Oude Willem: Trails, Birdlife and History

Oude Willem is a 450-hectare area in the centre of Drents-Friese Wold National Park that was formerly used for agriculture. Here, hiking trails with different features, a cycling route through the area, birdlife and memorial sites come together. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip centred on Oude Willem, this overview will help you decide what you would like to focus on during your stay.

Landscape, water and birdlife

A newly created, shallow channel gradually drains excess water into the Vledder Aa during heavy rain. Shrubs planted along the edges of the forest create a natural transition between woodland and fields. At the same time, Oude Willem is to be restored as a natural source area for the Vledder Aa. The area therefore combines visible changes to the landscape with a longer-term goal.

Birds are also part of the landscape at Oude Willem: cranes forage here, while snipe and lapwings breed in the area. If you are interested in landscape and nature, these details offer a different perspective on the place than the trail descriptions or historical memorials.

Hiking trails with different features

The first section of the Oude Willem walking route follows many narrow, winding paths. The route passes through a plantation forest dating from the 1930s and by a wildlife observation screen, which has a special climbing aid for children. The paths, the forest’s history and the opportunity to observe wildlife give this route its own character.

Another hiking option near Oude Willem is the Tilgrup Valley. The route is about six kilometres long and marked with red signs. Wooden boardwalks let you cross the meandering Tilgrup stream with dry feet. The specific points to consider when choosing a route therefore differ: for the Oude Willem route, narrow paths and the observation screen are among the main features; for the Tilgrup Valley, they are the approximate length, red markings and stream crossing. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Cycling and riding routes

The replacement cycle path through Oude Willem runs over higher, drier ground outside the quiet core zone. A new viewing mound is located along the route. These features distinguish the cycle path from the hiking routes described and can help you choose activities to suit your interests.

A new horse-riding and carriage route also connects the natural areas on both sides of Oude Willemsweg. The information about the cycle and riding routes describes distinct routes and functions: for the replacement cycle path, the terrain and viewing mound are key features; for the horse-riding and carriage route, it is the connection between the natural areas on both sides of Oude Willemsweg.

Memorial sites and early settlement

At Bosweg in Oude Willem, the “Diever A and Diever B” monument commemorates Jewish forced labourers. It consists of a glass memorial plaque between two curved concrete posts, with a Star of David above the text. Its design is part of this memorial site, as is its commemoration of the forced labourers.

The burial mounds near Oude Willem bear witness to prehistoric settlement; the oldest visible traces date back to the Iron Age. Another memorial in the woods near Oude Willem commemorates the crew of a Canadian aircraft that crashed there on 22 November 1943. The area’s archaeological traces and memorials to the wartime period therefore represent different historical themes.

For planning your trip, the trails offer specific and varied points of reference: one route features narrow paths, woodland and an observation screen, while the other is defined by its approximate length and the crossing of the Tilgrup. Birdlife, changes to the landscape and memorial sites add nature and history to the options. When looking for a suitable hotel for your trip, consider which of these you would like to shape your stay in Oude Willem.

Discover more destinations: Wapserveen, Frederiksoord, Doldersum, Diever, Nijensleek, Havelte, Dieverbrug, Uffelte

See the overview of the wider area: Westerveld.