Dwingeloo: Heathland, Trails and Village History

When looking for a hotel in Dwingeloo, you can plan your trip around whether you are most interested in nature trails, village history or the radio telescope. Dwingeloo is right next to Dwingelderveld National Park, a large forest and heathland area. The park is the largest tranquil wet heathland in Western Europe. The village’s protected townscape, grouped around a green village green, also shapes the experience of your stay.

Heathland, trails and nature experiences

The Familiepad Noordenveld in Dwingelderveld is fully paved and suitable for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. It starts at the Achter ’t Zaand car park, managed by Staatsbosbeheer, near the information board. At the Achter ’t Zaand sheepfold, the shepherd sets off every morning with a flock of Drenthe Heath sheep into Dwingelderveld. The family trail and the flock’s morning departure offer different ways to engage with the landscape.

For shorter outings, there are two distinct routes: the Telescoop walking route is 4 km long and passes the Dwingeloo radio telescope and Smitsveen. The Dwingeler Ommetje Mars is a signposted 4.9 km circular walk around the village green in Dwingeloo; it is not fully paved.

For a longer cycling trip, the 46 km Dwingelderveldroute is another option: it starts on the village green in Dwingeloo and runs through Dwingelderveld National Park. It is marked by white hexagonal signs with green lettering. As route markers may change, check the latest route information before setting out. The Dwingeler Ommetje Mars starts at the Sciencehub Dwingeloo at De Brink 5; check local parking conditions in advance. The nearest bus stop for this circular walk is “Brink” in Dwingeloo. Check current services if you are travelling by bus.

Townscape, architectural history and radio telescope

Dwingeloo’s protected townscape can be seen around the green village green. The onion-shaped tower of Sint Nicolaaskerk is popularly known as “de Siepel”. Guided tours of the church are available for groups; arrange access with the church before your trip.

The Dwingeloo radio telescope also brings together technology and architectural history. It has a diameter of 25 metres. In August 2009, it was designated a protected Rijksmonument in recognition of its architectural and scientific significance. Advance booking is required for a tour, which lasts about 40 minutes. Access is via Muller House, Oude Hoogeveensedijk 6 in Dwingeloo, not via the information boards at the sandy road. Follow the operator’s instructions and check the booking calendar before your trip.

Other parts of the area’s history include Havezate Westrup and the Oldengaerde estate. Havezate Westrup was granted Havezate status in 1740 and has since also been known as Westrup or Westdorp. Oldengaerde comprises a house, gardens and woodland, all listed as Rijksmonumenten. You can book a guided tour of the estate; check available dates in advance.

A quiet evening outdoors

There is little artificial light in Dwingeloo, making it an ideal place for stargazing. However, whether the sky offers a view of the stars depends on the weather and conditions at the time. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider an evening of stargazing alongside walks, village history and guided tours.

Discover more destinations: Wateren, Zorgvlied, Wapse, Frederiksoord, Vledder, Uffelte, Doldersum, Wapserveen.

For the broader travel overview: Westerveld.