Steenwijk

Steenwijk is a charming old fortified town with a rich history, a short drive from Bed & Wijn in IJhorst. Anyone who loves historic town centres and a pleasant atmosphere will spend a wonderful day here — and it is moreover the perfect gateway to the nature of the Weerribben. The town combines centuries-old fortifications with a lively centre, and it is precisely that mix of past and present that makes a visit to Steenwijk so appealing from the Reest valley.

A true fortified town

Steenwijk was once protected by ramparts and moats, and that fortified structure is still recognisable in the green tree-lined canals around the town centre. A walk along the ramparts takes you past old bulwarks, water and lovely vistas. The town has a rich history of withstanding sieges — the famous siege from the Eighty Years' War is the best-known example — and you still feel that past everywhere. Today the canals form a green belt around which you can wonderfully walk.

A lively town centre

At the heart of the town you find a lively centre with shops, terraces and the striking St Clement's Church with its characteristic tower — affectionately known by locals as the 'Steenwiekeroeles'. Stroll through the little streets, do some shopping at the specialist shops and settle down on a terrace for a cup of coffee or a lunch. The compact town centre is easily explored on foot, so you see much of the town in a short time.

Culture and history

For those who want to know more about the past of the town and the region, Steenwijk offers several museums and historic sites. The history of the fortifications, the peat extraction and life in the northern tip of Overijssel comes to life here. It is a fine addition to a walk through the town, especially on a day when the weather is less cooperative and you prefer to be indoors.

Gateway to the Weerribben

Steenwijk is the ideal base for a visit to Weerribben-Wieden National Park. That way you effortlessly combine a town visit with a day in nature: in the morning strolling through the historic centre, in the afternoon sailing or walking through the lowland peat marsh. The vast area of reed lands, ditches and lakes is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands and lies literally around the corner from the town.

On the way to Giethoorn

From Steenwijk the world-famous Giethoorn is also quickly reached, the picturesque 'water village' with its little canals and bridges. That way you can extend a day in and around Steenwijk into a journey of discovery through the entire northern tip of Overijssel, with water, nature and historic villages a stone's throw apart.

Shopping and dining

The town centre of Steenwijk has a surprisingly complete range of shops, from familiar chains to quirky specialist stores. In between shopping you settle down on one of the pleasant terraces or in an atmospheric eatery. Whether you come for a day of shopping or simply for the conviviality: Steenwijk knows how to surprise you with its lively, hospitable atmosphere.

Back to Bed & Wijn

After a day in Steenwijk and its surroundings you return to your suite at Bed & Wijn in the Reest valley. A glass of wine and the rural calm round off your day in style. Plan your stay easily via our booking page and make Steenwijk and the Weerribben a wonderful day during your weekend away in IJhorst.