Kop van Drenthe and De Onlanden

The Landscape

The Kop van Drenthe is a region not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its rich history. It’s a true journey of discovery, where every kilometer reveals a new face of the landscape. Shaped by the last Ice Age, the area offers a striking variety of scenery, from forests and heathlands to sweeping grasslands, raised bogs, marshes, and stream valleys. Historic manor houses, surrounded by moats, woods, and heath, create a picture-perfect setting that invites exploration. Hidden among the trees and farmlands are traces of burial mounds, urn fields, and prehistoric fields, silent witnesses of an ancient past that offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of distant ancestors.

The Onlanden is a vast nature reserve of over 2,300 hectares, where water management and nature development go hand in hand. It’s a vibrant mosaic of marshes, grasslands, hedgerows, and old peat pits, each blending into the next to create a landscape full of character and contrast. The area plays a vital role during heavy rainfall, acting as a natural buffer that helps keep the city of Groningen dry. When rain persists, the Onlanden functions as a giant reservoir, storing excess water and protecting the surrounding region from flooding. It’s a wonderful place to explore, ideal for nature lovers as well as anyone interested in water management and the preservation of the Dutch landscape.