CYCLING ROUTE · DRENTHE

Cycling Route Mars- and Westerstroom

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

Cycling route through the Mars- and Westerstroom landscape in Drenthe

The Landscape

The Mars- and Westerstroom landscape is a beautiful example of the traditional Drenthe countryside, where rolling fields, old heathland reclamations and low-lying stream valleys alternate. Meadows, fields, tree-lined banks, small woodlands and scattered solitary trees create a varied agricultural landscape.
Winding streams, straight canals and narrow drainage ditches structure the block-shaped fields, while open farmland alternates with intimate nature areas. On the higher sandy ridges, traditional villages developed around communal arable fields, while the wetter valleys were used for meadows and hayfields. Remnants of heathland, small wetlands and raised bog add further variety to the route.

What You'll Discover Along the Way

Forests and heathland in the Mars- and Westerstroom landscape

Forests and Heaths

Small woodlands, scattered groves and remnants of old heathland add variety to the predominantly open agricultural landscape.

Estates and heritage in the Mars- and Westerstroom landscape

Estates and Heritage

Traditional villages and old farm landscapes reflect the long history of settlement and farming on the higher sandy ridges.

Marshes and peatlands in the Mars- and Westerstroom landscape

Marshes and Peatlands

Wet stream valleys, marshy grasslands and rare remnants of raised bog contrast with the higher and drier farmland.

Farmlands and fields in the Mars- and Westerstroom landscape

Polders and Farmlands

Meadows, fields and block-shaped parcels form the heart of the landscape, crossed by canals, drainage ditches and tree-lined banks.

Virtual Cycling Through the Mars- and Westerstroom Landscape

Experience the Mars- and Westerstroom landscape from home, with rolling fields, winding stream valleys, expansive grasslands, tree-lined canals and small woodlands creating a varied Drenthe cycling experience. The route alternates between open farmland and intimate nature areas, with scattered heath patches and rare remnants of raised bog adding further variety along the way.

Virtual cycling through the Mars- and Westerstroom landscape

Experience the route from home with virtual cycling.

Route Map and Cycling Junctions

Start and finish near cycling junction 7 on the Hoofdstraat in Dalen. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
7 9 22 25 26 27 28 29 71 70 88 86 87 75 51 52 74 53 54 56 7

Route Details

Distance 49 km
Riding time 3 h 17 min
Elevation gain 30 m
Paved 96%
Unpaved / semi-paved 4%
Ideal for E-bikes & city bikes

Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.

Discover More Cycling Routes

Explore more Drenthe landscapes and find your next cycling adventure in nature.

EXPLORE ALL CYCLING ROUTES IN DRENTHE →