The Pieterpad is without a doubt the most famous long-distance hike in the Netherlands. The route runs from Pieterburen in Groningen to the Sint-Pietersberg near Maastricht and is over 500 kilometers long in total. In the middle of Drenthe lies Schoonloo, a small village located exactly on one of the most beautiful parts of the Pieterpad. The landscape here is varied, with forests, moors, fens and authentic villages.
Stage 6: Rolde – Schoonloo (approx. 18 km)
This stage starts in Rolde, known for the two dolmens D17 and D18 near the church. You walk through vast forests, along the Balloërveld and the Andersche Diep. The second part of the route takes you through the Forestry Gieten-Borger, with beautiful sandy paths, open heaths and small fens.
Along the way, you pass almost no villages, but enjoy peace and nature. Schoonloo marks the end of this stage – the perfect place to spend the night in a comfortable holiday home surrounded by nature.
Stage 7: Schoonloo – Sleen (approx. 24 km)
The next day you can continue walking from Schoonloo in the direction of Sleen. You will walk through the Staatsbossen of Schoonloo, along the beautiful Schoonloërveld and several quiet little pools. This is followed by a more open landscape with ash trees, streams and old farms.
Halfway through, you will pass through the village of Noord-Sleen, where you can take a break if necessary. End point of this stage is Sleen, with its characteristic church tower and cozy village center.
Food and drink along the way
Along these stages, there are few catering establishments directly on the route, but you will find some fine options in the villages themselves:
- Inn de Loohoeve (Schoonloo, within walking distance of the park): small restaurant with good lunch and dinner options.
- Pots The Real Baker (Rolde): cozy for coffee or lunch before leaving.
- De Deel Eten & Drinken (Sleen): for a drink or meal at the end of your hiking day.
Bring plenty of water and snacks along the way, as there are long stretches without provisions.
Spending the night on the Pieterpad: your holiday home in Schoonloo
At our quiet vacation park Bungalowpark Boerhaarsveld in Schoonloo, you will stay in the middle of nature, with plenty of privacy and space around you. The detached bungalows and country houses are situated on large plots overlooking woods or meadows.
After a day of hiking, it’s great to come home to a comfortable house with:
- A terrace with barbecue
- Optional: hot tub, sauna or jacuzzi
- Peace and quiet around you
- Possibility to bring your dog (in some houses)
👉 Discover here the bungalows.
👉 Discover here the country houses.
👉 Discover here the pet-friendly vacation homes.
Additional tips for hikers
- Marking: The Pieterpad is excellently marked with red and white stripes.
- Maps and apps: Bring the official Pieterpad guides or a hiking app (e.g. Komoot, Wandelnet).
- Season: Spring and fall are at their best here; in summer, the forests are wonderfully cool.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the Pieterpad if leashed. Additional rules sometimes apply in the State Forests.
- Restful moments: Two goats live on Bungalowpark Boerhaarsveld, which often provide fun especially for children – a nice moment of rest for young and old.
A few days of hiking and relaxing
Whether you want to walk one or several stages of the Pieterpad: Schoonloo is an ideal base. Many guests combine hiking with a few days of rest: reading on the terrace, cooking together or relaxing in the hot tub.
Book your holiday home last minute or well in advance and discover the beauty of Drenthe on foot.
👉 Here you can find suitable accommodation.
