Aalden combines a protected villagescape with two walking trails that differ in length and landscape. In Oud Aalden, an old esdorp and Drenthe farmhouses of the hall-house type take centre stage. The Jantina Helling grain mill adds a historical and agricultural touch; for walking, the seven-kilometre Aalden Rondomme and the eight-kilometre Aalden-Meppen: Esdorpenlandschap trail offer clearly distinct options. This makes it easy to choose Aalden for its culture, walking, or a combination of the two.

Oud Aalden and the grain mill

Oud Aalden is designated as a protected villagescape and is also an old esdorp with Drenthe farmhouses of the hall-house type. The protected status applies to the villagescape, while the hall-house type refers to the design of the farmhouses. These bring together two perspectives: the character of the village and a specific feature of rural architecture. If you are interested in village history, you can take both perspectives into account when choosing what to focus on.

The Jantina Helling grain mill has stood on the edge of Aalden since 1835; flour is sold at the mill. Various types of grain are grown at Jantina’s Korenhofje next to the mill. The date places the mill in its historical context, while the flour sales provide a specific visitor-related detail. The neighbouring farm complements the grain theme with the cultivation of different varieties. If buying flour is important to your visit, check in advance whether it will be available on the date of your visit.

Walking: two trails, two profiles

The Aalden Rondomme is a seven-kilometre circular walking trail around Aalden. It passes over Aalden’s village green, or Brink, with its ancient oaks, and offers views of Oud Aalden’s protected villagescape. The trail is partly paved and is considered easily accessible for people with disabilities; local conditions may vary. If accessibility is important for your plans, check the local conditions before setting out.

The eight-kilometre Aalden-Meppen: Esdorpenlandschap trail follows wide sandy tracks through the village fields around the brink villages of Aalden and Meppen. The two trails differ by more than just a kilometre: the Rondomme links the Brink, ancient oaks and villagescape, while Aalden-Meppen is characterised by wide sandy tracks and the village fields. You can therefore consider both trail length and landscape when choosing between them.

Golf as another option

Drentse Golfclub De Gelpenberg has 27 holes: an 18-hole PAR 72 course and a 9-hole PAR 3 course. The facility is divided into two clearly defined formats, offering golfers another possible area of interest alongside village culture and walking. If you are considering golf, you can distinguish between the course formats by their number of holes and stated PAR.

Discover more destinations: Oosterhesselen, Wezup, Coevorden, Zweeloo, Erm, Dalerveen, Sleen, Stieltjeskanaal.

Go to the parent travel guide: Coevorden.