Discover Papenvoort: forest trails, nature and history

Papenvoort lies on the edge of the Grolloërveld nature area, which is part of the Gieten-Borger Forestry. To the east and west of the village are fens: round, shallow bodies of water that often feature distinctive plant life. Together, the forest and the fens form a varied landscape around the village. Papenvoort Road also runs through the forest, towards Drouwen.

Local history and tradition

Papenvoort was first mentioned in official documents in 1634. According to tradition, the name dates back to the 16th century and a ford in the Amersche Diep near the present-day village. These two accounts tell different parts of the village’s history: its first written mention and a traditional explanation of its name.

The grounds of Kamp Papenvoort also have a varied history. It was the first Dutch camp for conscientious objectors whose refusal to perform military service was officially recognised. After the Second World War, it became an internment camp, primarily for the wives and children of men who served in the Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps (NSKK) in Gasselte. In 1948, Papenvoort became part of the social youth care system and was turned into a boarding school. Alongside its forest landscape, these events give the village a historical focus.

Treetop walkway and walks

The Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad is located on the Hondsrug. The 125 m-long treetop walkway leads from a root tunnel between the trees to a height of 22.5 m. The Buitencentrum is also the starting point for various forest walks through the Gieten-Borger Forestry. The “Beleef het bos” walking trail lets you discover narrow paths and different types of forest. The “Bomen” route also passes through the forestry on the Hondsrug and offers views of impressive trees. When choosing between the two walks described here, the focus is therefore either on the diversity of forest types or on the trees. Route conditions may change; check the latest route information before setting out.

Cycling around Papenvoort

There is also a specific route for an e-bike ride: the 67 km Hondsrugrondje 5 runs alongside the Andersche Diep for a short stretch near Papenvoort. The Andersche Diep is part of the Drentsche Aa; the route is suitable for cycling all year round. If you are considering a mountain-bike trail, the Hondsrug offers the Gieten-Gasselte MTB route. It runs between Gieten and Borger along wide sandy paths, winding tracks and short climbs. This route description offers a different perspective on the landscape from the forest walks, without assuming an unverified route length. Check the latest route information before your mountain-bike ride.

Getting to Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad

From the Papenvoort bus stop, it is another 2 km on foot to Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad. If you plan to visit the treetop walkway, allow for this additional walking distance. The stated distance may be revised, so check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Eext, Gieterveen, Gieten, Anderen, Nooitgedacht, Annen, Anloo, Grolloo.

For the broader travel overview: Aa En Hunze.