In Odoorn, architectural history, archaeological traces and paths through forest and heath come together. The Margarethakerk provides a cultural focal point; burial mounds and hunebedden bring archaeological history into your travel plans. Walking and cycling routes offer different options—from a choice of walking distances to paths through woodland and village.
Church and Cultural History
The choir of the Margarethakerk in Odoorn dates from around 1200. The church was restored and adapted for cultural activities. For travellers interested in architecture and local history, it is a distinctive starting point for discovering Odoorn’s cultural side.
Burial Mounds and Hunebedden
Eppiesbergje is a burial mound in the fields north of the road from Odoorn to Valthe. Its origins date back to around 2500 BC. The mound is listed as a rest stop on the Ellertsveld route; an information board there provides details about the site’s history.
Hunebed D34, a so-called portal tomb, is located near Odoorn and lies on the Odoorner walking route. Hunebed D32 has its own directions: it is signposted from Odoorn along the Borgerderweg and can be reached via a sandy track. Route information and directions can change; check the latest guidance before setting out.
Walking Between Village and Forest
On the Pelgrimspad Odoorn, you can choose between two walking distances: 9.5 or 6.5 kilometres. These distances provide a clear guide if you want to plan your walk according to the length you prefer.
Dichter bij Odoorn is an approximately 7-kilometre walking and cycling route through the Drenthe village of Odoorn. This gives you several options: two stated walking distances on the Pelgrimspad and an approximately 7-kilometre route described as suitable for both walking and cycling.
The Schapenpark walking route leads through Boswachterij Odoorn on the Hondsrug and, among other places, through Schapenpark. This is a heathland area in the middle of the forest. It came about after a devastating storm in 1972: instead of fully replanting the felled trees, Staatsbosbeheer allowed sheep to graze there. The landscape therefore also reflects a specific decision about how to shape the area after the storm.
Cycling Routes and Navigation
The “Klimmend over ijstijdheuvels” cycling route uses the cycle junction network. Signs guide you from one junction to the next along the way. Another cycling route, about 10 kilometres long, runs through both Boswachterij Odoorn and the village of Odoorn. The routes therefore differ both in their described paths and in how you navigate along the way.
For the approximately 10-kilometre cycling route, parking is listed at Restaurant Poolshoogte, at Boswachter Meelkerlaan 5, 7873 TE Odoorn; at Schaapstreek 2, 7873 TG Odoorn; and in the centre of Odoorn. As parking arrangements can change, check the latest information in advance.
The summit of Poolshoogte hill is 38 metres above NAP. The Poolshoogte observation tower in Boswachterij Odoorn was rebuilt in 2000.
Discover more destinations: Odoornerveen, Ees, Borger, Exloo, Eesergroen, Buinen, Bronneger, Valthermond.
For the overview of the wider area: Borger-Odoorn.
