Anloo: Cultural History and Routes Through the Landscape

When looking for hotels in Anloo, it is worth first sorting out your interests for your stay: the Magnuskerk represents Romanesque architecture and later wall paintings, while Pinetum Ter Borgh is a collection of conifers from around the world. There are also named hiking and mountain biking routes. This allows you to consider whether historical sites, a landscape pinetum or a particular type of activity should shape your stay.

Church, Megalithic Tomb and Pinetum

The Magnuskerk is a Romanesque, single-nave hall church built of tuff; it dates from around 1100. Wall paintings from the 15th century add a later historical layer. These details make the time gap between the construction and the paintings tangible and give the church two distinct cultural points of interest. If you are interested in history, you can appreciate the architecture and wall paintings as separate aspects, rather than placing the church within just one period.

Megalithic tomb D11 is nine metres long and intact except for one missing capstone. It is located on the Terborgh estate, near the pinetum. Its size and state of preservation describe the monument in concrete terms; the missing capstone is part of that description. You can also factor access into your plans: On the road between Anloo and Anderen, shortly before the Venn Gagelveen, turn left onto a sandy track. Continue to a barrier, then walk for about ten more minutes. Access conditions may change, so check them again before your visit.

Pinetum Ter Borgh Anloo is a unique landscape pinetum with a collection of conifers from around the world. Its focus is therefore quite different from that of the church and megalithic tomb: here, the collection of trees takes centre stage. Stichting Pinetum Ter Borgh is responsible for the pinetum’s preservation and upkeep, as well as opening it to the public.

Choose Hiking Routes by Landscape and Length

The Anlooërdiep hiking route runs through the valley of the Anlooërdiepje stream. Another option is the eleven-kilometre Anloo-Kniphorstbosch hiking route. It follows the Drentsche Aa and the Anlooërdiep and passes through De Strubben and the Kniphorstbosch. The two route descriptions can thus be distinguished by their landscape features: the first focuses on the stream valley, while the second includes several named landscapes along with its stated length.

You can also consider the type of activity alongside the stated distance. The Anloo-Kniphorstbosch Tour is an eleven-kilometre hiking route; the Drentsche Aa (Anloo) MTB route is 39 kilometres long. These details give you a concrete basis for comparing the routes as you plan your trip, without equating hiking with mountain biking. If a particular distance matters to you, use the length given for each route; the named stream valleys, rivers and areas can help you assess the landscape.

Practical Information Before Your Visit

The car park at Homanshof in Anloo can still be used, while the information centre and Homanshof tea room are closed. Parking and visiting these facilities are therefore separate aspects of your plans. Check the information again before setting off. When travelling to the megalithic tomb, also bear in mind that the walk of about ten minutes starts beyond the barrier.

Discover more destinations: Vredenheim, Gasselte, Gieten, Nijlande, Nooitgedacht, Grolloo, Anderen, Schoonloo

For the broader travel overview: Aa En Hunze.