Cycling route Kop van Drenthe and De Onlanden
Cycle through a diverse landscape of forests and heathlands, lakes and marshes, open grasslands, gently flowing streams, and prehistoric urn fields.
The Landscape
The Kop van Drenthe around Roden reveals many faces of the northern landscape in a short time. You cycle along woodland edges and across heathlands, past historic fields and open countryside with long sightlines, and you can sense how the ground here tells the story of ice, meltwater, and ancient sandy soils. Among the greenery, traces of early settlement appear, such as burial mounds, prehistoric field systems, and an urn field, making this route not only scenic but also rich in history.
In De Onlanden, the scenery shifts to a vast, water-rich nature reserve where water storage and nature development come together. Marshes, reed beds, grasslands, hedgerows, and peat cuttings create an ever-changing atmosphere, with a good chance of spotting meadow and reed birds. During prolonged rainfall, this area temporarily stores excess water, helping to protect the surrounding region and especially the city of Groningen from flooding.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
During this cycling route, you ride through wooded areas and along open heathlands around Roden and the Kop van Drenthe. The mix of sheltered paths and open spaces creates a varied cycling experience.
Along the route, you encounter historic estates and old farmsteads that have shaped the landscape around Roden. Characteristic buildings and tree-lined avenues give this part of the route a distinct cultural-historical character.
In and around De Onlanden, you cycle past lakes and water bodies that play an important role in the area’s water management. The open water brings a sense of calm and wide, expansive views along the route.
Small streams and waterways wind through the landscape and accompany parts of the route. The presence of water gives the area a lively and natural character.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through the Kop van Drenthe and De Onlanden is ideal for training at home with a true outdoor feel, or for exploring your route around Roden and the northern edge of Drenthe in advance. In the video, you experience the calm rhythm of the landscape, with alternating sheltered woodland strips, open heathlands, and wide grasslands where the horizon seems far away.
On your indoor trainer, you then cycle virtually to De Onlanden and experience a vast, water-rich nature area with lakes, peat cuttings, reed beds, and extensive marshes. Between Groningen and Peize, you ride along gently flowing streams and broad water bodies that create a sense of calm and open views.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 35 on the Brink in Roden. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 56 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 43 minutes
Elevation gain: 100 m
Paved roads: 75%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 25%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
