Vliegveld Twenthe

Vliegveld Twenthe is the former airfield north of Enschede, in the east of the Netherlands, and it has a long and varied history for what looks from the road like an open field. It was laid out in the early 1930s and opened in 1931 as a civil aerodrome, at a time when aviation was a novelty and local people were curious about the machines that landed there. Flying displays and demonstrations drew crowds, and for a while the field was a symbol of Twente's modern ambitions.

The Second World War changed its role. The airfield came under German control and was used for military purposes, and it was a target in the fighting around the area. After the war it became an air force base of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and it remained one for many decades, home to fighter squadrons and a centre of military aviation in the east of the country. Hangars, runways, control buildings and other structures from those years still mark the site and give it its character.

After the air force left in the first years of the twenty-first century, the airfield was used for civil flights for a time and then went through a period of uncertainty as plans for its future changed. Today the site is mainly used for events. Its wide open spaces, large hangars and long runways make it suitable for festivals, car and motor rallies, concerts and sports gatherings, and the atmosphere of a former airbase gives them an unusual setting. The programme varies year by year, so check what is on before travelling.

Because the site is so large, it can also be enjoyed on foot or by bike when open, with wide views over the Twente landscape. Aviation enthusiasts appreciate the surviving buildings and the sense of history, and guided tours or open days are sometimes offered. Access can be limited when events are being prepared or held, and parts of the site may be fenced off, so respect any restrictions.

The airfield lies close to other attractions in the area, among them the Buurserzand heathland, the Haaksbergerveen nature reserve and the Grolsch Veste football stadium in Enschede. It suits aviation fans, festival-goers, walkers and cyclists. Allow a couple of hours for a visit, and check event dates and access arrangements first.