The prehistoric landscape of Holtingerveld lies on the edge of Havelte. Havelterberg is located in the European Natura 2000 protected area of Holtingerveld. Archaeological remains are among the special themes of a stay here; several signposted walking trails offer different options in terms of length and landscape.

Hunebeds and Havelter Mill

At Hunebeddenweg on Havelterberg, the archaeological monument comprises hunebeds D53 and D54, traces of Stone Age settlements and a group of Iron Age burial mounds. Hunebed D53 is the second-largest megalithic tomb in the Netherlands. It was relocated because of plans by the German air force to build an airfield, then later excavated and reassembled. D54 is slightly smaller than D53 and lies in a small sandy clearing surrounded by grass.

Havelter Mill also tells a story of change: the grain mill, built in 1914, replaced an octagonal gallery mill that had been struck by lightning that same year. The hunebeds, settlement remains, burial mounds and mill offer several different historical points of interest, rather than focusing on just one period.

Choose walking trails by length and landscape

Two signposted trails are each five kilometres long, but pass through different landscapes. The IJsroute Havelte runs through the Holtingerveld nature area. It starts at Toegangspoort Holtingerveld, at Van Helomaweg 18; there is plenty of free parking there. Check the parking and public transport information before you travel.

The Overcinge route, also five kilometres long, passes between woods and rolling meadows at Landgoed Overcinge and by the monumental farmhouses in the hamlet of Eursinge. If you would rather include farmhouses around the village greens and old forest paths in your walk, the 7.2-kilometre Ommetje Old Haovelte starts at Piet Soerplein in Havelte.

The signposted Haovelterbarg route is longer, at 9.2 kilometres. It passes the Korenmolen and runs through the Holtingerveld nature area, where burial mounds and hunebeds are part of the scenery. This means you can choose your walk not only by distance, but also by what you want to see along the way: forest paths and farmhouses, woods and meadows, or the archaeological traces in Holtingerveld.

Mountain biking and seasonal nature experiences

MTB Havelte West is a 16-kilometre blue route suitable for beginners and experienced riders. On weekends, a six-kilometre red loop is also available; it is subject to weekend access conditions. Check these conditions if you plan to ride the loop. MTB Havelte Oost is 19 kilometres long and runs through extensive woods, rolling heathland and typical Drenthe landscapes. The route can be extended with an eight-kilometre loop.

Another nature experience is the Holtinger sheep flock: in summer, it heads out onto the heath every day with the shepherds. They leave the sheepfold at around 9:30 a.m. and return at around 4:30 p.m. If you want to plan your day around these approximate times, check the arrangements locally.

Vineyard and practical information

Wijngoed Havelte offers vineyard tours followed by wine tasting. Tourist Info Punt Havelte provides maps, guides and brochures, as well as information about local attractions, museums, events and activities. Cycling, walking and riding routes are also available there. These materials can help you decide whether to focus your stay on archaeological sites, a particular route or other activities.

Discover more destinations: Wapse, Doldersum, Uffelte, Vledder, Wateren, Oude Willem, Vledderveen, Zorgvlied.

For the regional travel overview: Westerveld.