Dwingelderveld National Park is the largest wet heathland area in Western Europe. Its landscape is shaped by contrasts: damp depressions, known as slenken, alternate with high sandy ridges. In between, you’ll find heathland, woodland, juniper thickets and drifting sand; there are also more than forty fens.

Experience Dwingelderveld in different ways

In Dwingelderveld, you can hike, cycle, run and ride. Birdwatching is also possible, from observation hides or behind screens. The Dwingelderveld observation tower rises nine metres above the surrounding land and offers a view over the park’s heathland and fens. The visitor centre in Ruinen serves as a starting point for exploring the area.

Another special feature is the Schaapskudde Ruinen, a flock of around 300 Drenthe Heath sheep. Visitors are welcome at the Schaapskooi Ruinen every day to watch the sheep set off or return. Exact times are not provided, so you cannot plan this moment as a fixed item on your itinerary.

Echten: historic estate and walking route

On the eastern edge of the village of Echten lies the historic buitenplaats Echten, in the valley of the Oude Diep, also known as the Echtener Stroom. Its cultural and historical significance stems from its age, its scenic setting and the largely preserved layout of the estate. Huize Echten is a historic havezate with medieval roots.

The signposted Echtener Esch walking route is 13 kilometres long and leads around Echten through the Ruinen Forestry. It starts at the ’t Huus met de belle farm shop, where ample parking is available. As parking arrangements and route conditions can change, it’s worth checking the latest information before setting off.

Churches, farms and regional museum collections

The churches also tell the story of different building periods. The Bartholomeuskerk in Blijdenstein was originally Romanesque, was remodelled in the 15th century and extended with a north aisle in the 16th century. The Mariakerk in Ruinen is a Gothic church dating from the 12th century and originally belonged to the Benedictine monastery of Ruinen.

The Museumboerderij De Karstenhoeve is an authentic 17th-century farm. On display are historic rooms, agricultural tools, carriages and changing exhibitions. For example, it serves “koffie mit Roeffie”: a tray with pear cake, pear liqueur and a slice of Roeffie cake made from a Ruinerwold recipe. As menu details can change, it’s a good idea to check the current offering before your visit.

The Museumboerderij Pasmans Huus gives an impression of domestic life around 1900 through its historic furnishings. Items on display include traditional costume bonnets and old agricultural equipment. Museum De Wemme presents a completely new exhibition every year; visitors can also see a small part of its unique handcart collection. The Korenmolen De Zaandplatte offers a different perspective: the mill is capable of milling and is often in operation, and second-hand books and flour are also sold there.

Trails, landscapes and little discoveries

The Roekpad is an experiential trail about one kilometre long that engages all five senses. The text on the information panels is also available in Braille for blind and visually impaired visitors. A little further away, free parking is available in the car park at Visio Echten; the starting point is not particularly easy to reach by public transport. Check the parking rules before your visit.

The Belevingsbos Kerkenveld in the municipality of De Wolden is a forest for play, activities, walking and discovery, with birdhouses and a woodland theatre. The Dubbellint of Ruinerwold offers another way to explore the landscape: it is about 7.5 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, and is characterised by two parallel ribbons of development in a largely open landscape. Along the Dokter de Larijweg, around 1,400 pear trees in bloom offer a special sight in April on the Havelterberg route.

You can also combine a cycling trip with a visit: the Boerenlandschappen route can, among other places, be started at the Museumboerderij Karstenhoeve in Ruinerwold. In De Wolden, nature watching, outdoor activities and cultural and historical discoveries are different ways to enjoy the area.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ruinerwold, Zuidwolde, Echten, Ruinen, Linde, Koekange, Ansen, Drogteropslagen, Veeningen.

Back to the main travel overview: Drenthe.