Cycling route Heart of Drenthe and Monument Village Orvelte
This cycling route near Beilen through the Heart of Drenthe passes forests, heathland, pools, drifting sand and small streams, with quiet country roads, flower rich verges and thatched farmhouses along the way.
The Landscape
The Heart of Drenthe forms a vast and continuous nature area where nature and farmland blend seamlessly. During this cycling route you ride through forests and heathland, past stream valleys and drifting sand, while new views open across es fields, heathland and quiet country roads. The atmosphere changes with the seasons and even with the time of day, from birdsong in the greenery to the scent of pine and heath and the calm rhythm of the rural landscape.
The cultural historical highlight of this cycling route is the monument village of Orvelte. This lively open air museum was officially designated as a protected village site in 1967 and has been carefully restored to reflect the situation of 1832. Historic farmhouses, cobblestones and old brick streets define the atmosphere, while traditional workshops and small shops bring the past to life and give this cycling route through the Heart of Drenthe extra character.
Forests and Heaths
During this cycling route you ride long stretches through quiet conifer forests and open heathland. Especially outside the high season, this part of the route feels calm and sheltered, with wide paths and plenty of nature around you.
Estates and Heritage
Along the route you pass historic farmyards and old farmhouses that show how people and landscape have been connected here for centuries. This cultural heritage is especially visible around Orvelte.
Marshes and Peatlands
In the lower parts of the area you cycle past small lakes and wet nature areas. These moist zones create a varied landscape and attract many birds and other wildlife.
Rivers and Streams
Small streams and waterways wind through the landscape and form a natural contrast with the open heathland and fields. In several places you follow the water, which gives the route a calm and natural flow.
Virtual cycling around Beilen and Westerbork
Virtual cycling through the Heart of Drenthe takes you past forests, heathland and quiet pools, with long straight paths that are ideal for a steady pace on your indoor trainer. Along the way you also ride through Orvelte, the monument village of Drenthe, with historic farmhouses and a distinctive village atmosphere.
The landscape changes constantly along the way. You cycle through sheltered stretches beneath pine and oak, and shortly after across open heathland with sandy paths and wide views. In the lower parts of the route you pass peat, reed beds and wet nature around small lakes, where the quiet atmosphere of the area becomes even more noticeable.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? This is how virtual cycling works
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish at bike node 90 on the Hoofdstraat in Westerbork. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
- Distance: 60 kilometres
- Estimated cycling time: 4 hours 3 minutes
- Total elevation gain: 47 metres
- 68% of the route runs on paved roads
- 32% of the route runs on unpaved and semi-paved paths
- Ideal for e-bikes and city bikes
- Along the way, there are several places to stop for coffee, a drink or lunch.
