Are you looking for a place where you can explore nature while enjoying fresh air and beautiful views? Then Schoonloo, located in the heart of Drenthe, is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Bungalowpark Boerhaarsveld not only offers comfortable vacation homes, but is also close to some of the region’s most beautiful hiking and cycling routes. In this article we take you on a discovery tour of the nature around Schoonloo, and give you the best tips for hiking and biking routes that you absolutely should not miss.
1. The Hunebed Route – Walk through Prehistory.
One of the most iconic hiking trails in Drenthe is undoubtedly the Hunebed Route. This particular route takes you past some of the most impressive hunebeds in the Netherlands – mystical burial monuments that are more than 5,000 years old and date back to the time of the Funnel Beaker culture. The route begins in nearby Borger, also known as the hunebed capital of the Netherlands, and is easily accessible from Schoonloo – by car, bicycle or even hiking trails.
The walking route is about 5 kilometers long and takes you through a varied forest and heath landscape. Along the way you will pass several hunebeds, including D27, the largest hunebed in the Netherlands. This impressive structure is right next to the Hunebedcentrum in Borger, where visitors can learn all about the prehistory of Drenthe and the lives of the first farmers who built these mysterious stone structures. The center is fun and educational for young and old, with interactive exhibits and a reconstruction of a prehistoric village.
The Hunebed Route is perfect for those who want to combine nature and culture. Thanks to the clear signage, the walk is easy to do all year round, even for families with children. Be sure to take a moment along the way to contemplate the silence of the landscape and the ancient atmosphere that surrounds these monuments – a unique experience in the middle of the Drenthe countryside.
2. National Park Dwingelderveld – Cycle through Beautiful Heathlands.
If you enjoy cycling, a visit to National Park Dwingelderveld is an absolute must. This vast and varied nature reserve is just a short drive from Schoonloo and is one of the largest contiguous wet moors in Western Europe. The park offers an abundance of well-maintained bicycle paths that take you through an impressive landscape of purple heathlands, dense forests, quiet fens and bogs.
One of the most popular ways to explore the park is via the Dwingelderveld Cycle Junction Route. This route is about 45 kilometers long and takes you past the most scenic spots in the area. Thanks to the junction system, you can easily shorten or extend the route, depending on your fitness level or how much time you want to spend. You will cycle on quiet paths, away from busy traffic, with plenty of opportunities along the way to take a break and enjoy nature.
Highlights along the way include Natuurmonumenten’s visitor center, several vantage points with breathtaking views of the heathland, and the chance to see a flock of Drenthe Heath Sheep – which help manage the area naturally. There are also benches and picnic spots along the way where you can enjoy the surroundings in peace and quiet.
National Park Dwingelderveld is worth a visit in any season, but in late summer the heather turns purple and the park is at its most beautiful. Whether you are an avid cyclist or prefer quiet touring, this area offers something for everyone – and makes for a wonderful day out from Bungalowpark Boerhaarsveld.
3. The Drenthe Trail – Longer Walk through Nature.
For the true hiking enthusiast, the Drenthepad is an absolute must-do. This impressive long-distance walking route of no less than 361 kilometers takes you right through the characteristic landscape of Drenthe and introduces you to the rich variety of nature and culture in the province. Along the way you will pass vast heathlands, mysterious moorlands, meandering stream valleys and centuries-old ash villages. Among the highlights are the quiet Fochteloërveen, the vast National Park Dwingelderveld and the wooded Drents-Friese Wold.
The Drenthe Trail is divided into manageable stages, making it easy to adapt your hike to your own pace and preference. Whether you want to take a day hike or go on several days in a row, anything is possible. The route is clearly marked with yellow-red markings and follows mostly unpaved trails, making for an authentic hiking experience.
