Noord-Sleen lies on the edge of Boswachterij Sleenerzand. In the nature area, forests give way to heathland, large peat lakes and areas of drifting sand. The village’s history is complemented by a circular village walking trail; a mountain bike route of more than 30 kilometres also runs through Boswachterij. The heated outdoor pool, Bosbad Noord-Sleen, offers a different focus. This means you can include village history on foot, a longer bike ride or a day at the pool in your plans.
Village History in the Village and Along the Trails
Noord-Sleen emerged in the early Middle Ages as a settlement separated from Sleen. The Historical Commission put together the circular village walking trail. Its content combines old photographs with information about the village’s history; before setting out, check what form the accompanying materials are available in. Another route, “Noord-Sleen, rondje Westenesch”, explores the history of Noord-Sleen and its immediate surroundings. The difference lies in the focus: the circular village walking trail combines village history with old photographs, while the second route also takes in the immediate surroundings.
The village itself also offers tangible historical points of interest. Two village greens, traditional village squares, still remain on Dorpsstraat. Several Saxon farmhouses stand on Dorpsstraat as well as on Middelesweg and Zweeloërstraat. These squares and farmhouses offer a glimpse of the village’s traditional layout, complementing its history.
Forest, Mountain Biking and Outdoor Pool
Boswachterij Sleenerzand offers more than forest: its landscape also includes heathland, large peat lakes and areas of drifting sand. A mountain bike route of more than 30 kilometres runs through the area. A longer bike ride is therefore a distinct focus in its own right, separate from the routes that explore local history. If you plan your time around the activity you want, cycling and historical exploration are different options to choose from.
The heated outdoor pool, Bosbad Noord-Sleen, is located in the woods near Noord-Sleen. There you can swim laps, enjoy water sports and spend a day at the pool with your family. For a water-focused visit, this is a different option for the day than a cycling route or a walk. Check the current opening hours before setting out, as seasonal details may change.
Culture, Art and Events
The Cultuurpad leads from Noord-Sleen past a mill and several casemates, or concrete bunkers. The bunkers are reminders of the Second World War and give the route a historical focus. The trail therefore offers a different perspective on the area’s history than the photographs and village information on the circular village walking trail.
Galerie23 is open on Mondays and Wednesdays, weekdays, from 3 to 5 pm, as well as by appointment. If you are planning a visit, check the opening times before setting out. The specific hours make it easier to distinguish a gallery visit from longer outdoor activities and choose the right things to do during your stay.
A small local tradition is the “Dag van het Dorp”, possibly better described as the “Weekend van het Dorp”: the Volksfeest takes place every four years, followed by the village day two years later. The exact schedule may vary. If you are travelling specifically for one of the celebrations, check the announced dates before finalising your trip.
Discover more destinations: Wezuperbrug, Sleen, Wezup, Aalden, Stieltjeskanaal, Coevorden, Oosterhesselen, Erm.
Back to the main travel overview: Coevorden.
