In the area

Zoo

Tierpark Nordhorn

A popular family zoo near the Dutch border, on about 12 hectares with over 2 500 animals in more than 100 species
Besides exotic animals, there are also playgrounds, a petting zoo, and various feeding activities

Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen

A sizeable, modern zoo in Emmen with around 22 hectares and 7,000 animals spread over four themed areas: Jungola, Serenga, Nortica and Animazia
In Jungola, take a boat ride in a giant tropical greenhouse (Rimbula), meet elephants and proboscis monkeys

Relaxation

Golf (regulate)

Just across the border in Germany, there are some great golf courses to consider:

GC Thülsfelder Talsperre (Molbergen):
An 18-hole and 9-hole golf course in the recreational area of Thülsfelder Talsperre, less than a 5-minute drive from Hoogstede. The site also offers practice facilities, lessons and a clubhouse in a natural, relaxed setting Hotel Heidegrund.
Golfclub Wasserburg Anholt (Isselburg-Anholt):
Located in the border region, with a good reputation for quality and relaxation on the green

Culinary

Delicious pizza in Hoogstede Ado's Pizza & Grill Local pizzeria, cosy, takeaway & delivery
Schnitzels + currywurst + XXL-variatie Schnitzelwelt Emlichheim Wide selection, child-friendly, large portions

Walking around Hoogstede

In the area around Hoogstede, there are several hiking trails, ranging from short and easy to slightly more challenging:

Wooden plank path (Bathorn) - An easy hike of about 4.3 km; practically flat and suitable for all levels.
Georgsdorf Cemetery Trail ("War Cemetery") - A medium hike of about 9.9 km; suitable for walkers with reasonable fitness.
Round trip "Covered picnic table" from Ringe - An 11.8 km route with plenty of variety and a nice break spot along the way.

There are also longer, cross-border routes such as:

Vechtdalpad - A long-distance trail leading from Zwolle (NL) to Hoogstede, with hiking options of about 22 km within the municipality.
Nature reserves - For example, the Vechte-Altarm Kalle and the Moorverlandungsgebied Tinholt: beautiful, peaceful nature reserves near Hoogstede for hiking.

Cycling around Hoogstede

For cyclists, Hoogstede is a gem thanks to its extensive networks and varied routes:

Shady cycle path - Blick auf die Vechte 2 - An easy, short 18.8 km route with nice views and little elevation change.
Vechtbrug canal round trip (Georgsdorf) - Medium route of about 41.5 km; requires reasonable fitness but offers beautiful natural panoramas.
Kloster Frenswegen - North-South Canal round trip - A full 51 km circuit, medium in severity, for those who want to cycle a little longer.
Newly asphalted canal path near Emlichheim - Round trip of some 44.3 km; ideal for comfortable rides on well-maintained paths.
"Round Hoogstede" cycle route - Approximately 26.9 km, through rural areas, suitable for electric bike or regular touring bike.
Grafschafter Cycling Tour 10 - About 39 km along canals, marshes and quiet roads in the region.

Grafschaft Bentheim has also been voted the most bicycle-friendly district in Lower Saxony, with more than 1 200 km of cycle paths-perfect for both recreational tours and longer routes.

Wellness

Thermen & Beautycentrum Anholts

Locally the wellness option, located at Europaweg 191 in Schoonebeek.

Sauna facilities: various saunas such as Finnish sauna, Ruusu® cabin, herbal sauna, outdoor cabin, Valo® bath (with starry sky effect), infrared cabin and steam bath

Shopping

Winkelgebieden in the county of Bentheim

Nordhorn: The place for extensive shopping and boutiques, with a lively pedestrian area. You'll find cafés, fashion boutiques, home furnishing shops and some great electronics shops in the area around the "Grüne Wiese". Ideal for a varied shopping session.
Bad Bentheim: Historic setting with charming shops around the Marktplatz and markets. Many shops are also open on Sunday afternoons, which is convenient for a leisurely visit.
Farm shops & local produce: Buy fresh and local through farm shops in the area, with delicious products such as cheese, jams, honey and fresh vegetables.

Supermarket overview by location

Hoogstede

Combi (Hauptstraße 57): For daily shopping with a wide range of fresh and long-life products, practically within the village centre.

Emlichheim

K+K Klaas & Kock (Bahnhofstraße 21): Large regional supermarket with extended opening hours (Mon-Sat 07:30-22:00), including fresh meat, cheese products and a serving department.
REWE Markt (Dorfstraße 29): Supermarket also with wide opening hours (Mon-Sat 07:00-22:00), weekly current offers and a takeaway service.
There are also a Lidl, Aldi Nord and Netto Marken-Discount in Emlichheim, for price-conscious choices.

Schoonebeek

PLUS Jongman (Europaweg 131‑14):Close by and practical, with a wide range, delivery service and conveniently open on Sundays from 09:00-18:00.