Ravenswoud: Raised Bog, Waterways and History

Ravenswoud can be explored for trip planning through three themes: raised bog, routes by land and water, and local history. Fochteloërveen is one of the last raised bog areas in Western Europe and has Natura 2000 protected status. The area is home to De Zeven, an 18-metre-high observation tower that offers views across the raised bog. This brings together a striking landscape and a specific viewpoint—a clear focus for anyone who wants to get to know Ravenswoud through its nature and landscape.

Raised Bog and Land Routes

Walking and cycling routes run through Fochteloërveen. The tower focuses on the view, while the routes offer the chance to move through the bog. When planning, you can choose between looking out over the raised bog and taking a tour on foot or by bike. The Uitkijktorenroute passes through woodland and farmland and is marked with green arrows. Its landscape and arrow markers provide their own points of orientation, distinct from the raised bog and observation viewpoint.

A Circular Tour on the Water

Compagnonsbossen is an 8.2-kilometre circular route for SUP and canoeing. It passes through Compagnonsbossen and along the canals around Ravenswoud. The distance, circular format and activity are all specified. This lets you distinguish the water tour as a separate type of route from the walking and cycling paths. For planning, the stated route length provides a specific point of comparison; the activity is also clearly defined: SUP or canoeing on a route through Compagnonsbossen and along the canals around Ravenswoud.

Local History and Monuments

The historic RAAF walking and cycling routes explore the history of four villages. Information boards describe historically interesting sites and cover the period of peat extraction. The routes thus connect their historical content with two specific themes: the sites along the route and the history of peat extraction.

In Ravenswoud, the iron drawbridge over the Eerste Wijk is the only Rijksmonument (national heritage site). The artwork De Veengravers, created in 1979, honours the original inhabitants. At the head of the Eerste Kruiswijk canal stands De Pauw, a stainless steel sculpture by Austrian artist Hein Mader. The former Meester-Lok school is also part of the village’s architectural heritage: it is a municipal monument and is now used as a residence. These buildings and artworks offer different points of interest—from a protected bridge and a tribute to the inhabitants to a sculpture beside a canal.

Find a Hotel That Matches Your Interests

Consider whether the raised bog, the land routes, the water tour or local history will be the main focus of your trip. You can then search for hotels in Ravenswoud using the criteria that matter for your stay.

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

For the overview of the wider area: Ooststellingwerf.