De Veenhoop: Nature, Routes and Culture

De Veenhoop offers several ways to shape a trip: nature watching, walking or cycling tours, activities on the water and cultural history. If you are looking for a hotel for De Veenhoop, these interests can help you choose the right focus for your stay.

Nature and Birdwatching

Petgatten De Feanhoop lies on the edge of Nationaal Park De Alde Feanen. At Kraanlânnen, a birdwatching hide overlooks a lake where visitors can see various waterbirds throughout the year. Which birds appear can naturally vary. Several walking trails run through Petgatten De Feanhoop; they are accessible outside the breeding season. Keep this seasonal condition in mind when planning your visit.

Walking Routes and Excursions

A walking route along the Turfroute starts in De Veenhoop and passes places of interest in Nationaal Park De Alde Feanen. The Grietman Eco ferry is crossed twice on this route. Another route, “The Best of De Veenhoop – Drachten,” runs through the countryside around De Veenhoop and then through Drachten. This gives you two different route options: the Turfroute, with its stops in the national park, and the route that continues through Drachten.

A stage of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad also passes through the wetland of Petgatten De Feanhoop. You can consider this route as another option for a trip focused on walking.

By Bike and on the Water

The cycling route along the Turfroute starts in De Veenhoop at bicycle junction 49 and uses a self-service ferry. A ferry for cyclists and pedestrians also operates from De Veenhoop from April to October. Before setting out, check the current operating times and the availability of the ferry you plan to use.

TOP De Veenhoop is a tourist starting point. You can park your car there or arrive by public transport; from there, you can explore the surrounding area by bike, on foot or by boat. If you are interested in sailing, Zeilschool De Veenhoop offers sailing lessons. These options offer different focuses: routes and scenery are central to walking or cycling, while sailing lessons provide a specific activity on the water.

Buildings and Cultural Highlights

The Windmotor De Veenhoop is designated a Rijksmonument. It was built as a large American wind motor and erected in 1926 by a trading company from Rotterdam. Its diameter is 11 metres, and the wind rotor has 30 blades. These details give the structure a tangible technical dimension, while its designation identifies its protected status.

The Nieuwe Noordergemaal is modelled on a Frisian barn type. In the waterway, fish can swim freely between the Krûme Gat, the Wilde Mûntsegroppe and the Petgatten De Veenhoop nature area. Rink van der Velde’s Skriuwersarkje is also in De Veenhoop. It serves writers as an inspiring retreat where they can work on books and volumes of poetry.

Events in De Veenhoop

The Veenhoopfestival takes place every year. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the latest event dates. De Veenhoop also hosted the SKS-Kampioenschap Skûtsjesilen on 20 July 2026. This date refers to a specific past event; for later trips, consult the relevant programme.

Discover more destinations: Houtigehage, Rottevalle, Oudega, De Tike, Oudega Gem Smallingerlnd, Drachten, Goëngahuizen

Return to the main travel overview: Smallingerland.