Drouwenerveen: Discover Peatland and Village History

Drouwenerveen’s history stretches from the first settlers on the edge of the Drouwener Venen to the development of an agricultural ribbon village. The waterscape along the Achterste Diep and nearby De Branden are also part of the surrounding landscape; a cycling excursion and summer canoeing add to the activities available.

From Peatland to Ribbon Village

The first residents settled on the edge of the marshy area around 1750, when cultivation of the Drouwener Venen began, and lived there in sod huts. Drouwenerveen did not become a proper settlement until around 1820. The early settlement and the formation of the village therefore represent two distinct phases. At the beginning of the 19th century, Drouwenerveen developed as a ribbon village on a sandy ridge east of the small river Achterste Diep; the settlement on the edge of the peatland became an agricultural village in the peat colonies.

Farmers from the area around Drouwen built farmsteads on both sides of the winding main road. The village had its own school from 1886. When student numbers declined, the village community took over maintenance itself so the school could remain open. This episode adds to the settlement history by showing how the village community responded to falling student numbers.

De Branden and the Waterscape

De Branden, a 240-hectare area, lies near Drouwenerveen and Gasselte. The Achterste Diep and Voorste Diep meet there and continue flowing as the Hunze. De Branden has been developed as a wet to very wet nature reserve. Restoration, completed in June 2023, created new natural areas and additional space for water storage.

The area’s history of water management is also part of its landscape: dikes were later built along the Achterste Diep to prevent the watercourse from overflowing during the autumn months. In the surrounding area, you can therefore encounter two distinct relationships with water: the historic protection of the river course and the restoration of wetlands with additional storage capacity.

Cycling and Canoeing

An IVN-R cycling excursion through De Branden, between Drouwenerveen and Drouwenerzand, follows cycle paths and quiet roads to other special places in the surrounding area. This describes both the landscape covered by the excursion and the types of roads to consider when planning a cycling trip.

In summer, 25 Graden Noord in Drouwenerveen offers canoeing on the Hunze. This is a seasonal activity. If you are planning to go, check directly with the provider for current availability.

Local Offerings and Building History

Maatschap Dilling welcomes visitors in Drouwenerveen at its farm shop and vending machine. Its offerings include fresh asparagus, blueberries and regional products. As seasonal products and opening arrangements may vary, check the current offerings and visiting options before you go.

The Reformed church on Hoofdstraat dates from 1915. It is no longer used as a church and is privately owned, so you should not assume it is open to visitors.

Discover more destinations: Buinen, Valthermond, Ees, Valthe, Bronneger, Eesergroen, Tweede Exloërmond, Drouwen.

For the broader travel overview: Borger-Odoorn.