A stay in Gees can be shaped around three interests: village history, heritage or landscape. The old village centre is now a protected village conservation area; Boswachterij Gees, the Geeserstroom and the Mekelermeer each represent different aspects of the landscape. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether the village’s historical development or nature and geology should take centre stage. Trails and events offer further concrete points of interest.
Landscape, birdlife and geology
Boswachterij Gees lies slightly higher than the surrounding grassland. Its eastern side offers a beautiful view across the fields. The difference in elevation and the direction of the view give the landscape a distinctive character: forest on one side and open grassland on the other. At the Geeserstroom, by contrast, birdlife takes centre stage. The watercourse is a breeding and resting place for numerous marsh birds, including bitterns, bluethroats, many ducks and water rails. If you are particularly interested in birds, this provides a distinct nature theme for planning your trip.
The Mekelermeer is also part of Gees’s geological heritage. It is one of the largest pingo remnants in the Drenthe landscape. On 1 October 2015, the Province of Drenthe and the municipality of Coevorden unveiled the Mekelermeer as Drenthe’s sixth geological monument. This gives the site a distinctive place in the landscape as well as recognition as a geological monument.
Village history and historic sites
The history of the esdorp of Gees dates back to the Middle Ages; the village was first mentioned as Ghies in the early 13th century. The old village centre is now a protected village conservation area. On Oude Steeg is the Tellinghof, the best-preserved of Gees’s former brinken, the historic village greens. These features provide concrete points of reference for the village’s history: its early recorded name, its protected centre and a particularly well-preserved brink.
De Klinkenberg is a low mound with a shallow ditch; the site is a motte, or fortified mound, dating from around 1225 to 1250. It must have served to control the road from Coevorden to Ruinen. The Motte en Meanders route explores the area’s nature and history: information boards tell walkers about both, and the restored motte is a highlight of the area.
Routes and a November event
The Cultuurpad Coevorden: Gees – Oosterhesselen passes across the Geeser-es and by a pingo remnant and the Jewish cemetery. For cyclists, the 18-kilometre Saksenspoor route is another option: it passes some of the finest spots in Boswachterij Gees and the characteristic Drenthe villages of Meppen, Aalden, Gees and Oosterhesselen. If you are looking for a cycling route with a stated distance, the Saksenspoor offers one; the Cultuurpad is defined by its listed landscape and cultural points of interest. Check the route details before setting off.
Gees in Wintersfeer takes place on 27 and 28 November 2026. During the event, around 60 locations in Gees once again open their doors to more than 100 participants. Check the dates and programme before your trip if you would like to plan your visit around the event.
Lunch break in Gees
The brasserie at BIG Art & Garden offers an extensive lunch menu featuring local products and produce from its own vegetable garden. Menu details may change; check the current offer before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Oosterhesselen, Dalen, Wezuperbrug, Dalerpeel, Stieltjeskanaal, Benneveld, Erm, Dalerveen.
For the main travel overview: Coevorden.
