Vechtdal Spring Escape: Monastery Stay & Scenic Hikes along the Vecht river!

******** Sign up before 1 February to make reservations on time *********
This is a special hiking weekend in the beautiful Vechtdal area. We will stay 2 nights in the monumental monastry of Dalfsen with authentic details and a chapel, exclusively reserved for our group to fully immerse ourselves in its serene atmosphere and the tranquil surroundings and each other’s company in complete privacy.
In 2006, Dalfsen was named the most beautiful nature village in the Netherlands! Nestled in the enchanting Vechtdal region of the province Overijssel in the east of the country, the village is shaped by the meandering Vecht River, which leaves its mark on the stunning landscape. The river’s winding course and the unique river dunes, along with the Zwarte Water, make the area exceptionally appealing, explaining the abundance of historic manors, the so calles 'havezaten'.
It is a heaven for nature lovers seeking peace, tranquillity, and space. Exploring the expansive countryside, we’ll uncover the area’s rich history through its picturesque estates, manors, country houses, and the imposing medieval Rechteren Castle. The gently rolling landscape is dotted with authentic Salland farmhouses, adding charm to every view.

📍Gathering: Friday evening from 20:00 at the monastry for meeting & greetings + drinks. The monastry is just 12 minutes walk from train station NS Dalfsen.

Accommodation
We’ll stay 2 nights at the historic Dalfsen Monastry, a former nunnery from 1927 that exudes serenity and tranquillity. The authentic chapel, with its original stained-glass windows, serves as a breakfast and dining hall. The spacious communal kitchen is equipped with a modern kitchen island, a six-burner gas stove with convection oven/grill, a dishwasher, and large refrigerators with a small freezer.
The living area offers cosy seating around the communal table and comfortable sofas, making it the perfect place to unwind. The accommodation has 7 bedrooms (1 single room, 5 double rooms, and a 4 persons room), each with high-quality single box-spring beds. Every room has its own bathroom, featuring a toilet, sink, and either a shower cabin or a bathtub. It also has a garden with jaccuzi, where we can relax after the hikes. :-)

Programme
Friday
Arrival at the monastery around 20:00, where we’ll have a welcome drink, catch up, and enjoy games.

Saturday: Havezatenpad Dalfsen – Zwolle ± 21 km
After breakfast, we’ll start the trail directly from our accommodation. Along the way, we’ll pass several estates (Den Berg, Mataram, Boerhoes, De Horte, and Sueslo), surrounded by scenic woodlands. We’ll then pass the hamlet of Herfte and cross the railway to reach the medieval Hanseatic city of Zwolle.
Zwolle, situated on a sand ridge between the IJssel and Vecht Rivers by the Aa River, was historically a higher and habitable area in the otherwise marshy landscape. Such places were called "suolle," which later evolved into Zwolle. The sand ridge is still visible through the city’s elevation changes. Zwolle is known for its historical facades, stately mansions, fortifications, and canals.
*Dinner: we will cook our meal together in our kitchen.

Sunday: Houtmansroute Maarten van Rossumpad NS Ommen – NS Dalfsen or Circular Hike ± 18 km
After a luxurious Sunday breakfast and tidying up, we’ll head out for another adventure.
This trail begins at the Old Dalfsen Station, where we’ll take a train to Ommen. In the semi-open Vechtdal landscape, we’ll walk through forests, fields, and meadows, enjoying the beauty of tree-lined hedgerows that divide the land into small parcels.
The route takes us along the Regge River, past the 13th-century manor Het Laar, through the charming old village of Vilsteren, and near the beautiful Rechteren Castle. We’ll follow historic paths and roads, alternating between forests, pastures, and farmlands.
Before heading home, we’ll enjoy a final drink or meal together to wrap up the weekend!

Price and registration:
The price is Euro 225,- p.p. (Eur 235,- after 1 February) all inclusive for 2 x overnight, bedlinnen, 2x breakfast + packed lunches, 1x dinner, guided hikes, tourist tax, Meet Up event fee & organization costs.
After the minimum attendees is reached, you receive a tickie for payment.
Come and discover the beauty of the Vechtdal from this historic monastery!

Notifications

• The first people signed up will get the best rooms/beds.
• We walk fast (4 to 5 km/h average), with 2-3 breaks. You should be fit and used to hikes of approximately 15-20 km.
• Minimum attendance: 12 participants. Maximum: 15 participants. Priority may be given to people on the waiting list who have attended my events previously.
• Please wear comfortable waterproof hiking gear, including layers and a raincoat. Also, bring sufficient water and snacks.
• Carpe Diem is an amateur activity group, and participation is at your own risk.
• The hikes might be adapted or shortened in case of bad or rainy weather.
• Please sign up only if you plan to attend and are ready to pay the fee upon registration.
• The event fee is non-refundable, except when the trip is full (12 participants), and there is someone to substitute you. However, the MeetUp and administration fee (€25) will still be charged.
• Thank you for your understanding and support in maintaining smooth planning and organisation for the group!