Discover Steenwijkerwold

Get to know Steenwijkerwold through its landscape, walking routes and local history. The named routes provide specific reference points for planning your trip; historic sites and buildings add to the picture of the destination.

Landscape and nature in Steenwijkerwold

The rolling landscape includes forests, centuries-old avenues, small meadows and a raised bog pond. The landscape also features glacial ridges, hedgerows, meadows and fields, as well as expansive views. Its varied elements range from wooded areas to open spaces; the views add a perspective on the terrain. The centuries-old avenues and the raised bog pond provide distinctive features of their own. The hedgerows of Steenwijkerwold have been preserved and are of high ecological value to birds and other animals. They are therefore significant both as part of the landscape and for wildlife.

The De Woldberg forest area has two distinct elevation figures: it rises 25 metres above the surrounding land, and the observation tower takes you a further 24 metres higher. The first figure describes the forest area's elevation above its surroundings; the second is the additional height of the tower. This helps put each figure in context.

Walking routes and practical information

The “Ommetje Steenwijkerwold” starts at Gelderingen 65–67, where free parking is available. The “De Voorzienigheid” walking route is about 5.5 kilometres long and is associated in Steenwijkerwold with the cultural and religious heritage of monastic life. The two routes offer different planning details: for the Ommetje, a starting point is specified; for De Voorzienigheid, an approximate distance is given. When planning, you can decide which is more useful to you: a specific starting point with parking or a guide to the route's length.

History and historic traces

After Prince Maurits captured Steenwijk in 1592, Catholics held their services in secret at Erve Croeve. Another historical trace dates to 1893, when Reverend Christiaan Muiteman came up with the idea of establishing a refuge in the village of Steenwijkerwold for older people and children in need. The two stories belong to different periods and offer insight into the religious and social themes of local history.

The former primary school at Gelderingen 75 is also part of the built heritage. Since the 1970s, it has been known as “'t Slothof”; it was built in 1908 as a two-classroom school with a teacher's residence. The De Eese estate is home to eight burial mounds, monuments from the distant past. Together, these examples show that local history is connected both to buildings and to older traces in the landscape.

Dicky Woodstock in August

The Dicky Woodstock music festival takes place annually in Steenwijkerwold on the first weekend of August. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates and programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Wanneperveen, Blokzijl, Kallenkote, Kalenberg, De Bult, Ossenzijl, Steenwijk, Belt-Schutsloot

For the broader travel overview: Steenwijkerland.