The Sallandse Heuvelrug is the ultimate outdoor sports region in the Netherlands, for good reason. You won’t find a more tough and rugged place anywhere else. The impressive height differences have been around since the ice age, when glaciers from Scandinavia caused massive landslides. Apply your brakes every now and then: the natural surroundings are almost as awe-inspiring as the tracks. With rugged pine trees, fields of heather and sand drifts.

Mud and the smell of pine

You can choose from the purple, blue, green, orange routes and the Reggelandroute. All routes have hefty climbs and fast drops. Don’t know which one to choose? The purple (18 km, 205 altimeters) and green (18 km, 190 altimeters) routes should definitely be on your to-ride list. These routes are among the ten best MTB trails in the Netherlands.

Purple & Green

The award-winning purple route, with stunning banked curves, guides you down along steep forest paths at full speed. The longer, wide stretches of the route let you catch your breath. You’ll need to, because this route will make you work up a sweat. The brisk green route starts in Rijssen. The forest surrounding the Rijsserberg (32.4) is also referred to as the Dutch Black Forest. This route will demand your full effort, the ravines are particularly challenging.

Plan your day

There are coffee stops and lunch spots along the way where you can rinse off yourself and your bike. Order the tasty and traditionally Dutch fried eggs or a healthy organic special. Parking is free at the departure points. Good to know: the MTB routes are connected to the Twente and Salland MTB network through connecting routes.

Tip:

The trails are demanding, for your body as well as your bike. Check in advance that everything is working properly.