The best cycling routes around Dwingelderveld National Park

Dwingelderveld National Park is known for its diverse landscapes. You'll encounter the largest continuous wet heathland in Western Europe, with lower-lying gullies and dry sand ridges. The park also features fens, peat bogs, fragrant pine and oak forests, juniper thickets, and tranquil open fields. Approximately 62% of the cycling paths are paved, offering smooth surfaces, while the remaining 38% are unpaved or semi-paved, suitable for a more rugged experience.

Yes, Dwingelderveld National Park offers many easy routes perfect for beginners and families. Out of over 60 touring cycling routes, 41 are classified as easy. These routes generally have few gentle climbs and provide beautiful views. An example of an easy route is the Holtveen Bird Hide – Bench with a View over Holtveen loop from Dwingeloo, which is 17.1 km long.

The park's varied ecosystems support rich biodiversity. You might spot different types of heath, rare plants like marsh gentian and sundew, and various orchids. Wildlife includes birds such as stonechats and curlews, roe deer, and colorful dragonflies. The park is also home to two herds of Drenthe heath sheep. For birdwatching, consider visiting the Holtveen Bird Hide or the Birdwatching Hide Davidsplassen.

While many routes are easy, there are options for longer and moderately challenging rides. For instance, the Turfgravers Bridge – Holtveen Bird Hide loop from Spier is a moderate 36.2 km route. There are 17 moderate and 3 difficult routes in total, offering more extensive exploration of the park's landscapes.

The touring cycling routes in Dwingelderveld National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 210 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet woodlands, the unique heathland scenery, and the well-maintained paths that make for a pleasant riding experience. Over 1800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain here.

Yes, beyond the natural beauty, you can encounter several points of interest. The park features traditional Drenthe villages bordering its edges, and the wider region is known for its ancient 'hunebedden' (burial mounds). Within the park, you can find the Several burial mounds highlight, offering a glimpse into the area's past. You might also spot the space telescopes from the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, including the world's oldest movable radio telescope.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Dwingelderveld National Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Turfgravers Bridge – Holtveen Bird Hide loop from Dwingelderveld, a moderate 50.4 km route that takes you through various parts of the park.

The park is beautiful year-round, but the heathlands are particularly stunning in late summer (August/September) when the heather is in bloom, painting the landscape in vibrant purple hues. Spring offers fresh greenery and active wildlife, while autumn brings rich colors to the forests. The extensive network of paths makes it enjoyable in most seasons, though some unpaved sections might be softer after heavy rain.

Yes, the park has visitor centers that provide information, local products, and often include a cozy coffee corner. These centers are good starting points for your cycling adventures. The charming Drenthe villages surrounding the park also offer opportunities for cafes and pubs.

Absolutely. Besides the vast heathlands, you can discover unique natural phenomena like the Sunken Trees in Dwingelderveld and the serene Water Lily Pond in Dwingelderveld. The park is also one of the darkest and quietest areas in the Netherlands, making it excellent for stargazing on clear nights.