In the Fochteloërveen, raised bog shapes the landscape: it is one of the last raised bog areas in Western Europe and provides a habitat for rare animal and plant species. These include cranes, one-headed cotton grass and the critically endangered Veenhooibeestje butterfly. If you want to explore the landscape on foot or by bike, you’ll find paths through the bog, including the Wollegras walking trail. The area’s biodiversity makes it interesting to visit, although encounters with individual animals cannot be planned.

Raised bog and forest landscape

A distinctive landmark in the Fochteloërveen is the De Zeven observation tower. It is 18 metres high and offers views across the bog. A cycling route also passes special viewpoints such as the tower; check its details before setting out. This lets you combine bog trails with scenic views, although not every route offers the same perspective.

The Drents-Friese Wold offers a different landscape: the area is one of the largest contiguous forest regions in the Netherlands. Its landscapes include drifting sands, small lakes, heathland and marshes. The “Grenzeloos Wold” exhibition about nature in the national park is on display at the Buitencentrum Drents-Friese Wold. The Buitencentrum also serves as a starting point for activities and walking trails in the national park. As the exhibition programme may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Trails of varying lengths

For longer hikes, the Stellingenpad is a different proposition from the trails through the Fochteloërveen: this regional long-distance walking route is around 260 kilometres long, runs through the Drents-Friese Wold and comprises 15 stages ranging from 12 to 28 kilometres. It is signposted via the national walking junction network. Check the trail markers before setting off. If you’re looking for a shorter route with a specified distance, you can choose the seven-kilometre art trail through the Parkbossen of Oldeberkoop. It can be walked all year round; artworks and trail conditions may change.

Nature activities are also central to Buitensport Walhalla in Ooststellingwerf, including mountain biking, climbing, archery and canoeing. Check which activities are currently available before travelling. Stichting Nobilis organises receptions with a talk and guided tour for interested groups; workshops and talks are also held regularly. Here, too, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates.

Art, village character and history

Oldeberkoop combines its art trails with the old church and its surroundings, which together form a protected village landscape. The village lies between the Turfroute and the Friese Waterlinie. The Open Stal art trail is held every year in and around Oldeberkoop. It began in 1971 at Appie Tjalma’s café; dates and venues vary. The annual Open Stal and the seven-kilometre trail through the Parkbossen, which can be walked all year round, are two different ways to discover art in the village and its surroundings.

The Liberation Route Europe offers a historical perspective. It runs for 160 kilometres through Ooststellingwerf and includes 21 places of interest. Its themes include the fighting in the forests south of Oldeberkoop in early April and the resistance’s efforts to protect bridges in the region. In Ooststellingwerf’s smaller villages, language is also part of everyday life: many residents still frequently speak Stellingwerfs.

Discover more destinations

Appelscha, Oldeberkoop, Waskemeer, Oosterwolde, Fochteloo, Ravenswoud, Haule, Nijeberkoop, Langedijke, Elsloo, Donkerbroek

For the main travel overview: Friesland.