Discover Schoonebeek

When planning a hotel stay in Schoonebeek, there are several themes to explore: architectural and industrial history, a garden on historic church grounds, and nature and leisure activities. Each place tells a different story. Also relevant for trip planning are an annual hiking day, a cycling route signposted across the border, and a landscape project where trails are changing.

Cultural history: farmhouse, church and air-watch tower

Air-watch tower 7Z3 was built in 1954 south of Schoonebeek, on the Schoonebeekerdiep, for the Korps Luchtwachtdienst. In 2019, Stichting Drents Monument restored the tower; it was subsequently transferred to Het Drentse Landschap. The building’s original purpose and its later restoration therefore belong to different chapters of its history.

Zwaantje Hans-Stokman's Hof is a carefully restored traditional Saxon farmhouse with a barn in Schoonebeek. The farm probably dates from the 17th century. Its rural architectural history thus predates Zaalkerk Schoonebeek 1927 by a considerable margin; the church was built in 1927 to a design by architect J. Boelens of Assen.

Zaalkerk is a simple hall church with seven bays, buttresses and an attached tower. It is classified as belonging to the sober Expressionist style of the interwar period. The seven bays divide the church building into sections; the buttresses and tower form part of its described exterior. This makes it possible to understand the church through its architecture, as well as through its year of construction.

The Van Gogh Beleeftuin was created in 2022 on the grounds of Schoonebeek’s former Nicolaaskerk and part of its old churchyard. Its flower beds follow the contours of the former church’s floor plan. The design thus reflects the history of the site: the layout of the beds traces the shape of the former church building.

Peat history and landscape

Turfcafé Schoonebeek is located in a former peat-litter factory. The Veldkamp family founded the factory in 1926; in 1978, it was converted into a food and drink establishment. Original arches from the former loading facility for peat boats and numerous tools have been preserved. The arches point to the facility’s use for transporting peat. As interior details and food and drink arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

Work to reshape a 128-hectare area with extensive rare raised bog began in Oosteindscheveen in 2024. Existing walking trails are being rerouted and improved. The project also affects trail planning: both the landscape and the trail routes may change, so you should check the latest information before visiting.

Walking, cycling and leisure

The Boortorenwandeltocht has been held annually on the last Saturday in August since 1957. As the exact date needs to be confirmed each year, check the date for your travel year when planning. This lets you coordinate the event date with your preferred travel dates.

Griendtsveenpark is an animal park with sheep, chickens, deer, rabbits, ponies, geese, peacocks and turkeys. There is one playground for younger children and another for older children; the park also has a cableway. As the animals and leisure facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit.

The Emmelkamp Route is signposted in the Netherlands and Germany; the border is crossed at cycle junction 34. If you plan to follow this route, check the signposting before setting out, as it may change. This keeps your route planning aligned with the route as it is actually signposted.

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