in the country. 18 holes, a 9-hole Par 3 course and then the welcoming restaurant awaits.
The Dedemsvaartse market
Visiting the The Fellowship on a wednesday? Then the weekly market is a great place to buy local produce and soak up the atmosphere of Dedemsvaart. From fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes and handmade items, the market has something for everyone.
Where to eat and drink in Dedemsvaart
We would love to see you at Dina’s Fellows for lunch, our famous 'appeltaart' and 'arretjescake', but what if you want to go out for a meal or a drink in the evening?
L’arte del Sapore means ‘the Art of Taste’ and that is true at this amazing Italian, where the pizzas seem to come from another planet. Restaurant Kiewiet focuses a little more on international fine dining and does so superbly.. Proefkamer het Reestdal requires a reservation some days of the week, but it is well worth it. And this is just a small sample of the culinary offerings, because there is much more in Dedemsvaart!
Biking and hiking near Dedemsvaart
2 x biking
The ANWB made a nice bikeride near Dedemsvaart which gives you a good idea of how it once was and how beautiful it is now. Thanks to the super handy junctions, you hardly have to puzzle over a map.
Do you want to explore more? The free route from Fietsen123.nl leads you past de Krim takes you past peat bogs, the Drenthe border and all along a watchtower.
2 x hiking
Landschap Overijssel made a nice route with a 3, 8 of 10 kilometre version of the Best of Dedemsvaart:
Roots, a magazine for nature lovers, has mapped out nature routes throughout the Netherlands along unpaved paths. One section starts in Balkbrug and ends after some 15 beautiful kilometres on the Overijsselse Vecht.
Where to sleep in Dedemsvaart?
If you want to stay longer in this beautiful region, there are several options in and around Dedemsvaart. Here are some suggestions:
B&B De Kloosterhoek
Do you want to stay more than just one night? Bij B&B de Kloosterhoek strongly suggests you book for a minimum of two nights, but thanks to a wood-fired sauna and hot tub, those days fly by.
B&B Het Atelier
Very, very special: het Atelier in Dalfsen.
Because here you will not only find a place to sleep, thanks to a fully equipped art studio, you can let your creativity run wild here.
Camping in Dedemsvaart
Of course, you can also enjoy camping in Dedemsvaart. For example, from April to October at Camping Langs de Dedemsvaart. You can also go there with your campervan and they rent out fully equipped mobile homes.
Camping at the farm can be done at the Rheezerend and de Binnentuin.
More Dedemsvaart tips?
indedemsvaart.nl offers much more useful information about Dedemsvaart and if you are in our Guitar Paradise you can of course always ask one of our Fellows if they have any tips. We will be happy to help you.
We almost forgot Attractiepark Slagharen! Just 10 minutes away!.