On the edge of Grolloërveld, Papenvoort brings nature and history together. Fens, forest trails and an e-bike route offer different ways to explore the area on your trip; at the same time, the grounds of Kamp Papenvoort and the village name have historical connections. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether hiking, cycling or local history will shape your stay. This lets you plan around the themes you want to focus on.

Fens, Forest and Finding Your Way

Papenvoort lies on the edge of the Grolloërveld nature area, which is part of the Gieten-Borger Forestry. There are fens east and west of Papenvoort: round, shallow bodies of water that often have distinctive plant life. These bodies of water offer a different landscape to the forest area through which Papenvoort road runs towards Drouwen. This indication of direction helps with orientation without suggesting that the road is a trail through the village centre.

Hiking Trails and an E-Bike Route

The Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad is located on the Hondsrug. The 125 m-long treetop walkway leads from a root tunnel through the trees to a point 22.5 m above the ground. The Buitencentrum is also the starting point for various forest walks through the Gieten-Borger Forestry. Two walks offer different experiences: Beleef het bos follows narrow paths through different types of forest, while the Bomen route offers views of impressive trees. This lets you choose a walk based on the kind of landscape that interests you. Conditions on the trails can change; check them before setting out.

For cycling, consider a different scale: the 67 km Hondsrugrondje 5 e-bike route follows the Andersche Diep for a stretch near Papenvoort. The Andersche Diep is part of the Drentsche Aa; the route is open to cycling year-round. This gives you two different options: a focused forest walk and a longer bike ride. When planning your trip, first decide whether you would rather include trails through the Gieten-Borger Forestry or an extended e-bike ride.

The History of Kamp Papenvoort

Kamp Papenvoort was the first Dutch camp for recognised conscientious objectors. After the Second World War, the site became an internment camp, mainly for the wives and children of men who served in the National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK) in Gasselte. In 1948, Papenvoort became part of the social youth care system and was turned into a boarding school. These successive uses mark different chapters in the village's history. Papenvoort was first mentioned in official documents in 1634. According to tradition, the name dates back to the 16th century and refers to a ford across the Amersche Diep near the present-day village. The documented mention and the tradition about the name are two distinct historical points of reference.

Practical Information for Your Trip

The Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad is another 2 km walk from the Papenvoort bus stop. The stated walking distance may change; check it before your visit. For the Papenvoort–Hooghalen hiking section, Qbuzz line 24 between Assen and Stadskanaal/Winschoten, with a stop at Papenvoort 31, is listed as a public transport connection. Check before travelling whether this connection is available for your travel date.

This way, you can plan your trip around your interests while leaving your choice of activities for the day open.

Discover more destinations: Grolloo, Gasselternijveen, Anderen, Anloo, Gieten, Nooitgedacht, Nieuwediep, Eext

For the broader travel overview: Aa en Hunze.