Wet heathlands in Drenthe - discover Dwingelderveld National Park

Today you walk more than 18 kilometers through a very unique piece of nature, because the heathland in Dwingelderveld National Park is the wettest high moorland in Europe! Along the way you walk through quiet areas of forest, where the trees make way for fens and lakes here and there.

Start the day with a cup of coffee at De Boslounge and then set off via a nice forest path. At a certain point you will see some heaths between the woods and you will follow a beautiful walking path along various fens.

After 4.5 kilometers you will arrive at a serene forest lake, where you can take a short break. Then you continue on a path along beautiful juniper bushes and you will encounter many more lakes. Along the way there are plenty of beautiful resting places to catch your breath from the meters you have made.

This wet heath would not be wet heath without even more fens. At the Holtveen you can make a stop at the water, because from behind the bird screen you can spot unique species here. So don't forget to bring your binoculars!

You continue through the Holtveen nature reserve, where you can keep your eyes open in search of birds that you just haven't been able to spot. Do you see the stonechat or the barn swallow?

Finally, you climb to the top of the watchtower and take a good look at where you have walked today. That is, if you are not blown away by the breathtaking view you have from here.

The tour starts and ends at hotel-restaurant De Boslounge. There is a parking lot at De Boslounge. You can also reach the place by bus. In that case, get off at the 'Dwingelderveld' stop.

At De Boslounge you can enjoy a snack and drink before and after the trip. Take your food and drinks with you on the road.

The flowering time of the heath on the Dwingelderveld is in August and September; the National Park then turns a beautiful purple.