In the northwest of Overijssel, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of vast farmlands and watery nature reserves, lies the idyllic village of Sint Jansklooster. With its rich history and a warm community, this village is a hidden gem in the province. With a population that breathes the charm of small-scale living, Sint Jansklooster offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
History and origin of Sint Jansklooster
Sint Jansklooster is an integral part of the municipality of Steenwijkerland. The name of the village has historical roots that go back to the time of the monks who settled here in the Middle Ages. In the past, Sint Jansklooster housed two monasteries: the Clarissenklooster Clarenberg and Sint Jans Kamp, later known as 'Sint Jansklooster'. The village and the surrounding area were traditionally referred to as Ambt Vollenhove, with its location near the town of Vollenhove always playing a crucial role. In 1399, the blind clergyman Johannes van Ommen selected the current location of Sint Jansklooster as the site for a monastery. In 1405, the Clarissenklooster was founded nearby for
deeply religious women.
Traces of the past
Today, there are not many remains of the former monastery life visible. During the Eighty Years' War, Sint Jansklooster was destroyed, and in 1835 it was hit again by a major village fire. Some wall remains can be found at the junction of the Kloosterweg and the Monnikenweg. The water tower now serves as the local landmark of the village.
Hiking in nature
The nature around Sint Jansklooster offers a picturesque environment that is ideal for walks. The De Wieden nature reserve, east of the village, was created during the storm floods in 1775, 1776 and 1825. More about the Weerribben-Wieden National Park later in this article.
Involved community
Sint Jansklooster is home to a community of involved residents. The picturesque location in the municipality of Steenwijkerland, in the Kop van Overijssel and near the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, adds a touch of natural splendor to the area. The village is located between Vollenhove and Meppel and close to Giethoorn. Although the village is modest in size and has only about 2500 inhabitants, it offers a friendly atmosphere that invites visitors to experience the local culture and hospitality.
If you are interested in Sint Jansklooster as a destination, we will assume for the sake of convenience that you prefer activities related to nature and culture. After all, you don't go to Sint Jansklooster for the entertainment. You go there for the peace and quiet and the beautiful nature. Below are a few suggestions for things to do in Sint Jansklooster and the surrounding area:
- 1. Sint-Jansklooster Church: The Sint-Jansklooster Church is a historically and architecturally interesting building. Exploring the church and admiring the historical elements can provide an insight into the rich history of the village.
- 2. De Wieden Nature Reserve: The De Wieden nature reserve is located near Sint Jansklooster. This is a beautiful area with waterways, swamps and reed beds. It is ideal for nature lovers and offers opportunities for hiking and cycling tours. Read more about De Wieden Nature Reserve later in this article.
- 3. Flower Parade: If you are lucky enough to visit the village during the annual flower parade, this event is definitely a highlight. The colorful floats decorated with dahlias attract many visitors every year and create a festive atmosphere. Read more about the Sint Jansklooster Parade later in this article.
- 4. Water Tower: The water tower of Sint Jansklooster is a striking feature in the village. Although it is no longer used as a water tower, it often serves as a local landmark and offers an interesting piece of architecture.
- 5. Nature Walks: Explore the natural beauty around the village by taking a walk along the paths in the area. The quiet rural surroundings and natural beauty make it a relaxing place to enjoy the outdoors.
- 6. Kloostermarkt: If you visit the village around King's Day, you can experience the Kloostermarkt. This market often brings together music, food, drinks and other entertainment, making it a lively event. Read more about the Kloostermarkt later in this article.
- 7. Visit to nearby towns and villages: Sint Jansklooster is not far from other interesting cities in Overijssel, such as Vollenhove, Meppel and, not to forget, Giethoorn. A short drive will take you to other historical places and cultural attractions.
- The gondola tours of Dwarsgracht, Belt Schutsloot or Giethoorn are really worth it.
- Visit De Koloniën van Weldadigheid, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. See more about De Koloniën van Weldadigheid later on this website
- Visit the wickerwork museum in Noordwolde. This is also a very nice museum to visit with children. Check the website for opening hours.
- Take a look at the Museum of Fake Art in Vledder. This unique museum has been around for 25 years and shows a lot of beautiful art with a story. And they are all fake. The museum also has a room with contemporary glass art. You can buy glass objects and glass jewelry in the museum shop.
