Lakes around Deventer provide various water-based activities in the surrounding Overijssel region. Deventer, a historic city on the IJssel river, serves as a gateway to several recreational lakes and natural swimming spots. These locations offer diverse features and attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The natural landscape includes former river arms and purpose-built recreational areas.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
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very beautiful floating bridge
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mom and dad stork on their nest
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This is the entrance to the nature reserve in the floodplains of the IJssel.
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At normal summer conditions of the IJssel, you can enjoy recreation and swimming. From the picnic bench at the end of the sandy road, you have a beautiful view of the IJssel and Nijenbeek Castle on the other side. Ravenswaarden26-9-15GR 78 The area around the Zandgat (the Ravenswaarden) is agricultural and a beautiful (protected) nature reserve. Storks can almost always be seen there and with a bit of luck you will also see deer, egrets and spoonbills. (https://gorssel.nl/laatste-nieuws/nieuws/zandgat-ontspannen-zwemmen-en-genieten-van-de-ijssel)
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The former brickworks is interesting, even if not much can be seen anymore.
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Beautiful bridge Great highlight but it gets tight with the bike
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The Douwelerkolk is very likely a remnant of an old IJsselarm, but we cannot be completely sure. The different soil types and groundwater flows in the chamber create an area rich in flora and fauna.
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Careful of the narrow cycle gates across the lake, especially if you have a tandem, or trailer, or like us, both!
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While Deventer itself is on the IJssel river, the surrounding Overijssel region offers several popular recreational lakes. Strand Bussloo is a highly favored spot, known for its expansive sandy beaches and diverse activities. Another tranquil option is De Lange Kolk in Den Nul, ideal for natural swimming. Further afield, Het Hulsbeek Recreational Park near Oldenzaal provides a vast area with multiple lakes and extensive facilities.
Yes, several lakes cater well to families. Strand Bussloo is particularly family-friendly, featuring a dedicated children's beach with a waterslide, zip line, swings, and a water playground. The area also offers mini-golf and other activities. The Sand Pit near Gorssel is also noted as family-friendly, offering recreation and swimming. Het Hulsbeek Recreational Park also boasts numerous play facilities, including a water playground and climbing circus.
For swimming and various water sports, Strand Bussloo is an excellent choice. You can enjoy swimming, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), canoeing, and even diving there. De Lange Kolk in Den Nul offers a serene natural swimming experience from May to October. Het Hulsbeek Recreational Park also has ponds suitable for swimming and surfing.
Yes, the areas around the lakes offer various routes. Strand Bussloo has hiking trails, and the Bridge Over Lake Bussloo is part of a popular cycle path around the lake. Het Hulsbeek Recreational Park is known for its extensive walking and cycling trails through diverse landscapes. For more general outdoor activities, you can explore running trails or MTB trails in the wider Deventer region.
The lakes and surrounding areas boast diverse natural features. Near the Floating bridge, you can access a nature reserve with grasslands. The Douwelerkolk, likely an old IJssel river arm, is rich in flora and fauna due to varied soil types. The Sand Pit near Gorssel is part of a protected nature reserve where you might spot storks, deer, egrets, and spoonbills. You can also find specific conservation efforts like the Ponds for the Great Crested Newt.
Yes, several recreational areas are well-equipped. Strand Bussloo offers public toilets, showers, kiosks, and restaurants. Specific sections like "Brodazz Beach" even provide lounge sets and parasols. At De Lange Kolk, toilet facilities are available at the nearby Infocentrum.
Yes, Strand Bussloo has kiosks and restaurants available directly within the recreational area, providing convenient options for refreshments and meals during your visit.
The Douwelerkolk is unique because it is very likely a remnant of an old IJssel river arm. This historical geological formation, combined with varied soil types and groundwater flows, creates an area exceptionally rich in diverse flora and fauna.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Highlights like the Floating bridge are loved for providing access to beautiful nature reserves. The Sand Pit near Gorssel is praised for its recreation, swimming, and beautiful views of the IJssel and Nijenbeek Castle. The komoot community has documented these locations with over 300 upvotes and 90 photos, highlighting their appeal.
Yes, Strand Bussloo is noted as a premier spot for stargazing. Its remote location away from urban light pollution makes it an ideal place to observe the night sky.
Yes, Het Hulsbeek Recreational Park, although further away near Oldenzaal, features three artificial recreational ponds that are suitable for fishing, in addition to swimming and surfing.
For swimming, the period from May 1 to October 1 is generally the best time, as natural swimming spots like De Lange Kolk are officially open and maintained during these months. Water quality is regularly monitored by the Province of Overijssel during this season.


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