Salland

Salland is a historical and cultural region in the Netherlands, located primarily in the western and central part of the province of Overijssel. The name derives from the medieval county-like territory of Salland and is used today to describe a cohesive geographical and cultural area within Overijssel, rather than a current administrative division.

Geography and landscape: The region is characterized by flat to gently rolling farmland, river floodplains, and pockets of woodland. A notable feature is the Sallandse Heuvelrug, a hill ridge running through the area that hosts heath, forest, and recreational areas. Waterways, especially the IJssel and its tributaries, have shaped settlement patterns and land use for centuries.

History: Salland has historical roots dating to the Middle Ages as a separate political entity within the Holy Roman Empire and later the Counts of Overijssel. Over time its lands were integrated into the Dutch province of Overijssel. The term remains in use in historical and cultural contexts, and in the names of parks and regional organizations.

Today: In present-day Netherlands, Salland is recognized as a cultural region within Overijssel, contributing to regional identity, dialects, traditional landscape management, and tourism. Economic activity centers on agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and small-to-medium-sized towns that serve as service and logistics hubs for the surrounding countryside.