Ooststellingwerf: Raised Bogs, Forests and Cultural Trails

Experience raised bogs and forests

A distinctive natural feature of a trip to Ooststellingwerf is Fochteloërveen, one of the last raised bog areas in Western Europe. It provides a habitat for rare animal and plant species, including cranes, one-headed cotton grass and the critically endangered Veenhooibeestje butterfly. These species are part of the landscape; however, sightings are not guaranteed.

The Drents-Friese Wold offers a different landscape: it is one of the largest contiguous forest areas in the Netherlands. Its features include drifting sands, small lakes, heathland and wetlands. Appelscha lies on the edge of the 61-square-kilometre national park. This makes it possible to experience the bog and forest as distinct natural highlights of the trip.

De Zeven is an 18-metre-high observation tower with views over Fochteloërveen. The “Grenzeloos Wold” exhibition about nature in the national park can be seen at the Buitencentrum Drents-Friese Wold. The centre also serves as a starting point for activities and hiking trails in the national park. As programmes and facilities may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Hiking and cycling routes

Hiking and cycling trails run through Fochteloërveen, including the Wollegras hike. A cycling route passes viewpoints such as De Zeven. Check the route and local conditions before setting off. Those planning a longer hike can take the Stellingenpad, a regional long-distance trail of around 260 kilometres that runs through the Drents-Friese Wold. It has 15 stages ranging from 12 to 28 kilometres and is signposted via the nationwide network of walking junctions. Check the signs before setting out.

For a shorter walk, consider the seven-kilometre art trail through the park forests of Oldeberkoop; it can be walked year-round. It is quite different from the longer stages of the Stellingenpad. Artworks and trail conditions may change. The Hein-Mader art routes also lead to outdoor art: they take in 18 sculptures, and Appelscha is a central starting point. The second route crosses Fochteloërveen towards Haule and returns via Makkinga and Oosterwolde. Check the route before setting out on a bike ride.

Art, history and language

The Liberation Route Europe also provides guidance for a historically focused excursion. The municipal route information from April 2026 lists 160 kilometres and 21 notable places in Ooststellingwerf. The route covers fighting in early April in the forests south of Oldeberkoop, as well as the resistance’s efforts to protect the bridges in the region. The old church and its surroundings in Oldeberkoop also form a protected village scene.

Oldeberkoop is also the setting for the annual Open Stal art trail, which takes place in and around the village. Dates and venues vary. The trail was created in 1971 in Appie Tjalma’s café. Art lovers can combine different ways of exploring: sculptures along the Hein-Mader routes, the walkable art trail and the annual, ever-changing Open Stal.

Stellingwerfs is also part of local culture: many residents in the smaller villages of Ooststellingwerf continue to use the language frequently. Stichting Nobilis organises receptions with a talk and guided tour for interested groups, as well as regular workshops and lectures. The programme depends on what is scheduled, so check the latest dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Haule, Nijeberkoop, Langedijke, Elsloo, Donkerbroek, Appelscha, Oldeberkoop, Waskemeer, Oosterwolde, Fochteloo, Ravenswoud.

For the main travel overview: Friesland.