National Park Drents-Friese Wold
You will come across all kinds of everything during the exploration of this area, covering over 6,000 hectares. It mainly consists of dense woods and heathland, but also all kinds of other scenic beauty – from sand drifts to the moors that form the source of the Vledder Aa. In the characteristic ‘brim villages’ landscape in Drente, pleasant villages, surrounded by convex fields intermixing with brook valleys, covered with colourful flowers. Also when night falls the park remains unique. As such, the Drents-Friese Wold is the darkest area in Holland, where you can spot some 3,000 stars on a cloudless day. It’s no coincidence that Staatsbosbeheer points out that the area is not only enormous, but also enormously beautiful!
Must-visit: Appelscha
Appelscha is a classic example of a brim village, sandwiched between dry, sandy heathland and swampy marshes. Consequently, it’s the ideal base from where to explore the area. From Appelscha you take a cool ride into the woods on a mountain bike. This special route leads you to waters and rather steep descents every now and then. Feeling rather less adventurous? Renting a canoe is an absolute must to spend a lovely day on the water, peacefully paddling along all the beauty that the Drents-Friese Wold has to offer.
Must-see: Schaapskudde (flock of sheep) Doldersummerveld
For families with young children definitely a must-see, although it’s actually great for everybody, whatever your age. The herd grazes peacefully on the heath fields of the Doldersummerveld and nearby Wapserveld, among a large number of cows. Between these fields runs the Huenderweg. This regularly serves as a passage for the animals, which are allowed to roam free here. Really enjoyable – if you’re not in a hurry, of course!
Must-do: Belevingspad Hoogersmilde
The ultimate walk for families! The adventure path Hoogersmilde is a hiking route stretching 2.5 kilometres, right through the Drents-Friese Wold. On this route you enjoy the most beautiful wooded areas, heathland and hills. The adventure objects that you come across on the way turn it into an extra exciting and interactive activity. There is a trail path where you can search for animal tracks. Or the water pump, where water is pumped by means of a rope pump. We also recommended the cobble path on which you find your way while balancing on the enormous Scandinavian cobble stones. Other adventures consist of a tree-log stairway, an authentic peat dwelling, a Spitfire plane replica, a snake pit, and much more! A useful tip: Camping de Reeënwissel serves as one of the official parking areas of the Adventure path. This route runs partly through a bushy area of the camping. A perfect starting point therefore!
Made possible also by: Provincie Drenthe – National Park Drents-Friese Wold
