Schoonebeek brings together very different traces of the past: a tower from the air-watch service era, a Saxon farmhouse, church architecture and a garden on the site of a former church. Industrial history, events and trails are also among the topics you can weigh up when planning your stay. For dates, routes and changing offerings, it is worth checking the latest information before you plan.
Culture and architectural history
The 7Z3 air-watch tower was built in 1954 south of Schoonebeek, by the Schoonebeekerdiep, for the Korps Luchtwachtdienst (Air Watch Corps). Its year of construction, purpose and location give the structure a specific connection to military history. In 2019, the Stichting Drents Monument restored the tower; it was subsequently transferred to Het Drentse Landschap. Its history therefore includes both its construction and a later restoration and transfer.
Zwaantje Hans-Stokman's Hof offers a different perspective on architectural history: a carefully restored traditional Saxon farmhouse with a barn in Schoonebeek. It probably dates from the 17th century—the date is therefore a probable estimate, not an exact year of construction. The Zaalkerk Schoonebeek 1927 provides a later architectural point of reference. It was built in 1927 to a design by architect J. Boelens of Assen. Seven bays, buttresses and an attached tower define the simple hall church, which is classified as belonging to the sober Expressionist style of the interwar period. The farmhouse, tower and church thus represent different architectural themes and periods.
The Van Gogh Beleeftuin complements this architectural history with a garden: it was created in 2022 on the site of the former Nicolaaskerk in Schoonebeek and part of its old churchyard. The flowerbeds follow the contours of the former church's floor plan. The former church site therefore remains discernible in the garden's design.
Trails, landscape and dates
Work to redesign a 128-hectare area in the Oosteindscheveen, much of which consists of rare raised bog, began in 2024. Existing walking trails are being rerouted and improved. Check the current route before setting out, as the work and the landscape may continue to change. The Emmelkamp Route is signposted in the Netherlands and Germany; the border is crossed at bicycle junction 34. As trail markings can change, it is a good idea to check the signposting before setting off.
The Boortorenwandeltocht also offers a fixed point for planning your year: it has been held annually on the last Saturday in August since 1957. As the exact calendar date changes from year to year, check the date for the year in question. This sets the event apart from the trails in the Oosteindscheveen, whose routes should be taken into account in connection with the redesign.
Wildlife park and industrial history
Griendtsveenpark is a wildlife park with sheep, chickens, deer, rabbits, ponies, geese, peacocks and turkeys. There is one playground for younger children and another for older children; the park also has a cableway. These separate play areas and animal species give you specific points to consider when planning. The animals and recreational facilities may change; if you have particular animals or activities in mind, check what is currently available before your visit.
Turfcafé Schoonebeek is located in a former peat-litter factory, founded by the Veldkamp family in 1926 and converted into a catering business in 1978. Original arches from the former loading facility for peat boats and numerous tools have been preserved. The building's history and these details of its former use offer another way to explore Schoonebeek's industrial history. As facilities and catering options can change, check the current arrangements before visiting.
Discover more destinations
Zwartemeer, Emmen, Nieuw-Amsterdam, Weiteveen, Emmer-Compascuum, Roswinkel, Erica
For the overview of the wider area: Emmen.
