Drouwenerveen brings together the history of a peat colony and a landscape where waterways and restored nature play an important role. The village can therefore be explored through two particular interests when choosing a holiday rental: the development of a young peat village and the landscape around De Branden. There are also practical ways to explore the surrounding area by bike or go canoeing on the Hunze in summer.
Water Landscape Around Drouwenerveen
De Branden lies near Drouwenerveen and Gasselte. The 240-hectare area includes the confluence of the Achterste Diep and Voorste Diep; from there, both continue as the Hunze. Near Drouwenerveen, De Branden has been developed as a wet to marshy nature reserve. Restoration was completed in June 2023. This created 240 hectares of new nature and additional space for water storage.
The history along the Achterste Diep is also closely connected with water: dikes were later built along the watercourse to prevent it from overflowing in the autumn months. The area thus brings together waterways, wetlands and the historic management of water. De Branden offers a landscape perspective that differs from the village’s settlement history.
From the First Peatland Residents to a Village
Around 1750, when the reclamation of the Drouwener Venen began, the first residents settled in plaggen huts on the edge of the marshy area. Drouwenerveen did not become an actual settlement until around 1820. In the early 19th century, the village developed as a ribbon settlement on a sandy ridge east of the Achterste Diep. These dates mark different stages: from the first residents in the peatland to the formation of a village.
Drouwenerveen developed from a settlement on the edge of the peatland into an agricultural village in the peat colonies. Farmers from the area around Drouwen built farms on both sides of the winding main road. The shape of the village is therefore part of its history: the settlement did not develop separately from agriculture, but grew as an agricultural village. From 1886, Drouwenerveen had its own village school. When pupil numbers declined, the village community took over its upkeep so that the school could remain open.
By Bike, on the Water and at the Farm Shop
An IVN-R cycling excursion takes you through the De Branden area between Drouwenerveen and Drouwenerzand, along cycle paths and quiet roads to other special places nearby. Canoeing offers a different focus: 25 Graden Noord in Drouwenerveen offers canoe trips on the Hunze in summer. The seasonal difference is important when planning. Check the provider’s current information before choosing a date.
Maatschap Dilling also welcomes visitors in Drouwenerveen: the farm shop and vending machine offer fresh asparagus, blueberries and regional products. Asparagus and blueberries are seasonal products, and opening arrangements may also change. If you plan to visit the farm shop or use the vending machine, it is best to ask about the current selection in advance.
A Look at the Village’s History
The Reformed church, built in 1915, is on Hoofdstraat. It is no longer used as a church and is privately owned. This adds a specific building to the settlement’s history, with its construction date, former use and current ownership status clearly distinguished.
Discover more destinations: Exloo, Buinen, Odoorn, Borger, Bronneger, Valthermond, Valthe, Eesergroen.
For the broader travel overview: Borger-Odoorn.
