Zwinderen: Nature, Village History and Trails

Zwinderen combines nature experiences with a relatively well-preserved historic village centre and specific sites within the cultural landscape. Opposite the village, on the other side of the Verlengde Hoogeveense Vaart, lies the Geeserstroom nature area. There is also the Bosbad Zwinderen and two routes with their own waypoints. If you are considering Zwinderen as a destination for a stay, you can plan your trip around the landscape, local history or seasonal swimming.

Geeserstroom Nature Area and Cultuurpad

Geeserstroom is characterised by a distinctive stream-valley landscape. Many waterbirds can be observed in the open peatland area. The Cultuurpad Coevorden: Zwinderen–Geesbrug passes through the nature area, linking a named route with the landscape. For orientation on the Cultuurpad, the route is signposted on Brinkweg, at the turn-off to Stobbenakkerweg by the Zwinderen sign. Check the wayfinding signs on site before setting out.

Village History and Historic Buildings

Zwinderen originated in the Middle Ages as an esch village on sandy soils at the edge of the Loodiep stream valley. The historic village centre is relatively well preserved. Two farmhouses provide a specific comparison of building dates: the farmhouse on Esweg was built around 1800, while Boerderij ’t Muldert at Verlengde Hoogeveensche Vaart 35 dates from 1864. Around 1800 is an approximate date, while 1864 is a specific year of construction. The Rijksmonument at Verl Hoogeveense Vaart 94 adds to these architectural points of reference. The Markesteen Roonboomsdijk marks the boundary between the Gees and Zwinderen Boermarken. It was erected in Zwinderen in 2024. Local history can thus also be read as landscape history: the medieval settlement pattern, the sandy soils and the location at the edge of the Loodiep stream valley together form the context for the historic origins of the village of Zwinderen.

Swimming at the Bosbad

Bosbad Zwinderen offers swimming, and operates seasonally. Before travelling, check whether swimming is available during your travel dates. There is a paddling pool with a water-spraying clown for toddlers and preschool children. The Bosbad is also accessible to people with disabilities.

Finding Your Way Around the Village and on the Knapzakroute

The Zwinderschebrug is in the centre of the village and serves as a waypoint on the Knapzakroute Zwinderen. For this route, the Brug stop in Zwinderen on the Hoogeveen–Emmen bus line is given as a reference point. Before travelling, check that the line and stop suit your plans. The Zwinderschebrug therefore helps you find your way around the village, while the wayfinding signs on Brinkweg help you navigate the Cultuurpad. This makes it possible to match each piece of information to its respective route without confusing their reference points.

Discover more destinations: Dalen, Benneveld, Wezup, Gees, Zweeloo, Wezuperbrug, Coevorden, Schoonoord.

Return to the main travel overview: Coevorden.