South of Een lies the Marke van Een, a natural area of woodland and heathland. Together with the Zwartendijksterschans, the village greens and the war memorial, it offers a choice between landscape and local history. If you are looking for a hotel in Een, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.
Fortification and cycling route
The Zwartendijksterschans was built in the winter of 1593–1594 as an earthwork fortification between Bakkeveen in Friesland and the village of Een in Drenthe. It is one of the few remaining fortifications from the Eighty Years’ War. This makes it a clear point of reference for a history-focused trip: its construction period, type and place in the war are all clearly identified.
The Friese Waterlinie I cycling route also leads to the Zwartendijksterschans. Visitors planning to combine the fortification and cycling will find a direct route connection here. Route details may change, so check the current route before setting off.
Village greens and a place of remembrance
The Brink de Tip by the school in Een is triangular in shape and is a so-called meadow green. Trees grow along the surrounding hedgerows. The brink at Noord Eind, by contrast, reflects an earlier use: it lies in the oldest part of Een and was once used to gather sheep before they were driven out to graze on the extensive heathland.
The two village greens offer different perspectives on local history. The triangular shape stands out at Brink de Tip, while the brink at Noord Eind represents an earlier function in rural life. This distinction helps visitors see these local features as more than repetitions of a single historical theme.
Another marker of local history is the war memorial in Een: a grey natural-stone memorial, designed as a triptych and topped with a cross. A triptych is a three-part design. Its material, form and cross give the memorial a clearly describable appearance, without requiring any further interpretation.
Landscape, swimming lake and walking route
The Marke van Een lies south of Een, along the Haulerwijksterweg. Woodland and heathland define the character of this natural area, offering a different focus from the historic buildings and village features. If you are more interested in landscape than local history when choosing a destination, this contrast is a helpful starting point.
Ronostrand lies northwest of Een and has a private swimming lake, a white sandy beach and a grassy sunbathing area. Ronostrand is not a public beach. Take its private status into account when planning your visit, and check the operator’s current access conditions beforehand, as facilities and conditions may change.
The “Even zitten in Veenhuizen” walking route passes through the Slokkert stream valley and the heritage village of Veenhuizen. With its valley and village, it offers a different theme from the greens in Een. It is a separate walking option; this does not mean that it is connected to Een or starts there.
Putting your stay in context
The village’s development adds to its historical themes: Een grew rapidly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the Enerveld was cultivated. This was a different period from the earlier use of the brink at Noord Eind, where sheep were gathered before grazing. If you are looking for accommodation in Een, you can choose the village based on different interests: the history of the fortification, village features, or woodland and heathland. Ronostrand’s private status remains a separate and important factor to consider when planning.
Discover more destinations: Veenhuizen, Norg, Zuidvelde, Roden, Westervelde, Peize, Een-West, Roderwolde
For the broader travel overview: Noordenveld.
