Havelte: Dolmens, Mills and Trails

On the edge of Havelte lies the prehistoric Holtingerveld landscape area. Havelterberg is located within the European Holtingerveld Natura 2000 protected area. Topics for your stay include archaeological monuments, mills, walking trails and mountain bike routes. You can discover Havelte through its history or by following a specific route.

Dolmens and the history of milling

The archaeological site on Hunebeddenweg at Havelterberg comprises the dolmens D53 and D54, traces of Stone Age settlements, and a group of Iron Age burial mounds. The sites are therefore part of a broader archaeological context spanning different periods.

Dolmen D53 is the second-largest megalithic tomb in the Netherlands. It was moved because of plans by the German Luftwaffe to build an airfield, then later excavated and reassembled. D54 is slightly smaller than D53 and lies in a small patch of sand surrounded by grass.

Havelter Molen also tells a story of new beginnings: the grain mill, built in 1914, replaced an octagonal gallery windmill that had been struck by lightning that same year. The construction date and the former mill give the building’s story a clear timeline.

Signposted walking trails

The signposted IJsroute Havelte runs for 5 km through the Holtingerveld nature area. It starts at Toegangspoort Holtingerveld, Van Helomaweg 18. There is plenty of free parking there. Check parking and public transport information before you travel.

The signposted Ommetje Old Haovelte route is 7.2 km long and starts at Piet Soerplein in Havelte. It passes the village greens with their authentic farmhouses and follows old forest paths. The also signposted Haovelterbarg route, which is 9.2 km long, passes Korenmolen and goes through the Holtingerveld nature area, with its burial mounds and dolmens.

Another signposted 5 km route, Overcinge, passes through forests and rolling meadows by Landgoed Overcinge and the monumental farmhouses in the hamlet of Eursinge. For a direct comparison of distances, you can choose between two 5 km routes, one 7.2 km route and one 9.2 km route. The routes also differ in their landscape and cultural themes.

Mountain bike routes and seasonal experiences

MTB Havelte West includes a 16 km blue route suitable for beginners and advanced riders. At weekends, an additional 6 km red loop is available, depending on access conditions. Check the weekend conditions before planning this loop.

MTB Havelte Oost is 19 km long and runs through extensive forests, rolling heathland and typical Drenthe landscapes. The route can be extended with an 8 km loop. When choosing between the two routes, both their respective lengths and the landscapes described can help you decide.

In summer, the Holtinger Schaapskudde heads out onto the heath every day with the shepherds. They leave the sheepfold at around 9:30 a.m. and return at around 4:30 p.m. If you plan to watch them set off, check the information locally. Wijngoed Havelte offers vineyard tours followed by wine tastings.

Planning your stay

Tourist Info Punt Havelte offers maps, guides and brochures, as well as information about local attractions, museums, events and activities. Cycling, walking and horse-riding routes are also available there. This lets you choose based on what interests you most in Havelte: archaeological history, a particular trail length, cycling or other local activities.

Discover more destinations: Wapserveen, Wilhelminaoord, Doldersum, Diever, Wapse, Uffelte, Oude Willem, Zorgvlied.

For the overview of the wider area: Westerveld.