De Zwaluw is a working grain mill in the centre of Hoogeveen. Here, the miller traditionally grinds various types of grain and sells them in the mill shop. This connects the history of the craft with a practical insight into the work of the mill. If you plan to visit the shop, it is best to check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

History in the Townscape

Hoogeveen originated in the 17th century as a settlement of peat cutters in the peatlands of Drenthe. De Cascade recalls the former transport of peat: this water feature in the Hoogeveen shopping centre is 250 metres long and ten metres wide. Its shape evokes the former canal used to transport peat.

The Grote Kerk also tells the story of several phases of construction. Building began in 1651; the church was built between 1652 and 1664 in the Classical style. It was expanded three times between 1766 and 1804. The openwork white roof turret dates from 1720 and houses 17th-century bells. Schutstraat is also home to the former synagogue, built in 1856 and now used by the Baptist congregation.

Another way to learn about hiding during the Second World War is to visit the Onderduikersmuseum de Duikelaar. Exhibitions and recreated hiding places tell the story of this chapter in local history. Nieuwlande and the surrounding area are also connected to it: in recognition of their help in sheltering Jewish people in hiding, they received a collective Yad Vashem award.

Experience Van Gogh on the Routes

Hoogeveen commemorates Vincent van Gogh’s stay in 1883 with local murals, cycling routes and walking routes. The 50-kilometre “Vincents Aankomst” cycling route starts at Hoogeveen station. Information boards, viewing panels and audio stories along the route tell visitors about Van Gogh’s time in Drenthe. The station has parking and good public transport connections for this route.

For a shorter exploration of the town, try the signposted, three-kilometre “City Walk Hoogeveen (Trommelslager),” which introduces Hoogeveen’s history. You can also join a guided Van Gogh walk from the station. The Tourist Info Punt Hoogeveen provides information about routes, sights, day trips and events, and is also the starting point for a guided town walk. Check the current dates for guided tours in advance.

Landscape and Trails

The Herenplaten of the Nuilerveld is Drenthe’s ninth geological monument. It illustrates how ice, wind and water have shaped the landscape. The Nuilerveld covers about 60 hectares, is managed by Het Drentse Landschap and consists largely of a drift-sand landscape.

There are different routes to choose from depending on the distance you want to cover: the Hollandscheveld forest area has an unmarked, six-kilometre walking route. The 56-kilometre “Rond Hoogeveen” cycling route also runs through the area. The signposted “Oude Diep” walking route is 19 kilometres long and passes through the Spaarbankbos and the Boerenveensche Plassen nature area.

In the Oude Diep nature area, you can walk alongside a meandering stream surrounded by hay meadows, hedgerows and riverine woodland. The water flows from Mantinge towards Hoogeveen. The Spaarbankbos developed from a wet heathland into a woodland for walking by the residents of Hoogeveen. A memorial there marks the spot where five residents of Hoogeveen were shot by the German occupying forces on 1 August 1943.

The recreational area of Schoonhoven is home to ’t Opgaonde, an inclusive nature trail. The route is more than two kilometres long and accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and pushchairs; rest areas and information features highlight the area’s natural and cultural history. Route conditions and facilities may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Fluitenberg, Hollandscheveld, Tiendeveen, Hoogeveen, Pesse, Nieuweroord, Stuifzand, Nieuwlande, Elim.

For the main travel overview: Drenthe.