Borger-Odoorn: Holiday apartments between hunebeds and heathland

The Hondsrug in Borger-Odoorn is considered a UNESCO Geopark with hunebeds. On the Hondsrug, Borger-Odoorn encompasses hilly landscapes with forests, heathland and drifting sand. Drouwenerzand is a 220-hectare Natura 2000 area and also a relatively elevated heathland and drifting-sand area on the edge of the Hondsrug. In a small area, distinctive landscapes and archaeological traces come together here.

Nature and landscape

The Hunze Valley is a water-rich landscape with many plants and animals. The area is suitable for walking and birdwatching and can be explored from the water by canoe. This brings together different ways of experiencing the area: paths through the landscape, observations in nature and the perspective from the water.

Culture and history

The exhibition at the Hunebed Centre focuses on the builders of the hunebeds, who are known in archaeology as the people of the Funnel Beaker culture. D27 is considered the largest hunebed in the Netherlands and is 22.6 metres long. The Valtherschans also points to the past: it is a defensive structure from the 16th century and stood directly next to the Valtherdijk. From the high ramparts of the Valtherschans, the view extends for dozens of kilometres across the Hunze Valley.

The landscape of the Veenkoloniën is characterised by elongated villages, canals and extensive arable land. At the same time, the Veenkoloniën tell the story of peat extraction, shipping, the glass industry and agriculture. Archaeological evidence, historic buildings and traces of the region's working life can therefore be found alongside one another in different parts of Borger-Odoorn.

Routes and experiences

In Borger-Odoorn, visitors can experience the Drenthepad as a series of walking stages. Drouwenerzand also has a signposted 6-kilometre circular route. At the Boomkroonpad, visitors can walk among the treetops; the Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad is a starting point for activities and walking routes on the Hondsrug. Drouwenerzand Attractiepark is a park with predominantly outdoor attractions.

Cycling also makes it possible to combine different sides of the area. The “Aanstreekelijk Borger-Odoorn Route 1” is a 43-kilometre e-bike route designated as “Recreatief”. It leads to an artisanal cheese dairy with tastings, an orchard where visitors can pick their own fruit and a farm shop selling regional Drenthe products. In the Veenkoloniën, visitors can take cycling tours past museums and old buildings.

Practical information points

The Hunebed Centre can be reached by bus routes 300, 305, 59 and 24. The Tourist Info Point in Borger provides walking maps, cycling routes and tips for visitors to the region. The “Aanstreekelijk Borger-Odoorn Route 1” also starts there, and visitors can ask questions and receive tips.

Accommodation

When comparing a holiday apartment in Borger-Odoorn, check the exact location, accommodation type and occupancy on the respective listing page. Also pay attention to included services, individual price components, and booking and cancellation conditions. Comparing these fields makes different offers understandable without anticipating their features. Read the specific terms of the individual listing before making your decision. Facilities and availability are also among the points that should be checked directly in the respective offer; the place name does not replace reviewing these details.

Other places

Discover more places here: Borger, Odoornerveen, Valthe, Valthermond, Exloo, Bronneger, Eesergroen, Ees, Drouwen, Buinen, Odoorn, Klijndijk, Tweede Exloërmond, Drouwenermond, Drouwenerveen.

To the higher-level travel overview: Drenthe.