The Tankenberg ridge reaches approximately 85 meters above sea level and lies between the towns of Oldenzaal and De Lutte. It is part of an ancient moraine, with wooded slopes and a summit that have long held significance for local communities. Visitors will find a tranquil forested environment, enhanced by broad views and a sense of calm that contrasts with the surrounding lowlands. The summit is marked by a dome-shaped structure referred to as the 'dome of Tanfana,' highlighting the location’s historical importance. The area is favored for hiking and walking, with well-maintained trails that traverse the hill and link to nearby points of interest.

Research suggests that Tankenberg was regarded as a sacred site by early inhabitants, probably due to its prominence and potential role in pre-Christian spiritual practices. Although local lore speaks of a Roman temple dedicated to the Germanic goddess Tanfana believed to have once stood near the top, no archaeological evidence has confirmed the existence of such a temple. The Roman historian Tacitus describes the temple of Tanfana, but it is uncertain whether it was located on the Tankenberg. On the back wall of the dome, a stone bears a text from Tacitus, referring to the destruction of Tanfana’s sanctuary in the year 14 CE. The idea that the temple referred to by Tacitus once stood on the Tankenberg is now considered impossible by historians, in light of the troop movements he also described.

 

It is said that the famous boulder on the market square of Oldenzaal originally came from the Tankenberg. There is no proof whether the boulder was originally used as a sacrifical stone or was involved in local ritual activities. 

The Tankenberg area is associated with the legend of a Hellhound, described as a spectral black dog rumored to roam the hillside and sometimes appearing as a portent of misfortune or death. Among the stories told, one recounts a farmer attacked by this creature who, despite surviving the encounter, later became ill and passed away, strengthening the myth of the Hellhound as a bringer of doom. Additionally, the hill is traditionally linked to the goddess Tanfana, a figure from Germanic folklore who is said to have led the 'Witte Wieven,' or wise supernatural women, from regional stories. While no archaeological proof exists of a Roman temple on the hill, these legends preserve the cultural memory of ancient spiritual practices related to the site.

Visitors can reach Tankenberg’s summit via marked hiking trails beginning near parking facilities on the southern edge of De Lutte. The trek from the closest parking area to the main viewpoint and the summit’s dome spans about 800 meters, following wooded paths with gentle slopes and some uneven terrain. The landscape comprises typical woodland hillside conditions with exposed roots and some steeper segments, which may pose challenges for individuals with limited mobility. The trails are unpaved and can become slippery during wet weather, but there are no constructed steps. The site is freely accessible.