Drouwenerzand is a relatively high-lying heathland and drifting-sand area on the edge of the Hondsrug. The 220-hectare area is designated as a Natura 2000 site; a signposted six-kilometre circular route leads through this landscape.
Landscapes and trails
The Hondsrug in Borger-Odoorn is characterized by hilly landscapes with forests, heathland and drifting sand. The Hunzedal offers a different setting: it is rich in water, plants and animals. There, you can hike, watch birds or discover the landscape from the water by canoe. This presents two distinct perspectives on nature side by side: hilly woodland and heathland on the Hondsrug, and water-rich nature with birdwatching in the Hunzedal.
In Borger-Odoorn, you can hike sections of the Drenthepad. The Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad is a starting point for activities and walking routes on the Hondsrug. At the Boomkroonpad, visitors can walk among the treetops. The six-kilometre Drouwenerzand circular route is clearly defined; the Drenthepad offers hiking sections, while the Boomkroonpad offers a walk among the treetops.
Megalithic tombs and history
The Hondsrug in Borger-Odoorn is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark and is home to megalithic tombs. At the Hunebed Centre, an exhibition focuses on the builders of the megalithic tombs, known in archaeology as people of the Funnel Beaker culture. The Geopark designation complements the exhibition’s archaeological perspective with a connection to the landscape.
Valtherschans is a defensive structure dating from the 16th century and stood right beside the Valtherdijk. From the high rampart, the view extends for dozens of kilometres across the Hunze valley. Valtherschans thus combines the historical function of a defensive structure with expansive views of the landscape.
Cultural landscape and experiences
The Veenkoloniën in Borger-Odoorn tell the story of peat extraction, shipping, the glass industry and agriculture. Long, narrow villages, canals and extensive fields shape the landscape. Unlike the Hondsrug, the landscape here is defined by different features: villages, canals and fields rather than hilly woodland and heathland. Visitors can cycle past museums and historic buildings, making the architectural heritage part of their exploration of the landscape.
Drouwenerzand Attractiepark is a park with mostly outdoor attractions. It offers a different kind of day out from hiking, nature watching and exploring cultural history.
Routes and practical information
For a cycle tour with a specified distance, there is the “Aanstreekelijk Borger-Odoorn Route 1”: a 43-kilometre e-bike route designated as “Recreatief” (recreational). The route starts at the Tourist Info Point in Borger. Visitors can ask questions there and get walking maps, cycling routes and tips for the region. Along the way, the tour visits an artisan cheese dairy with tastings, an orchard where you can pick your own fruit, and a farm shop selling regional Drenthe products. The route combines cycling with regional produce, tastings and pick-your-own fruit. Check seasonal information before setting out.
The Hunebed Centre can be reached by bus routes 300, 305, 59 and 24. Check bus connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Borger, Odoornerveen, Valthe, Valthermond, Exloo, Bronneger, Eesergroen, Ees, Drouwen, Buinen, Odoorn, Klijndijk, Tweede Exloërmond, Drouwenermond, Drouwenerveen.
For the regional travel overview: Drenthe.
