Drielandweg, Oelemars and Beuningen Loop

You’re looking at a long, almost perfectly flat borderland ramble through Twente (eastern Overijssel), linking quiet farm lanes, sandy forest tracks, and big open-water nature around Losser and Beuningen. At around 43 km / 26.7 mi with roughly 0 m / 0 ft of climbing, the challenge is less about hills and more about time on feet, wind exposure, and keeping your pace steady on mixed surfaces.

Where the hike starts (nearest landmark) + getting there

Because the start point is listed only as “near,” the most practical, well-known place to anchor this loop is by the Oelemars nature area on the edge of Losser, close to the Dutch–German border—specifically around Grensweg / Ravenhorsterweg, 7581 PB Losser (near the bird hide and the Oelemars lookout tower area). (visitdeluttelosser.nl)

By car - Aim for parking near the Oelemars access points along Grensweg/Ravenhorsterweg (Losser). These roads are commonly used as access for the bird hide/boardwalk and the lookout tower area. (visitdeluttelosser.nl)

By public transport - The easiest hub is Losser (regional buses connect it with larger rail stations such as Enschede/Oldenzaal). From central Losser you’ll typically need a short bus + walk or a taxi/bike to reach the Oelemars trail access on the outskirts near the border. (Plan the final leg in advance—services can be less frequent outside peak hours.)

What to expect underfoot and how to pace it

Expect a steady rotation of: - Hard-packed farm tracks and quiet paved lanes (fast but repetitive—watch for cyclists and local traffic). - Forest paths and sandy stretches near the borderland nature areas (slower; sand can sap energy late in the day). - Waterside paths/edges around the Oelemars lake and wetland features (can be slick after rain).

Even with minimal elevation gain, 43 km / 26.7 mi is an all-day outing for most hikers. A realistic moving-time window is often 8–11 hours, depending on breaks, sand, and how long you linger at viewpoints/bird hides.

If you’re using navigation, load the route in HiiKER and keep an eye on junction density near nature reserves—small side paths can multiply quickly around sand pits, boardwalk spurs, and forest edges.

The route experience, section by section (approximate)

Distances below are approximate to help you plan food, water, and timing.

0–10 km (0–6.2 mi): Borderland water and big-sky walking

Starting near Oelemars, you quickly get the feel of this landscape: open water, reedbeds, and wet grassland created from a former extraction area that has been reworked into a permanent nature zone. The area is especially known for birdlife, with a bird hide, wet “plas-dras” (shallow wet) zones, and even a nesting wall for sand martins (bank swallows). (visitdeluttelosser.nl)
Keep your eyes up for: - Kingfisher flashes along the water margins (often reported as a reliable sighting from the hide). (birdingplaces.eu)
- Waders and ducks using the shallows, especially in migration seasons.

You’ll also pass close to the Oelemars lookout tower (about 24 m / 79 ft tall). It’s an optional detour, but it’s one of the best “big picture” moments of the day—views across Twente and into Germany. If you’re sensitive to heights, note the tower’s open, airy construction can feel exposed. (uitkijktorens.nl)

10–25 km (6.2–15.5 mi): Drielandweg and the quiet border corridor

As you arc away from the lake, the loop leans into rural border roads and wooded strips—the kind of terrain where you can cover distance efficiently, but you need to stay mentally engaged: - Expect long straight segments where wind can be a factor. - Watch for soft verges and muddy edges after rain. - Be alert for any temporary closures or safety cordons