Noordenveld features a wide variety of landscapes: in the north, the brook-valley landscape stretches across ancient lowlands, hedgerows and wooded strips; in the south, ancient forests shape the scenery. There are also historic esdorp landscapes and the living raised bog at Fochteloërveen. Peat bogs, heathland and drifting sands add to the picture. Discover this diversity along a range of routes, alongside traces of different periods in history.
Landscapes on foot, on wheels and on the water
Explore Noordenveld on foot, by bike, on horseback or by canoe. For longer cycling tours, the landscapes offer forests, fields, small lakes, wetlands, heathland and esdorp landscapes. Walking trails lead through forests and heathland, wet nature areas and fields bordered by hedgerows. This lets you tailor your exploration to the type of landscape that interests you most.
Mills and traces of history
One example of technical heritage is Woldzigt in Roderwolde, a grain and oil mill founded in 1852. It is fully operational and has millstones and two stone grinding mechanisms, one of which is under-driven. The equipment also includes a pre-beater and a post-beater. These various components offer a tangible insight into milling technology. If you plan to attend a demonstration or visit the mill, check both details before your trip.
Noordsche Veld was designated an archaeological monument in 2017. Well-preserved traces of the past include burial mounds and hunebeds. The Noordsche Veld walking route through the Kop van Drenthe passes through forest, along hedgerows and across heathland. In Steenbergen, you can also visit Hunebed D1 (Drenthe 1), the northernmost hunebed in Drenthe. It is easy to reach by car; there is a walking trail and a spacious car park next to the hunebed.
Zwartendijksterschans was built in 1593 to block the road between Groningen and Friesland to the Spanish. It is open to visitors free of charge. Veenhuizen is another historic point of interest: the village is part of the Dutch UNESCO World Heritage Site Colonies of Benevolence. The National Prison Museum presents stories about poverty, neglect, crime and punishment.
Rodermarkt lasts a week. The programme includes a parade, live music, harness racing, a fair and other activities. Check the event dates for your travel year if you want to plan your visit around it.
Experience nature and plan practically
In the Onlanden, you may spot great egrets, marsh harriers, white-tailed eagles, bitterns and otters, although sightings are not guaranteed. The area also offers opportunities for walking, cycling and canoeing, but not everywhere. Water access and route availability may vary by area and season. Guided excursions are regularly available. From a 26-metre-high observation tower in the Onlanden, you can enjoy a 360-degree view across the brook-valley landscape of the Eelderdiep and Peizerdiep.
Several walking trails start from the Brink in Norg; some routes are marked with colours on a sign. Ronostrand lies on the edge of the forests of Een, with a swimming area in the lake and a beach for relaxation. Check which seasonal facilities are open before your trip.
Veenhuizen offers practical travel options: the village is accessible by car, and free parking is available at several locations. Bus route 14 serves Veenhuizen from Assen and Drachten. Transport information may change, so check it again before departure.
Discover more places: Alteveer, Norg, Roderesch, Zuidvelde, Roden, Veenhuizen, Een, Westervelde, Peest, Peize, Roderwolde, Een-West.
For the broader travel overview: Drenthe.
