Collendoorn combines a distinctive landscape with village history and a place of remembrance. Three aspects are important for getting your bearings: the height of the nature reserve, the village’s scattered layout and its historical traces. Nature exploration and local history are therefore distinct themes.

Nature Reserve and Trails

The Collendoorn nature reserve is located on an old spoil heap, 20 metres high. From a height of more than 20 metres, it offers views across the surrounding area as far as Germany. The contrast between the former spoil heap and today’s nature reserve makes the landscape a distinctive feature of a visit: its height shapes the view and sets this natural area apart from its surroundings.

A 3-kilometre route is signposted through the nature reserve as part of the walking trail network. The area can also be explored on horseback via a bridleway. These options offer different ways to explore: on foot along the route or on horseback along the bridleway, without forming a single combined circuit.

Dogs are allowed in the nature reserve, but must be kept on a lead because cattle graze there. There is a car park on Kerkdijk in Collendoorn. Before visiting, check the latest information about dog rules and parking, as both may change.

Cycle Route and Village History

The Collendoornerveenroute is a 45.8-kilometre cycle route, with a stated duration of 3:03. By comparison, the signposted walking route in the nature reserve is 3 kilometres long. These figures refer to different route lengths and different routes and modes of transport. Check the latest route information before setting out, as details may change.

Collendoorn is an old village with farmhouses scattered across the Esgrond. One historical trace dates back to the 14th century: at that time, Collendoorn had a Ridderhofstede. The name Havezatheweg is a reminder of this. The village layout and street name thus point to different aspects of local history—the scattered farmhouses and a former historic building.

Memorial and Cultural Heritage

The “Kamp Molengoot” memorial honours the Jews of Hardenberg and commemorates the hundreds of Jewish residents who were forced to work in Rijkswerkkamp Molengoot from April to October 1942. It is located at the site of the former camp on Luggersweg in Collendoorn. The boulder bears a bronze relief depicting a group of Jewish prisoners performing forced labour; it stands on a stone Star of David. The location and design connect the memorial with the history of the former camp and the people remembered there.

Another link to the village’s history is the farmhouse at De Kerkdijk 1 in Collendoorn. It has been listed as a Rijksmonument since 15 May 2000. Together, a memorial to forced labour at the former camp and a listed farmhouse represent different aspects of the local cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Slagharen, Loozen, Balkbrug, Schuinesloot, Rheeze, Lutten, Hardenberg, Diffelen.

Back to the main travel guide: Hardenberg.