Hunebed D20 stands out for its almost complete ring of kerbstones. Drouwenerzand offers a different landscape, with woodland, heathland and drifting dunes. Choosing Drouwen as a destination lets you explore cultural heritage, nature and specific walking experiences, and plan your outings accordingly.
Nature and trails around Drouwen
The Drouwenerzand nature area lies on the Hondsrug between Drouwen and Gasselte. It covers 220 hectares and is designated as a Natura 2000 site. Its varied heathland provides a habitat for numerous birds and butterflies. Woodland, heathland and drifting dunes together shape the landscape here.
The Boswachterspad Beek en Bos offers a concrete impression of the landscape: the trail runs along the Hemelriek and the meandering Anderse Diep, as well as over former drifting dunes. The Staatsbosbeheer Heide en Plassen walking route is marked with purple wooden signs and passes through a varied natural landscape. The two route descriptions offer different points of reference when planning your walks.
Village history and archaeological heritage
Several Saxon farmhouses and small village-green-like squares along Hoofdstraat bear witness to Drouwen’s agricultural character. These features give the village its own cultural and historical theme, distinct from the natural areas and walking trails.
The hunebeds also offer different perspectives: D20 is notable for its almost complete ring of kerbstones. From Drouwen, you can reach Hunebed D26 via several narrow, poorly surfaced paths, followed by a sandy track. Take these path conditions into account when planning your visit.
In Drouwen, Expositieboerderij Versteend Leven displays minerals, fossils, jewellery and shells from around the world. You can visit the exhibition free of charge and without obligation; the facility is wheelchair accessible. The Hunebed Museum in Borger also exhibits items from the excavation of D26, including stone weapons and tools.
Treetops, woodland and play areas
The Boomkroonpad is 125 metres long and winds through the treetops to a point 22.5 metres high. The Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad is also the starting point for several woodland walks through Boswachterij Gieten-Borger. Lorkenspeelbos offers opportunities to climb trees, build dens, use a slide, try a low-level climbing course and play with a water pump. At Drouwenerzand Attractiepark, the water and sand play area is partly paved, so children in wheelchairs can play there too.
Practical information for planning your trip
The Boomkroonpad has different opening hours throughout the year: from 1 April to 1 November, it is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00; from 1 November to 1 April, it is open Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. From Assen railway station, take bus 24 towards Borger to the Papenvoort stop to reach the Buitencentrum; from there, it is another two kilometres on foot. There is a bus stop 250 metres from the entrance to Drouwenerzand. Check opening hours and timetables before your visit, as details may change.
If you are looking for a hotel in Drouwen, you can start by considering what matters most for your stay: village history, archaeological heritage, nature or walking trails. The features described here offer concrete points of reference, and the outings need not all have the same character.
Discover more destinations: Valthermond, Valthe, Tweede Exloërmond, Klijndijk, Drouwenermond, Odoornerveen, Eesergroen, Buinen.
For the regional travel overview: Borger-Odoorn.
