Holiday apartment in Papenvoort: Forest, Trails and History

Papenvoort is a destination for anyone who wants to consider not only the accommodation itself but also the surrounding area when choosing a holiday apartment. On the edge of the Grolloërveld nature reserve, forests, special bodies of water, and varied trails meet a multifaceted local history. This allows you to plan your days entirely according to your interests – with nature experiences, hikes, cycling tours, or historical discoveries.

Forest and Bodies of Water at Grolloërveld

Papenvoort lies on the edge of the Grolloërveld nature reserve, which belongs to the Gieten-Borger forestry district. There are fens to the east and west of the village. These are round, shallow bodies of water that often feature distinctive plant vegetation. The road Papenvoort also runs through the forest towards Drouwen. This landscape gives the village a clear connection with nature and offers various starting points for peaceful walks and longer tours.

Hiking, Tree Canopy Walks, and Cycling Tours

A notable experience is the Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad. From the Papenvoort bus stop, it is another 2 km on foot. The Boomkroonpad is a 125 m-long tree canopy walkway on the Hondsrug. It leads from a root tunnel between the trees to a point 22.5 m high. The Boomkroonpad is also the starting point for various forest hikes through the Gieten-Borger forestry district.

Hikers can choose from several different types of routes. The route Beleef het bos leads across the Hondsrug through the Gieten-Borger forestry district, along narrow paths and through various types of forest. The Bomen route also runs through this forestry district and offers views of impressive trees. The Gieten-Gasselte mountain bike route crosses the Hondsrug between Gieten and Borger via wide sandy paths, winding tracks, and short climbs. Near Papenvoort, the 67 km-long Hondsrugrondje 5 e-bike route also follows the Andersche Diep for part of its course. The Andersche Diep is part of the Drentsche Aa; the route is accessible year-round. The different route lengths and types of paths make it easier to adapt your daily plans to your preferred activity and pace.

History with Unusual Chapters

Kamp Papenvoort was the first Dutch camp for recognized conscientious objectors. After the Second World War, the site of Kamp Papenvoort became an internment camp, mainly for the wives and children of men who served with the National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK) in Gasselte. In 1948, Papenvoort became part of social youth care and was converted into a boarding school.

Papenvoort has been documented in official records since 1634. According to tradition, the name Papenvoort dates back to the 16th century and a ford in the Amersche Diep near the present-day village. Alongside the natural attractions, these historical connections provide another thematic focus for a stay.

Choose a Holiday Apartment to Suit Your Daily Plans

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Papenvoort, you can base your choice of location on the activities you have planned. For the Papenvoort–Hooghalen hiking stage, Qbuzz bus route 24 between Assen and Stadskanaal/Winschoten connects to the Papenvoort 31 stop. This allows you to link your accommodation planning to a specific hiking idea without limiting your stay to a single activity. Depending on your daily plans, the tree canopy walkway, forest paths, e-bike routes, mountain bike tracks, or the history of Kamp Papenvoort may take center stage.

Discover More Places

If you would also like to explore the surrounding area, you can then discover Grolloo, Nieuwediep, Nijlande, Gieten, Eext, Eexterzandvoort, Gieterveen, and Rolde.

For the overarching travel overview: Aa En Hunze.