- Visit the De Proefkolonie museum in Frederiksoord. In this beautiful museum you will experience the history of De Koloniën van Waldadigheid. In the museum you take a journey through time through 3 rooms. This experience starts every 20 minutes.
- Pay a visit to Spinnekopmolen de Wicher. Excursions are organized by Staatsbosbeheer where the miller gives a demonstration.
- Visit the cheese shop of Henri Willig in Giethoorn
- Pay a visit to the Pantropica in Luttelgeest
Cycling
One of the ways to discover Sint Jansklooster and its surroundings is by bicycle. With kilometers of cycle paths, you can enjoy cycling in the Weerribben-Wieden, through the green, along waterways and over bridges. You can download a very beautiful cycling route in the area via fietsnetwerk nl. Sint Jansklooster can be used as a starting point, but of course also as an intermediate point for your cycling route. If you do not have your own bicycle, you can always rent one at one of the bicycle rental points. You can rent a bicycle at camping Heetveld in Sint Jansklooster.
Supping
On a SUP board on exploration through the Weerribben. Are you curious, just try it! In contrast to other board sports, where you spend ages practicing, supping is quick to learn and also easy to do, without having to follow a long instruction or course. Once you are paddling and have got the hang of it, you can explore the beautiful surroundings of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Because you are standing, you can look nicely over the reeds and you have a beautiful view.
Canoeing
Would you like to burn some calories for a day? How about a day of canoeing in the Weerribben? As far as we are concerned, it is the best activity in the Weerribben. In the National Park, the largest contiguous lowland moor area in Northwestern Europe. In this National Park you will discover a wide variety of flora and fauna. You can find great canoe routes on the website kanoroutes.nl. You can rent a canoe at camping het Waterhoentje. Reserve by phone on 0527-246674
Ice skating
Ice skating in the Weerribben. It will take some getting used to seeing all those skaters on the ice, instead of all those boats that are rented out in the summer. The landscape, sometimes even accompanied by snow, is completely changed during a skating trip. Just be careful not to hit your head on a bridge. In the surrounding villages such as Giethoorn, which is known for its many bridges, extra caution is required. Don't forget to wrap yourself up well. Your gloves and hat will be indispensable.
Boating
If you want to come boating in Giethoorn, you can always take your chances and rent a boat on the spot. Especially if you come outside the often busier weekends, children's holidays. It is then still relatively quiet in Giethoorn. This is not a guarantee. The reservation of a boat is then normally, also not necessary. However, it is possible that with good weather, even during these so-called quieter periods, it can get quite busy. We therefore advise everyone to reserve a boat in advance.
Annual event
The annual flower parade of Sint Jansklooster is a colorful and festive event that enjoys national fame. The highlight of the flower parade are the impressive floats that are decorated with thousands of dahlias. Dahlias are carefully chosen and arranged to create beautiful and colorful designs. The floats are often true works of art. The flower parade is a community affair in which many residents of Sint Jansklooster are involved. Making and decorating the floats is often a joint effort, with various groups and local residents working together to contribute to the success of the event.
A different theme every year
Each year, the flower parade is characterized by a specific theme. This theme serves as inspiration for the designs of the floats. Participants give free rein to their creativity and try to portray the theme in unique and surprising ways. This results in a varied and fascinating flower parade procession. The flower parade attracts many spectators every year, both local residents and visitors from outside. The atmosphere during the event is lively and festive. People come together to enjoy the colorful floats, the music, and the conviviality that the flower parade brings.
Last Friday in August
The flower parade is usually held annually on the second to last Friday in August. In 2024 the event will be held on August 16 and 17! The event takes place on Friday evening and is often followed by festivities throughout the weekend, including the opportunity to admire the floats up close and other festive activities in the village. Check this website for the correct date and program.
The village organizes the Kloostermarkt annually on King's Day, where music, food, drinks and other entertainment come together. The market is more than 2 kilometers long and attracts more than 15,000 visitors every year. The night before, during King's Night, the village is all about noise, including a nightly scooter race. There is often a party in Sint Jansklooster all week before King's Day and you can enjoy the fair, among other things.
