Discover Collendoorn

Collendoorn combines experiences in nature with specific historical points of interest. For planning your trip, several themes are available: the elevated landscape of the nature reserve, designated trails, the Collendoornerveenroute cycling route and a memorial site commemorating the history of the former Rijkswerkkamp Molengoot. When searching for a hotel for your trip to Collendoorn, these themes can help you shape your stay: would you like to spend time outdoors, learn about the village and its landscape, or give particular attention to a historic site? Hiking, cycling and local history each offer a different focus for your plans.

Nature reserve and trails

The Collendoorn nature reserve is located on an old spoil heap that is 20 metres high. From a height of more than 20 metres, the area offers views across the surrounding countryside as far as Germany. Its former use and its present character as a nature reserve exist side by side. A 3-kilometre route is marked out in the area as part of the walking trail network. This specific distance helps you gauge the hiking option when planning. The nature reserve can also be explored on horseback via a bridleway, making hiking and horse riding two different ways to discover the area.

Dogs are allowed in the nature reserve but must be kept on a lead because cattle graze there. Access rules may change, so check the current visitor information before your visit. There is a car park on Kerkdijk in Collendoorn. Parking regulations may also change, so it is worth checking the latest visitor information when planning.

Memorial sites and local history

The “Kamp Molengoot” memorial honours the Jews of Hardenberg and commemorates the hundreds of Jewish fellow citizens who were forced to perform labour at this Rijkswerkkamp from April to October 1942. It is located on Luggersweg, at the site of the former Rijkswerkkamp Molengoot. A glacial erratic bears a bronze relief depicting a group of Jewish prisoners performing forced labour; the stone stands on a stone Star of David. The location and design make the reason for the memorial tangible.

The name Havezatheweg offers another historical trace: a Ridderhofstede stood in Collendoorn in the 14th century, and the street name commemorates it. The farmhouse at De Kerkdijk 1 has been listed as a Rijksmonument since 15 May 2000. These references span the Ridderhofstede of the 14th century, forced labour in 1942 and the farmhouse’s heritage listing in 2000. Together, they offer different insights into the village’s history, from the former camp to a protected farmhouse.

Cycling route and village character

The Collendoornerveenroute is a 45.8-kilometre cycling route, with a stated duration of 3:03. Route details may change, so check the latest information before setting out. For comparison, the marked walking route in the nature reserve is 3 kilometres long. The two distances and different ways of getting around can help you gauge the scope of your planned activity. The duration of 3:03 refers to the cycling route.

Collendoorn is an old village with farms scattered across the Esgrond. This farm landscape adds a view of the village’s settlement pattern to its individual historical points of interest. Collendoorn thus brings together several different themes: the elevated position of the nature reserve, farms spread across the Esgrond and the history recalled by the memorial and street name.

Discover more destinations: Bruchterveld, Schuinesloot, Sibculo, Hardenberg, Slagharen, Ane, Diffelen, Bergentheim.

Go to the main travel overview: Hardenberg.