Park Drentheland
Hiking in Drenthe

Hiking in Drenthe: Discover the Drents-Friese Wold 

Hiking in Drenthe is a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Drenthe is a stunning province in the Netherlands with a rich natural environment. There are many different hiking trails through the forests, heathlands, and sand drifts. 

There are hiking trails for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced hikers. You can choose a short trail of a few kilometers or a longer one of more than 10 kilometers. There are also hiking trails for children and paths where you can bring your dog, so the whole family can enjoy a hike in Drenthe.

Hiking in Drenthe is the perfect way to relax, enjoy nature, and stay in shape. So put on your hiking shoes and hit the trails in Drenthe!

The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails Near the Drents-Friese Wold

Step out of your accommodation and walk straight into the Drents-Friese Wold. From Park Drentheland, you have direct access to the most beautiful hiking trails, but even a short drive to a starting point is well worth it. We’re happy to help you at the front desk, but here’s a sneak peek at the most beautiful routes:

    Appelscha Forest Ranger Trail (11 km)

    This trail is marked with purple posts and takes you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, heathlands, and drifting sand areas. You can start at the Drents-Friese Wold Outdoor Center in Appelscha.

    Canada Lake Hike (7 km)

    This route starts at Aekingerzand, a vast area of shifting sand dunes, and takes you past Lake Canada and through the wooded area.

    Dieverzand Hiking Trail (6 km)

    A beautiful route that takes you through the Dieverzand, an area of shifting sand dunes where you might even come across a flock of sheep.

    Kale Dunes Trail (3 km)

    A short but impressive route that takes you to the Kale Duinen, a unique shifting sand dune area in the Drents-Friese Wold.

    Doldersummerveld Hiking Trail (9 km)

    This route takes you through the Doldersummerveld, a vast heathland with beautiful views.

    Oude Willem Route (13 km)

    This walk takes you through wooded areas, past ponds and heathlands. A beautiful mix of landscapes.

    Hoogersmilde Forest Ranger Trail (15 km)

    This route takes you through the woods and heathland around Hoogersmilde and offers beautiful views from the Benderse Berg.

Discover nature on a hike through the Drents-Friese Wold


The flora and fauna in Drenthe are a great reason to go for a walk. The Drents-Friese Wold offers an excellent refuge for various animal species. For example, red deer, roe deer, and wild boars can be found in the area. These remarkable animals inhabit both the vast forests and the open heathlands. In addition, various birds of prey—such as buzzards, goshawks, and sparrowhawks—soar through the sky in search of prey. In the ponds and marshes, you can spot waterfowl such as ducks, grebes, and swans. With a little luck, you might also spot the colorful kingfisher, which lives near the water and feeds on fish. The area is also home to a variety of small mammals, including hares, rabbits, and pine martens.

The flora of the Drents-Friese Wold is varied and colorful. The vast forests are dominated by various tree species, such as oaks, birches, pines, and Scots pines. The diversity of the forest floor also provides a home for a variety of plants, including ferns, blueberries, wood anemones, and various types of mushrooms. During spring and summer, wildflowers adorn the grasslands and forest edges, transforming the landscape into a beautiful palette of colors.


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Hiking in the Drents-Friese Wold from Park Drentheland

All in all, the Drents-Friese Wold is a true paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Dutch nature and admire the various aspects of this vibrant ecosystem. But other nature areas in Drenthe are also perfect for a lovely hike, such as the Dwingelderveld. Will you come hiking in Drenthe starting from Park Drentheland?