9 kilometers as the crow flies
Sint Jansklooster is approximately 9 kilometers west of Giethoorn as the crow flies. The distance between these two places can vary by road, depending on the specific route you take. In general, you can cover the distance of 11 km by car in about 12 to 15 minutes. If you want to travel by boat from Sint Jansklooster to Giethoorn or vice versa, you should take into account a sailing time of 1.5 to 2 hours. This could be a very nice day out on a beautiful sunny day.
By car to Giethoorn
You can easily drive from Sint Jansklooster to Giethoorn by car. You can park your car in several places in Giethoorn. Navigate to Kerkweg 35 in Giethoorn for free parking.
Cycling from Sint Jansklooster to Giethoorn
From the center of Sint Jansklooster it is about 11 kilometers cycling to Giethoorn. Bicycle rental is possible at camping Heetveld. You can rent an (electric) bicycle for a day or longer. The bicycle tour to Giethoorn goes over paved roads. The roads are flat, so it is easy to do even with a regular bicycle.
Sint Jansklooster to Giethoorn by taxi
You can also choose to take a taxi. You can recognize taxis by their blue license plates. You can reserve a taxi to Giethoorn by contacting Giethoorn taxi.
Tip of the day
Tip for a wonderful day out: rent a boat in Giethoorn or in Sint Jansklooster and sail the route via the Weerribben. In both villages you have the opportunity to moor in the center and have a drink on a terrace.
No large hotels or camping
Don't expect large hotels or a large campsite here. You won't find them in and around Sint Jansklooster, but there are plenty of nice B&Bs,
apartments and houses for rent. Or how about renting a houseboat? Sint Jansklooster is ideally suited for people who want to seek peace and quiet, hear the birds singing and like to be in nature. Here you can completely relax. Overnight stays are still in their infancy here. Here you will find giethoorn camping and hotel Giethoorn as alternatives. Both are nearby and you can stay here without any problems.
Camping het Waterhoentje
Campsite on the water and equipped with every convenience and comfort. But on a smaller scale so you can quietly enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It is located in the middle of Weerribben-Wieden National Park and is picturesque. There are plenty of cycling and walking opportunities and it is also ideal for water sports.
Camping Heetveld
Camping Heetveld is located in the village of Sint Jansklooster on the edge of Weerribben and Wieden National Park in the north of Overijssel, 8 km from Giethoorn. The campsite is located like an oasis on a low mountain, centuries-old clay mounds formed during the last ice age. You will find Camping Heetveld in this unique environment. This small-scale campsite is open from April 1 to September 30 and has 38 camping pitches of 110 to 120 square meters, surrounded by greenery. This campsite focuses on seniors who want to enjoy peace, space and nature.
Few small restaurants
Sint Jansklooster has only 1 restaurant with restaurant het wapen van Utrecht. There are a number of restaurants in the area. We will list them for you:
- Het Rietershuijs
- Pieter Jongschaap
- Café de Weerribben
You can reach Sint Jansklooster by public transport in the following ways.
- From Zwolle take bus 71 and you will be there in 40 minutes.
- From Emmeloord take bus 71 and you will be there in 33 minutes
- From Steenwijk take bus 70, after which you can transfer to bus 71 in Zwartsluis and you will be there in an hour.
You can of course also come to Sint Jansklooster by car or bicycle.
Parking your car in Sint Jansklooster is not that easy. Especially during summer days, there are often not enough parking spaces for all tourists. The largest car park in the village has approximately 35 parking spaces. Navigate to the Van Ommenstraat to reach this car park. There are also a number of parking spaces at the COOP supermarket. You can also park at the recreation companies, but sometimes the number of parking spaces is not sufficient for everyone.
What can you expect in the Weerribben-Wieden?
For nature lovers, a visit to the Weerribben-Wieden National Park is an absolute must. A breathtaking landscape of swamps, lakes and reed beds stretches out for those seeking peace and beauty. Explore the nature trails, sail along calm waterways and admire the diverse flora and fauna that make this area one of the most valuable nature reserves in the Netherlands.
Visitor center
Be sure to visit the visitor center of Natuurmonumenten: De Wieden before you explore Weerribben-Wieden National Park. There you will not only find hiking and cycling routes, but you can also find information about the flora and fauna and book an exploration tour with a guide, for example. The best way to discover this beautiful area is by water. Tip: rent a boat!