CYCLING ROUTE · DRENTHE
Cycling Route National Park Drents-Friese Wold
Cycling through a diverse natural landscape of dense forests, expansive heathlands, shifting sand drifts, tranquil fens, and lush stream valleys.
The Landscape
Drents-Friese Wold National Park is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands, covering over 6,000 hectares of forest, heathland, fens, shifting sands, and stream valleys. Located on the border of Drenthe and Friesland, this landscape has been shaped for thousands of years by land use and management. Between Diever and Appelscha, traces of cultivation and grazing are still visible, while wind and water continue to sculpt the terrain and its open sandy areas.
The history of Drents-Friese Wold National Park dates back to the Iron Age and is still visible in the landscape, with a hunebed near Diever and burial mounds near Oude Willem and Vledder. What was once a mosaic of arable fields, heathland, and small woodlands where sheep grazed was gradually transformed from the nineteenth century onward, when forests were planted to stabilize drifting sands. Today, you cycle past villages with historic field patterns and tree-lined hedgerows, set within a varied landscape that invites relaxed exploration.
What You'll Discover Along the Way
Forests and Heaths
Extensive forests and open heathlands create a varied landscape, from sheltered woodland paths to wide-open views across the heath.
Polders and Farmlands
Along the edges of the park, open polders and agricultural land provide wide views and long sightlines between the forests.
Marshes and Peatlands
Lower-lying areas with fens and wet nature zones add a damp, natural character and contrast with the surrounding forests and heathlands.
Rivers and Streams
Small streams and waterways wind through the landscape, adding flowing water and extra variety to the route.
Virtual Cycling Through National Park Drents-Friese Wold
Experience National Park Drents-Friese Wold from home, with extensive forests, open heathlands, tranquil fens, shifting sands and quiet country roads creating a varied cycling experience. The route takes you through the natural landscape around Diever and the surrounding villages, where woodland, heathland and open countryside alternate throughout the ride.
Experience the route from home with virtual cycling.
Route Map and Cycling Junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 83 on the Terwisscha in Appelscha. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Route Details
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 →
