CYCLING ROUTE · DRENTHE
Cycling Route Hondsrug and Sleenerzand
Cycle through a fascinating Drenthe landscape of extensive forests, open heathlands, quiet fens and green stream valleys, with subtle elevation changes adding variety along the way.
The Landscape
The Hondsrug is a long, elevated sandy ridge in Drenthe, shaped by ice and meltwater during the Ice Ages. Its higher, drier position made it a natural route through the wetter surrounding landscape and an attractive place to live for thousands of years. Around places such as Borger, Odoorn and Schoonloo, traces of this long history are still visible, with hunebeds, burial mounds and ancient paths adding a distinctive cultural dimension to the landscape.
Along the route, you experience the Hondsrug and the Sleenerzand around Noord Sleen and Schoonoord at close range. Quiet forest avenues and open heathland alternate with subtle changes in elevation that give the sandy ridge its distinctive character. Tranquil fens, wet low-lying areas and small stream valleys add variety and create a peaceful atmosphere, making this route ideal for anyone who enjoys nature, space and quiet cycling.
What You'll Discover Along the Way
Forests and Heaths
Extensive forests and open heathland on the Hondsrug and in the Sleenerzand, with subtle elevation changes and open spaces creating a varied landscape.
Estates and Heritage
Hunebeds, burial mounds and old land-reclamation patterns reveal how people have shaped and inhabited the Hondsrug landscape over thousands of years.
Polders and Farmlands
Along the edges of the nature areas, open fields, meadows and agricultural land provide long sightlines and a calm contrast to the surrounding forests.
Marshes and Peatlands
In the lower parts of the landscape, wet heathland, quiet fens and marshy areas add variety and create peaceful nature zones along the route.
Virtual Cycling Around Odoorn and Schoonoord
Experience the Hondsrug and Sleenerzand from home, cycling through forests, heathland and quiet countryside. Gentle elevation changes, tranquil fens and stream valleys create a peaceful and varied ride.
Experience the route from home with virtual cycling.
Route Map and Cycling Junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 33 on the Sleenerweg in Noord Sleen. 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 →
