Discover peace, space and stories
Nature & history in Drenthe
Step outside in Drenthe and you're straight into nature. From Orvelter Hof you cycle to Orvelte in a few minutes, where the Oer 't Veld forest ranger trail starts, and the Mantingerveld with its hundreds of juniper bushes is an eight-minute drive away.
A little further is Dwingelderveld National Park, the largest wet heathland in Western Europe, where two flocks of sheep keep the heath in shape. And if you want to feel Drenthe's history, you'll find it in the heritage village of Orvelte and, more poignantly, at Camp Westerbork Memorial Centre.
Below are our favourite places, followed by a few walking routes you can reach with a short bike ride or drive.
Heritage village Orvelte
Orvelte · 2 km · within cycling distance
Thatched farmhouses, a sheepfold with Schoonebeek heath sheep, an Iron Age farm and museums: you can simply wander through Orvelte. The centre is low-traffic, and groups can book a guided tour at the Orvelte Poort. Much of the village is wheelchair accessible.
Visit website →
Oer 't Veld ranger trail
Orvelte · 2 km · within cycling distance
This forest ranger trail by Staatsbosbeheer starts in Orvelte and runs 5.7 kilometres past the flock of sheep, the Iron Age farm and the Tolhuisbos, a very old patch of woodland. In August the heath on the Reijntjesveld turns purple. The route can be shortened to 4 kilometres.
Visit website →
Mantingerveld
Mantinge · 6 km · 8 min by car
Four small nature areas north of Hoogeveen together form the Mantingerveld, including the well-known Mantingerzand. Hundreds of juniper bushes grow here on heath grazed by heath cattle. The Juniper Route is 9 kilometres; dogs are welcome on a lead.
Visit website →Camp Westerbork Memorial Centre
Hooghalen · 21 km · 20 min by car
Between July 1942 and September 1944, more than a hundred trains left Camp Westerbork. The memorial centre tells that story; three kilometres from the museum is the former camp site with the national monument. Groups of fifteen or more can book an educational programme.
Visit website →
Dwingelderveld National Park
Ruinen · 35 km · 34 min by car
At 3,700 hectares, the Dwingelderveld is the largest wet heathland in Western Europe. Two flocks of sheep keep the heath in top condition. From the visitor centre in Ruinen you can head off in any direction, and groups can book an excursion with their own guide.
Visit website →Our tip
A day on and around the heath
Cycle to Orvelte in the morning and walk the Oer 't Veld ranger trail past the flock of sheep and the Iron Age farm. Then have lunch at De Schenkerij in the middle of the village and stroll past the thatched farmhouses. Fancy more in the afternoon? The Mantingerveld and its Juniper Route are an eight-minute drive away. Back at Orvelter Hof, a hot shower and a long table are waiting.
Walking routes nearby
Three routes we often recommend to guests, and two long-distance trails for those who want to cover more ground.
Combine with your stay
After a day out, back home
After a day on the heath, a hot shower awaits in every room and a long table for the whole group. Ideal for an away day with fresh air or a weekend with friends.