Weiteveen: Peatland, nature and local history

Weiteveen lies in the middle of Bargerveen. Here, nature and local history meet in different ways: in the raised bog, in nature conservation grazing and at cultural memorial sites. This lets you consider nature and history side by side when planning your trip—from the peatlands to traces of earlier work and community life.

Raised bog and landscapes around Weiteveen

Bargerveen is one of the largest remnants of raised bog in the Netherlands. It still contains untouched raised bog with plant species unique to the Netherlands. These include five-ranked bog moss and long-leaved sundew. The plants give the nature theme a tangible dimension: Bargerveen is not just about the expanses of peatland, but also about the special species found there.

Weiteveen is surrounded by extensive, partly undeveloped raised bog areas that extend across the national border. The walking and cycling junction networks in Bargerveen and its surroundings also cross the border into Germany. For walking and cycling trips, this continuation across the border is a distinctive aspect of planning your journey.

The landscapes also differ in their condition: Amsterdamsche Veld has largely been cut for peat and is open and rich in water, providing a habitat for many bird species. Bargerveen, by contrast, still contains untouched raised bog. A varied cultural landscape shapes the character of Schoonebeeker Veld; it is increasingly being returned to nature.

Experience the peatlands: grazing and trails

Schaapskooi Weiteveen is the largest sheepfold in the Netherlands for nature conservation grazing. It can accommodate 1,000 sheep and 110 cattle. Every spring, it opens its doors for Lammetjesdag: visitors can see, pet and feed newborn lambs. The exact date may vary from year to year. If you would like to include the event in your trip, check the dates for the relevant spring.

At Veenpoort Natuur, you can join a peatland walk through the Bargerveen nature reserve with a local guide. Walking and cycling junction networks also run through Bargerveen and its surroundings and across the German border. The Veenlandroute starts at Schaapskooi Weiteveen and follows the walking junction network. The “Veenomenaal” cycling route follows the cycling junction network and includes the Veenpoort in Weiteveen.

Please note the temporary closure of the “Weiteveenroute” walking trail: due to extensive construction work at Puffer Zuid, it will be closed from 4 May 2026 until around January 2027. If you are planning to visit during this period, check the latest route status before including the Weiteveenroute in your plans.

Local history and art

The Natuur Infocentrum in Weiteveen is housed in the former Mariakapel. Walking and cycling routes are available there. It brings today’s route-planning resources together with the building’s former use in one place.

The Veenloopcentrum in Weiteveen tells visitors how nuns and pioneers once lived in a village in the middle of the peatlands. Its focus is not on plant life, but on life in the peatlands and the community that lived there in the past. Alongside the landscapes and routes, it offers a different way to explore Weiteveen: through the people who lived in this peatland setting.

Two artworks serve as distinct memorials. The “Non van Weiteveen” is a bronze statue honoring the former convent. “De Gescheurde Steen” is an artwork made from a large split erratic boulder and commemorates peat extraction work. The two works refer to different aspects of local history: the former convent and peat work.

Discover more destinations: Emmer-Compascuum, Zwartemeer, Roswinkel, Nieuw-Amsterdam, Erica, Emmen, Schoonebeek

Go to the main travel overview: Emmen.