Steenwijkerwold combines a hilly landscape shaped by forests and open spaces with traces of religious and architectural history. Both aspects can help guide your choice of stay: would you mainly like to spend time outdoors, or are you also interested in how the area has developed? The landscape and local history offer different focal points for your trip.
Hills, Avenues and Hedgerows
The landscape of Steenwijkerwold is hilly and includes forests, centuries-old avenues, small meadows and a raised bog pond. There are also glacial ridges, hedgerows, meadows and fields, along with wide-open views. The mix of wooded areas, hedgerow-lined landscapes and open spaces gives you several points of reference if the landscape is important when choosing where to stay.
The De Woldberg woodland rises 25 metres above the surrounding land. The observation tower stands a further 24 metres higher. The figures refer to different points of reference: the woodland’s elevation above its surroundings and the additional height of the tower. This distinguishes the height of the terrain from the extra height of the observation tower.
The hedgerows have been preserved and have significant ecological value for birds and other animals. This landscape feature therefore contributes both to the scenery and to wildlife.
Walking Routes and Starting Points
The “Ommetje Steenwijkerwold” starts at Gelderingen 65–67, where free parking is available. The “De Voorzienigheid” walking route is about 5.5 kilometres long. For the Ommetje, the starting point and parking are specified, while De Voorzienigheid’s approximate length gives you an idea of the distance. Different considerations may matter when planning: whether you prefer a named starting point for orientation or a route with a stated distance.
Traces of History
The De Eese estate is home to eight burial mounds, monuments from the distant past. In Steenwijkerwold, De Voorzienigheid is connected with the cultural and religious heritage of monastic life. These associations draw attention to different historical themes: the burial mounds on the one hand, and monastic heritage on the other.
After Prince Maurits captured Steenwijk in 1592, Catholics held their religious services in secret at Erve Croeve. In the village of Steenwijkerwold, the unconventional priest Christiaan Muiteman came up with the idea in 1893 of founding a refuge for elderly people and children in need. Both stories offer insight into the religious practices and social ideas of their respective times.
The former primary school at Gelderingen 75 is also part of the area’s architectural history: it was built in 1908 as a two-classroom school with a teacher’s residence, and was called “’t Slothof” from the 1970s onwards. Alongside the religious and social themes, it offers another perspective on Steenwijkerwold’s past.
Dicky Woodstock in August
The Dicky Woodstock music festival takes place every year on the first weekend in August in Steenwijkerwold. If your trip depends on the festival, check the specific dates and programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Wanneperveen, Vollenhove, Steenwijk, Paasloo, Scheerwolde, Giethoorn, Blokzijl, Belt-Schutsloot.
For the regional travel overview: Steenwijkerland.
