De Wolden: Wet Heathland, Farms and Cultural Heritage

In Dwingelderveld National Park, wet hollows alternate with high sandy ridges. Heathland, woodland, juniper thickets and shifting sands shape the landscape, along with more than forty fens. The area is the largest wet heathland in Western Europe. If nature is the focus of your trip, you’ll find a variety of ways to experience and observe the landscape here.

Nature and trails in Dwingelderveld

Hiking, cycling, running and horseback riding are among the activities in Dwingelderveld. Birdwatching is also possible: hides and screens provide designated observation spots. An observation tower rising nine metres above the surrounding landscape offers views across the heathland and fens of the national park. The visitor centre is in Ruinen and serves as a starting point for exploring the area.

The Ruinen sheep herd comprises around 300 Drenthe Heath sheep. Visitors are welcome every day at Schaapskooi Ruinen to watch the sheep set off or return. Alongside sweeping views of the landscape, the programme also offers insights into sheep farming and landscape management.

For a longer walk, try the waymarked Echtener Esch route: it is 13 kilometres long and takes you around Echten through Ruinen Forestry. It starts at the ’t Huus met de belle farm shop. The approximately one-kilometre Roekpad sensory trail engages all five senses. Its information signs are also available in Braille for blind and partially sighted visitors. Free parking for the Roekpad is available a little further away in the car park at Visio Echten. The starting point is not particularly easy to reach by public transport. As the exact parking arrangements may change, it’s best to check them before you travel.

Cultural heritage and museums

In Echten, the historic country estate lies on the eastern edge of the village of the same name, in the valley of the Oude Diep, also known as Echtener Stroom. Its age, scenic setting and largely preserved original layout give it significance in cultural history. Huize Echten is a historic manor house with medieval roots.

Churches also tell the story of different building periods. Blijdenstein’s Bartholomeuskerk was originally Romanesque, was remodelled in the 15th century and gained a northern aisle in the 16th century. Ruinen’s Mariakerk is a Gothic church dating from the 12th century, originally belonging to Ruinen Benedictine Abbey.

Museum farm De Karstenhoeve is an authentic 17th-century farmhouse. Period rooms, farming tools, carriages and changing exhibitions offer a glimpse into life on the farm in the past. One example is “koffie met Roeffie” (coffee with Roeffie): a tray with pear cake, pear liqueur and a piece of Roeffie cake made from a recipe from Ruinerwold. As the food on offer may change, check what’s currently available before your visit. At Pasmans Huus, historic furnishings evoke domestic life around 1900; exhibits include traditional costume caps and old farming equipment. Museum De Wemme presents a completely new exhibition every year. Each time, only a small part of its unique handcart collection is on display.

Cultural landscapes and special experiences

The Dubbellint of Ruinerwold is approximately 7.5 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide. Two parallel strips of settlement define the largely open landscape. In April, the approximately 1,400 pear trees in bloom along Dokter de Larijweg make for a special sight on the Havelterberg route. If you’re planning a bike ride, you can start the Boerenlandschappen route at, among other places, Museum Farm Karstenhoeve in Ruinerwold.

In the municipality of De Wolden, Belevingsbos Kerkenveld is designed as a play, activity, walking and sensory forest. Birdhouses and a forest theatre round out the offering. Korenmolen De Zaandplatte is capable of grinding and is often in operation; used books and flour are sold there. Check before visiting whether it is scheduled to be open and selling goods.

Then choose the location of your accommodation to suit your own plans; the destinations listed offer a range of themes to help you decide.

Discover more destinations: Echten, Ruinen, Ruinerwold, Zuidwolde, Drogteropslagen, Veeningen, Linde, Koekange, Ansen.

For the overview of the wider region: Drenthe.