Zeegse: Heathland, Forest and Village History

Zeegse brings together nature and cultural experiences. The village is set in a wooded area in the Drentsche Aa National Park. Hikers and cyclists come to Zeegse to enjoy the Zeegser Dunes, wet and dry heathland, forests, waterways and a Pingo ruin. The ancient village green and historic farmhouses also shape the village’s visible character. If you are looking for a hotel in Zeegse, these themes can help you decide whether to focus your stay on the landscape, walking routes or village history.

Heathland, Forest and Water

Drifting sand, heathland and the Drentsche Aa are characteristic of the area around Zeegse. The Zeegser Dunes, which border Zeegse, include areas of windblown sand, forest and marshland. Particularly large bog myrtle bushes grow at Siepelveen. The Zeegserloopje stream begins south of Tynaarlo, flows to the north of Zeegse and joins the Schipborgse Diep there. The Schipborger Diep winds through meadows where marsh marigolds, orchids and devil’s-bit scabious bloom.

The natural landscape thus ranges from heathland and windblown sand to forest, marshland and water. The two watercourses offer contrasting features: the Zeegserloopje is defined by its course from south of Tynaarlo to north of Zeegse, while the meadows and their plant life take centre stage along the Schipborger Diep. Together with the Pingo ruin and the bog myrtle bushes, they offer a varied range of natural features. If you are planning your stay around your interests in the landscape, these differences can help you choose the focus that suits you best.

Routes and Historical Traces

The Knapzak Route from Tynaarlo to Zeegse passes the Zeegserloopje and extensive grassland areas, then continues through heathland and the dunes with windblown sand near Zeegse. The Drentsche Aa walking route, by contrast, passes centuries-old cart tracks, burial mounds and megalithic tombs. Its historical focus therefore differs from the landforms along the Knapzak Route. Cart tracks are traces of old routes; burial mounds and megalithic tombs represent different forms of burial.

Village History

Zeegse has a large triangular village green between Hoofdweg and Schipborgerweg. As an ancient village green, it is one of the village’s distinctive features; historic farmhouses add to its character. Alongside heathland, water and windblown sand, the green and farmhouses offer another perspective on Zeegse: a look at the village’s traditional character.

Dining and Local Amenities

Zeegse has several restaurants, several campsites and a hotel; businesses and their offerings may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before making specific plans. At Eetcafé Het Witte Huis in Zeegse, the chefs use as many local ingredients as possible. If the origin of the ingredients matters to you when dining, this is a specific point to consider.

Discover more destinations: Midlaren, Zuidlaren, Eelderwolde, Tynaarlo, Vries, Eelde, Paterswolde.

Go to the main travel overview: Tynaarlo.