The Hoogersmilde Nature Trail was designed specifically for children ages four to twelve. This approximately 2.5-kilometer walk winds through a beautiful forest area and combines nature with play and discovery. Along the way, children can pump water and climb, among other activities. The trail is located in the Drents-Friese Wold National Park, one of the largest contiguous forested areas in the Netherlands. Even without the play elements, this is a beautiful route through the woods, heathland, and hills of Hoogersmilde, with ten interactive features scattered along the way.
This short but varied 2.2-kilometer family trail is ideal for families with young children. Along the way, you’ll pass a fun playground, which makes the walk even more enjoyable. There are also plenty of other fun trails in and around the nature center, such as gnome trails, a barefoot trail, and trails where kids can learn all about creepy-crawlies.
The Dwingeler Ommetjes are also known as the “astronaut routes.” These walks are 4.5 kilometers long on average and pass by playgrounds and rest stops where you can enjoy the scenery. For children, there’s plenty of room for adventure along the way. The routes are named after stars and planets, fitting for Dwingeloo, which is known as one of the darkest places in the Netherlands.
One special route is the Leda walk, which starts at an impressive radio telescope.
At 6.2 kilometers, the Tilgrup Valley is slightly longer, but its playful nature makes it ideal for families with slightly older children. You’ll walk along narrow, winding trails, boardwalks, and step over fallen trees. What makes this route especially exciting is that you’ll be sharing it with Sayaguesa cattle. They’re calm, but it’s important to keep a safe distance and sometimes walk around them.
This 5.5-kilometer hike is very varied and best known for the long boardwalks that wind through the landscape. The wooden paths give the route an extra sense of adventure and keep it interesting for children right up to the end. Follow the white signs to stay on the right path.
During this walk, you might feel as if you’re on a safari for a moment. Here, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle, Drenthe heath sheep, and many nesting birds. Along the way, there are observation towers that offer stunning views of the landscape. The route also has an educational aspect. You’ll pass a war memorial commemorating a tragic event from September 1944, when seven young men were executed by the German occupiers. The original route is seven kilometers long, but can be shortened at several points.