The walking route through Delleboersterheide and around Diakonievene is almost five kilometres long. Diakonievene lies near Nijeberkoop and is a former peat-extraction area. Interconnected ponds, a pingo remnant, a wooded ring embankment and small heathland areas shape the landscape. If you would like to take in a variety of landscape features while walking, you will find open areas alongside wooded terrain here.

Heathland, Forest and Nature Watching

Delleboersterheide offers open heathland and peat cuttings surrounded by forest. Drenthe Heath sheep and Exmoor ponies graze in the area. Catspoele is a special dragonfly habitat: from a dragonfly viewing platform, you can observe the insects without damaging the sensitive banks. This viewpoint combines nature watching with respect for the habitat.

The walking route through Delleboersterheide and around Diakonievene is almost five kilometres long and offers a shorter alternative to an extensive circuit. The open heathland, peat cuttings and surrounding forest give this longer landscape route a different character from a visit to the dragonfly viewing platform.

Landgoed Boschhoeve and Its History

Landgoed Boschhoeve covers 160 hectares in Nijeberkoop. The estate includes deciduous and mixed forest, heathland, a moorland lake, agricultural grassland and arable land. The estate is open to walkers. Check the current access arrangements before your visit.

Landgoed Boschhoeve is home to a historically significant American-style farm dating back to the 18th century. Boeren in het Bos is also located on the estate and offers activities for visitors, such as guided tours and courses. Its pick-your-own garden provides freshly harvested, untreated seasonal vegetables each week. As seasonal timings may change, it is best to check the latest information in advance.

The Nijeberkoop bell frame stands at the former church site on the old village road and is recognised as a national heritage monument in the Netherlands. The present-day bell dates from 1948. The grassy path to the cemetery and bell frame is called Lijkweg. Together, these names and historical connections tell the story of the former use of the village site, while drawing attention to the present-day bell and the preserved monument.

Walking, Cycling and Water Routes

The 100 km van Appelscha is a 100-kilometre circular walking route that starts in Nijeberkoop. The route passes through Donkerbroek, Haulerwijk, Ravenswoud and Oude Willem before returning to its starting point. This offers a choice of very different distances: almost five kilometres for the walking route around Diakonievene, or 100 kilometres for the longer circuit.

Nijeberkoop is an important part of the Turfroute. The Turfroute lets you combine boating with activities on land, such as walking and cycling. If you would prefer a cycling route to a walk, Nijeberkoop is also included in the “De boer op” route, which takes in the former future farm Boschzicht, now part of Landgoed Boschhoeve. Route details may change, so check them before setting out.

When choosing accommodation, consider which of these landscape and cultural themes you want to shape your stay: walking, nature watching, farm experiences or a visit to historical sites. The routes described range from a short walk to a 100-kilometre circular trail; the Turfroute adds the option of combining boating with activities on land.

Discover more destinations: Waskemeer, Appelscha, Ravenswoud, Elsloo, Langedijke, Haule, Fochteloo, Oldeberkoop.

For the broader travel overview: Ooststellingwerf.