Mars- and Westerstroom
Cycling through a classic peatland landscape with rolling fields, winding stream valleys, expansive grasslands, scattered groves, and rare remnants of raised bog.

The Landscape
The Mars- and Westerstroom landscape lies entirely within the municipality of Coevorden and is a beautiful example of the traditional Drenthe landscape. Rolling fields, old heathland reclamations, and low-lying stream valleys alternate throughout the area. The landscape is mainly agricultural, featuring a mosaic of meadows, fields, tree-lined banks, small woodlands, and scattered solitary trees. Winding streams, straight canals flanked by stately rows of trees, and narrow ditches running perpendicular to them cut through the block-shaped parcels, giving structure to the landscape. Open, expansive fields blend seamlessly into intimate, small-scale nature areas with a distinct Drenthe character. Scattered groves, heath patches, meandering stream valleys, and remnants of raised bog offer visitors a surprisingly varied and authentic natural experience.
The name Mars- and Westerstroom refers to two historic streams that are part of the characteristic Drenthe stream valley system. These valleys have long played a crucial role in drainage, agriculture, and as natural boundaries between villages. On the higher sandy ridges between the streams, traditional villages built around communal arable fields developed, while meadows and hayfields flourished in the wetter lowlands. In some parts of the valleys, the old, small-scale landscape with grasslands is still clearly visible. Here, you can experience the peaceful rhythm of traditional farming life. Elsewhere, land consolidation has changed the landscape, creating a more open, large-scale appearance. This mix of landscapes makes the area especially interesting to explore by bike.

Forests and Heaths

Estates and Heritage

Swamps and Peatlands

Polders and Farmlands
Route map
Start and finish near bike node 7 on the Hoofdstraat in Dalen. However, this bike route is a circular tour, so it offers the possibility to start from any of the following bike nodes.
7 - 9 - 22 - 23 - 5 - 6 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 71 - 70 - 88 - 86 - 87 - 75 - 51 - 52 - 74 - 53 - 54 - 56 - 7
- 91% of the route runs on paved roads.
- 9% of the route runs on unpaved and semi-paved paths.


