Zuidvelde combines a protected village scene with a clearly recognisable historic settlement structure. The large village green, farmsteads dating back several centuries and Tonckensbos each highlight different aspects of local history, nature and archaeology. Zuidvelde is part of the esdorpen landscape of Norg and borders Tonckensbos on two sides. In the village, the historic centre and village green take centre stage; in the forest, the focus is on landscape and archaeology.

Village Green, Village Centre and Farmsteads

Zuidvelde and Westervelde together form an officially designated protected village scene. In Zuidvelde, the village green and the farmsteads are part of this historic setting. The village green is very large and planted with trees; Drenthe heath sheep graze there. Its importance to the character of the village lies not only in its size but also in its connection with the farmsteads.

The old village centre has been preserved, while Zuidvelde expanded mainly to the south. The history of its buildings can also be traced through specific dates: the core of the longhouse at Asserstraat 78 dates from 1570, and the farm at Asserstraat 89 from 1660. Farmsteads from the 18th century stand at Brink 1 and 2. Together, these examples show a chronological sequence from the 16th-century longhouse core, through the 1660 farm, to the 18th-century farmsteads.

The village scene and the building dates complement each other: the protection applies to the shared character of the village green and farmsteads, while the dates refer to specific buildings or a building core. This makes the village’s layout and the age of its buildings distinct, recognisable aspects of its history.

Tonckensbos: Landscape and Archaeology

Tonckensbos covers about 35 hectares and has a varied landscape. It includes canals, wetlands, woodland and an area of heathland. Different kinds of trees, small bodies of water, and numerous animals, insects and fungi add to the diversity. The woodland can therefore be described in terms of both its area and the variety of its landscape features.

Tonckensbos contains burial mounds described as Iron Age cremation burial mounds. Together with an earth bank, they form a complex that has been a protected archaeological monument since 2002. Unlike the dated farmsteads in the village, the forest offers a different cultural-historical focus: the emphasis is on archaeological traces and the protected status of the complex as a whole.

Historic Routes and Getting Around

The historic connection with Norg is also part of the village’s history. The Reeweg has long linked Zuidvelde and Norg as a sandy track across the Norger Es. It was used mainly as a church path to the Sint-Margarethakerk in Norg. This route describes a former function; today, a walking route called “From Norg to Tonckensbosch” heads south from Norg.

Specific turns are given for a cycling route through Zuidvelde: at the cycle path and the village green, turn right onto a narrow path before the last farmstead. At a sandy track, turn left over a shell path, then continue to a paved road. The sequence of directions identifies both landmarks and different surfaces.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Westervelde, Peize, Een-West, Een, Veenhuizen, Roderesch, Alteveer, Peest.

For the overview of the wider area: Noordenveld.