Wateren: Forest Landscape, History and Routes

Wateren is set in a rural location amid the forests of the Drents-Friese Wold National Landscape, which surround it. In addition to its forest setting, natural features and historical sites give the surrounding area a variety of character: the Aekingerbroek nature area and the pingo ruins north of the Ganzenpoel reflect the landscape, while the history of the settlement dates back to the Middle Ages.

Forest Landscape and Natural Features

The Vledder Aa rises in the Aekingerbroek nature area northeast of Wateren. Here, a nature area and the source of a river meet at a named location. Pingo ruins lie north of the Ganzenpoel near Wateren, providing an example of a shallow dobbe. It is 2.80 metres deep and approximately 150 metres wide. In terms of size, its considerable width contrasts with its shallow depth—a striking feature of this type of landscape.

The Drents-Friese Wold extends across more than 6,000 hectares in the wider region. Wateren is centrally located in relation to Drents-Friese Wold National Park, and this location makes it an important tourist area. The area can therefore be viewed on two scales: the extensive park and individual natural sites near Wateren, such as Aekingerbroek and the Ganzenpoel.

There is also a special horse bathing pond near Wateren, on the Appelscha–Wateren road, north of the Canadameer. The road and lake help pinpoint this distinctive site in the surrounding area.

Local History and Historical Connections

Wateren originated in the Middle Ages and belonged to the Diever markegenootschap (common land association). The settlement is also older than neighbouring Zorgvlied. In 1823, an agricultural institute was founded in Klein Wateren, on what is now Dorpsstraat in Zorgvlied. These details place Wateren in different historical contexts: its origins and affiliation date back to the Middle Ages, while 1823 marks a specific foundation at a named location.

Cycling Routes and Getting Around

The Fietsrondje Frederiksoord and Zindag differ in their themes, signage and routes. The Fietsrondje is a signposted 40-kilometre cycling route focused on education in the Colonies of Benevolence (Koloniën van Weldadigheid), and you can follow it using its route signs. The Landbouwkundig Instituut Wateren is one of the route’s highlights. Zindag passes through Wateren and Drents-Friese Wold National Park; it is not signposted and can be downloaded. While the Fietsrondje focuses on educational history and its stated distance, Zindag’s route through Wateren and the national park offers an important point of comparison. Route details may change, so check the latest route information before setting out.

There is a trailer parking area for the blue Men and Horse Riding Route Drents Friese Wold at Landgoed Alberhoeve in Wateren. You must contact the venue in advance; please take this into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Frederiksoord, Nijensleek, Doldersum, Wapserveen, Vledderveen, Wapse, Uffelte, Vledder

For the overview of the wider area: Westerveld.