Smilde combines local history with various ways to explore the surrounding area on foot and by bicycle. In Smilde, a 7.5-kilometre historic walk passes old buildings; the 28.5-kilometre cycling route runs through Bovensmilde, Smilde and Hoogersmilde. The canal and nearby Kyllotsbos also shape the things you can discover during a stay.

Explore on Foot and by Bicycle

The cycling route is called Historische route door de Smildes. Its 28.5 kilometres take you through three places: Bovensmilde, Smilde and Hoogersmilde. If you compare route lengths, there is also a shorter option right in Smilde: the historic Smilde walking route is a 7.5-kilometre loop through the town.

This walk takes you past Koepelkerk and other historic buildings. The Polakkenbrug bus stop is a five-minute walk from the route’s starting point. Further afield in the region, the 16-kilometre Boswachterspad Olde Smildeger starts in Hoogersmilde at the car park at Sportlaan 1. This gives you a choice of routes of different lengths in Smilde and the surrounding area.

Local History and Historic Buildings

Smilde developed around 1770 as a canal village, when reclamation of the Smildervenen began. The canal is therefore not only a feature of the landscape, but also part of the town’s origins.

Koepelkerk lies along the historic walking route. Its organ was built in 1841 by P. van Oeckelen. Villa Maria offers another point of reference: the building was constructed in 1893 and became the town hall in 1931. The two dates mark different stages in its history, from its construction to its later use as the town hall.

Boerderij Assen-Rode is also one of Smilde’s historic buildings. This simple, white-plastered house dates from around 1850 and stands opposite the Dutch Reformed church. Behind the farmhouse, on a plot of land, there is a tombstone with inscriptions and remnants of carved reliefs. These details complement the major historic landmarks with tangible traces at individual buildings and on the grounds behind them.

Canal and Landscape

The canal in Smilde is now used only for recreation. The waterway near Smilde is part of the Turfroute, a water route of more than 200 kilometres through Drenthe, Friesland and Overijssel. The Tramweg recalls the time when a tram line ran along the canal near Smilde. The water route and Tramweg thus represent different chapters in the town’s history.

Kyllotsbos is located near Smilde. In this varied natural area, woodland, heathland and grassland alternate. It is suitable for short walks and leisurely bike rides. This natural setting complements the historic routes in town with a different landscape and its own focus on outdoor activities.

Practical Information

For the route to Landgoed Korteweg, you can park on the verge at the end of the paved road. The road is accessible from Boerenlaan in Smilde.

To choose a route, you can compare the distances side by side: the 7.5-kilometre walk through Smilde, the 16-kilometre Boswachterspad further afield in the region, and the 28.5-kilometre cycling route through three places. The local history, historic buildings and Kyllotsbos offer different interests to help you decide on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Beilen, Orvelte, Ruinerwold, Spier, Hoogersmilde, Hijken, Westerbork, Hooghalen.

For the main travel overview: Midden-Drenthe.