Appelscha lies on the edge of the 61-square-kilometre Drents-Friese Wold National Park. The town combines forest trails and sweeping views with public art and a rich history of theatre and peatland. When choosing where to stay, it therefore makes sense to consider which of these aspects you would most like to explore.
Forest trails and views at Bosberg
Bosberg is the highest point on the Frisian mainland. The 33-metre-high Bosbergtoren stands on it, offering views across Friesland, Drenthe and Groningen. An elevator also gives people with limited mobility access to the tower experience.
The paved Bosbergpad starts in the centre of Appelscha. The route is accessible to wheelchair users, people using walkers and those with pushchairs; there is an access point at Bosberg 2 with parking and disabled parking spaces. As a short walking trail through Drents-Friese Wold, it also features information panels about nature. Check local conditions before setting out.
Another option is the 2.2-kilometre Familiepad in Drents-Friese Wold. It runs through the forest and starts at the Buitencentrum Drents-Friese Wold. This route is also accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs. Its information panels are mounted at a lower level and feature Braille. Its length and circular route make the Familiepad a clearly defined option; the Bosbergpad, by contrast, combines a trail through the forest with information about nature and an access point at Bosberg.
Theatre, art and local history
At the foot of Bosberg, the Openluchttheater De Koele was first established in 1947 as a very basic, temporary theatre. At the initiative of the Historische Vereniging Appelscha e.o., it was renovated and restored in 2003 with European funding. The theatre season runs from June to September; check the current programme before your visit.
Appelscha is also the starting point for two Hein Mader art routes featuring a total of 18 sculptures. One of them is De Scheper: Mindert Wilstra designed the sculpture, which was installed on Maurits Van Eppelaan in Appelscha. The Oorlogsmonument commemorates the Dutch resistance during the Second World War, and especially those who died in Appelscha. Another historic destination is the Modelboerderij, built as a model farm in 1914 and designated a Dutch national monument (Rijksmonument).
The town’s history goes back further: in the 17th century, Appelscha was known as Appelsche. The centre at the time, now Boerestreek, had thirteen farms. Two locks, also known as “verlaten”, are located in the built-up area of Appelscha along the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart. De Hoolten Klinte is open on Tuesday mornings from 09:00 to 11:30; plan your visit accordingly and check the opening hours in advance.
Routes through Appelscha and the surrounding area
Van boven tot bodem is an 18.3-kilometre cycling route that showcases the town and its surroundings. Another cycling route from Appelscha passes through forest and peatland landscapes along the old Turfroute. The 100 km van Appelscha passes various sights and stalls selling regional products. The routes therefore differ not only in name, but also in what they focus on along the way.
The Turfroute also connects landscape and history: this cultural and historical boating route through Het Andere Friesland shares stories at several locations about social groups and peat extraction; Appelscha is also connected to these stories. The locks along the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart are another local link to the history of water management. You can explore art, remembrance, forests and peatland history as different aspects of your trip without having to combine them into a single itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Langedijke, Elsloo, Oosterwolde, Waskemeer, Haule, Oldeberkoop, Donkerbroek, Fochteloo.
For the broader travel overview: Ooststellingwerf.
