Midlaren: Hunebeds, a waterside landscape, and historic farmhouses

Midlaren offers several specific points of interest for a stay: hunebeds D3 and D4, old farmhouses, and the theme of water, which is present at Waterpark De Bloemert and Zuidlaardermeer. Village history, landscape, and activities on the lake each reveal a different side of the destination.

Hunebeds and village history

The large hunebeds D3 and D4 are located in Midlaren between two old farmhouses and are also collectively known as Hunenborg. An old sign at Schutsweg 42 indicates the location of the two hunebeds. They can be reached via a sandy path leading to two dilapidated farmhouses. As local access conditions may change, check the notices before your visit.

Several 19th-century farmhouses stand along Groningerstraat in Midlaren. In addition, eleven properties in the village have been adapted to resemble old Drenthe farmhouses again. Southeast of Midlaren, the old waterway Plankensloot runs from the lake toward Groningerstraat. Together, these examples show different aspects of the village’s history: 19th-century farmhouses, adapted properties, and a historic waterway.

Nature and activities at Zuidlaardermeer

At 671 hectares, Zuidlaardermeer is the largest lake in Drenthe. Its area includes the Leinwijk floodplain marsh and grassland home to numerous meadow birds. The waterside landscape also offers wetland and birdwatching as themes. Swimming, windsurfing, walking, cycling, birdwatching, and boating are possible on and around the lake.

The Uitkijktoren Zuidlaardermeer West observation tower offers views of the lake. The “Rondje Zuidlaardermeer” cycling route passes the tower. If you want to combine cycling with a view, you can use the tower as a point of reference on this route. Waterpark De Bloemert in Midlaren also has an exhibition about water in the landscape of the Hondsrug area.

Routes and seasonal options

A cycling tour from the Geopark-Expeditiepoort at Waterpark De Bloemert follows the Zuidlaardermeer and passes through the Hunzedal. As route details may change, check the route before setting out. For a walk, the Knapzakroute Midlaren is a specific option: it is 13 kilometers long and leads into the area around the village. The stated distance helps you factor the route’s length into your day’s plans.

Watersportcentrum Zuidlaardermeer rents out Polyvalken for outings lasting a few hours or a whole day; seasonal availability may vary. The two rental periods offer different time frames for planning. Zeilschool Zuidlaardermeer offers programs for children and young people, from their first experiences on the water to developing their skills and understanding further. For specific dates, check the latest program information, as seasonal scheduling may vary.

There is also a weather-dependent option in winter: Eislaufverein Midlaren organizes skating tours on Zuidlaardermeer when weather conditions are suitable and there is enough frost. When planning a winter trip, this activity depends on both conditions. Activities on the lake therefore vary considerably by season and the time required.

Discover more destinations: Vries, Paterswolde, Zuidlaren, Eelderwolde, Tynaarlo, Eelde, Zeegse

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