From Schoonloo you have the advantage that you can easily connect to one of the stages of the Drenthepad. This makes Bungalowpark Boerhaarsveld an excellent base for both short walks and multi-day treks. Along the way you will enjoy the peace, fresh air and unique atmosphere of the Drenthe countryside – far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
4. The Schoonloërveen – Nature Lovers Highly Recommended.
Schoonloërveen is a beautiful and special nature reserve, located a short distance from Schoonloo and ideal for both hikers and cyclists. This moorland is among the oldest and most characteristic nature reserves in Drenthe and is part of the larger Hart van Drenthe nature reserve. The landscape consists of wet heaths, peat bogs, fens and quiet forests – a true paradise for peace seekers and nature lovers.
For hikers, there are several trails that take you deep into the area. A popular choice is the Schoonloërveen Route, a 4-kilometer walking route that takes you past the most beautiful spots in the area. Along the way you will walk on wooden platforms through the moor, along open water and through varied forests with rare plants and flowers. With a little luck you will spot deer, birds of prey or dragonflies dancing above the water.
Cyclists can also fully enjoy the Schoonloërveen. Through the network of cycling nodes in Drenthe, the area is easily accessible. The quiet bike paths offer beautiful views and traverse a varied landscape that has its own charm in every season. A break at a picnic bench or viewpoint completes the experience.
In short: Schoonloërveen is an ideal destination for those looking for nature, peace and quiet and space – within walking or cycling distance of Bungalowpark Boerhaarsveld.
5. The Old Upper Drenthe Aa – Cycling through the Waterland
Another wonderful bicycle route near Schoonloo is the route along the Old Upper course of the Drentse Aa. This varied route is about 35 kilometers long and takes you along the historic catchment area of one of the few river landscapes in the Netherlands that has been largely preserved in its original state. The Drentse Aa still meanders freely through the landscape, making for a particularly natural and authentic experience.
The path winds through picturesque esdorpen like Anderen, Anloo and Schipborg, where you can taste the typical Drenthe atmosphere. Along the way you cycle past characteristic Saxon farms, old churches and ancient dolmens – silent witnesses to the rich past of this region. You will also pass several nature reserves, such as the National Park Drentsche Aa, where you can enjoy vast heathlands, forests and flowery grasslands. Numerous species of birds, butterflies and sometimes even deer live here – a paradise for nature lovers.
This route is perfect for a relaxing bike ride through the Drenthe countryside, whether you love culture, nature or just want to enjoy the peace and quiet. Along the way, don’t forget to dismount occasionally for a picnic or a visit to a local teahouse.
6. The Emmerdennen – Explore the Forest by Bicycle or on Foot
If you enjoy forest walks, De Emmerdennen is a fantastic area to explore. This vast forest area is the largest contiguous forest in Drenthe and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. De Emmerdennen offers an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that lead through varied landscapes, from densely wooded areas to open fields and heathland.
One of the most popular hiking trails is the Emmerdennen Route, an approximately 6-kilometer hike that takes you through quiet, fragrant pine forests. Along the way you will hike past imposing tall pines, interspersed with clearings where sunlight falls through the canopy and you may spot deer or other forest animals. The trail is clearly marked and suitable for hikers of all levels, making it a fine choice for families or recreational hikers as well.
Cyclists can also have a great time in De Emmerdennen: there are various cycling routes that wind through the forest and past picturesque open fields. The varied landscape makes for a pleasant and surprising tour, in which you not only enjoy nature, but can also fully relax. Along the way there are several resting places and benches where you can take a break and enjoy the view.
The Emmerdennen is recommended year-round for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Drenthe – a perfect destination a short distance from Bungalowpark Boerhaarsveld.
Conclusion: Discover the Beautiful Nature of Schoonloo
Whether you are an avid hiker or prefer to explore nature by bike, the region around Schoonloo offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful nature of Drenthe. From the iconic dolmens to vast heathlands and peaceful forests, the nature around Schoonloo is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So put on your walking shoes or hop on your bike and discover Drenthe’s most beautiful routes during your stay at our bungalow park.
Are you ready for your next adventure in nature? Then book a stay with us soon and enjoy all that Drenthe has to offer!
