Schoonloo is an esch village at the highest point of the Rolderrug, a sand ridge parallel to the Hondsrug. Forest, heathland and water shape the ways to explore the area: you can choose from longer and shorter hiking routes, a cycling route and swimming spots.
Hiking and Cycling Around Schoonloo
The sixth stage of the Pieterpad runs 24 kilometres from Schoonloo to Sleen. It starts at Café Hegeman and passes through the Boswachterij Schoonloo. Red-and-white posts mark the stage. As route information, starting arrangements and markings can change, check the latest information before setting off.
At 7.5 kilometres, the Wolvenspoor is a shorter hiking option. It leads through the Hart van Drenthe, past dark forests and heathland, over wooden bridges across fen waters and through the valley of the Elperstroom stream. Walking can be less comfortable in wet conditions. Comparing its length with the 24-kilometre Pieterpad stage highlights the difference in scope between the two hikes.
There is also a cycling route: the 13-kilometre Schoonloo cycling route runs through the Boswachterij. In terms of distance, it falls between the two hiking routes mentioned, but it is a standalone cycling tour. The Knapzakroute Schoonloo–Grolloo offers a different perspective. It follows winding sandy tracks and passes through dense oak groves. Along the way, it offers insights into farming life in the past as it passes centuries-old villages, as well as views of heathland, forest and meandering streams.
The Boswachterij Schoonloo includes open areas and forests with distinctive plants and animals. With a little luck, you may also spot a rare badger there. The landscape can therefore be part of an outing on foot or along the signposted cycling route, although a badger sighting is not guaranteed.
Swimming Lakes and Other Activities
The Speelvijver ’t Loomeer recreation area is located in the Boswachterij Schoonloo, on the road from Schoonoord to Schoonloo. The swimming lake covers seven hectares, is no more than two metres deep and is surrounded by a sandy beach; there is also a sunbathing lawn. It is considered particularly suitable for families with children. Toilets, picnic areas, ample parking and a bicycle parking area complete the facilities. The kiosk is open on summer days. Check local conditions before swimming.
Another swimming spot nearby is the Ieberenplas, in the Boswachterij Grolloo area. This lake is also no more than two metres deep and has a large sandy beach. Walks into the adjoining woodland and nature area start at the Ieberenplas. Nearby, the Zandspeelplaats Grolloo offers places to picnic and play in the sand. The swimming spots therefore differ in more than just their location: facilities such as a sunbathing lawn are mentioned for ’t Loomeer, while the Ieberenplas also offers walks into the adjoining natural area.
For horseback riding, trails lead directly from the grounds of Manege Knollegruun into the extensive forests and heathland of the Drentse nature area. Beachvolleybal Schoonloo also hosts an annual tournament, welcoming recreational players and ambitious competitors alike. If you want to plan your visit around it, check the dates for the relevant edition.
A Village with a Long History
Schoonloo originated in the early Middle Ages at the crossroads of the Coevorden–Groningen post route and the road between Schoonoord and Grolloo. Recorded forms of the name date back to the Middle Ages: the place was first mentioned as Sconelo in 1328, and around 1500 it was written as Sconloe. Together with its location on the Rolderrug, this history describes a place whose landscape and historical character can be discovered on hiking trails and through further exploration of the surrounding area.
Discover more destinations: Papenvoort, Gieten, Nijlande, Eexterzandvoort, Grolloo, Annen, Anloo, Nooitgedacht.
For the main travel overview: Aa En Hunze.
