Cycling route Holtingerveld and Colonies of Benevolence
Cycling through a diverse natural landscape of dark forests, vast heathlands, tranquil fens, scenic sand drifts, and ancient burial sites.
The Landscape
Between Havelte, Steenwijk, and Vledder, you cycle through a landscape shaped by the Ice Age. The route follows gently rolling sandy ridges with forest edges, heathlands, and open views, alternating with quiet low-lying areas and fens. In some sections, you can feel this subtle relief in your pace, as the scenery shifts between shelter and openness. Between the higher grounds lie wet depressions with fens and peaty patches, where reed beds, young birch growth, and dark pools define the view. It is precisely these transitions that make this part of Drenthe so appealing for cycling, with every bend revealing a slightly different atmosphere.
What makes this area especially distinctive is how nature and cultural history continuously intertwine. Burial mounds and hunebeds recall prehistoric times, while monuments and traces from the World War II add a very different layer to the landscape. The Colonies of Benevolence in Frederiksoord and Wilhelminaoord tell the story of social ideals and planned land reclamation, visible in straight avenues, monumental buildings, and distinctive village layouts. Along the way, you can see how landscape, people, and history have shaped one another, giving every kilometer a deeper meaning than simply a beautiful ride.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
During this cycling route, you ride through open heathlands and along the forest edges of the Holtingerveld. The combination of openness and shelter gives this part of the route a calm, natural character.
Along the route, you encounter prehistoric features and heritage linked to the Colonies of Benevolence. Historic land-reclamation patterns and characteristic buildings reveal the story of this remarkable area.
Outside the nature reserves, the landscape opens into fields and meadows around Havelte. The regular field pattern and quiet roads provide a clear, relaxed stretch along the way.
Small pools and water features are scattered throughout the area. They add visual variety and create peaceful moments along the route, especially on calm, windless days.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling in and around the Holtingerveld takes you through one of the most varied landscapes in Drenthe. You ride along quiet roads and paths past heathlands, forest edges, open fields, and tranquil fens, with views across a landscape shaped by the Ice Age.
Along the way, history is never far away. Hunebeds and burial mounds recall prehistoric times, while war memorials and traces from the World War II add a very different layer. In and around the Colonies of Benevolence, the story of social ideals and land reclamation is reflected in straight avenues, characteristic villages, and monumental buildings.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 10 on theHunebeddenweg in Darp. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 53 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 34 minutes
Elevation gain: 70 m
Paved roads: 74%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 26%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
