Holiday apartment in Drouwen – between heathland, hunebeds and forest

Between heathland, forest and village history

Drouwen appeals to travellers who want to combine days in nature with traces of regional history. When choosing a holiday apartment in Drouwen, it is worth taking a look at the different facets of the village and its surroundings. The Drouwenerzand nature reserve is located on the Hondsrug between Drouwen and Gasselte. It is a 220-hectare Natura 2000 site comprising forest, heathland and shifting dunes. The varied heathland provides a habitat for numerous birds and butterflies.

Drouwen’s agricultural character is also still visible in the villagescape. Along the Hoofdstraat, you can see several Saxon farmhouses and small brink-like squares. These squares are recognisable as part of the village’s agricultural character and give the centre a distinctive historical character.

Holiday apartment in Drouwen for varied days out

One of the notable experiences is the Boomkroonpad. The path is 125 metres long and leads between the treetops to a point 22.5 metres high. The Boomkroonpad is also the starting point for several forest walks through the Gieten-Borger forestry area.

For a day with children, the Lorkenspeelbos offers climbing opportunities in the trees, hut building, a slide, a low-level climbing course and a water pump. Drouwenerzand Attractiepark also has a water and sand playground, which is partly paved so that children in wheelchairs can play there too. There is a bus stop near Drouwenerzand, 250 metres from the park entrance.

Walking routes through varied landscapes

Those who enjoy exploring Drouwen on foot will find several distinct landscape experiences. The Boswachterspad Beek en Bos runs along the Hemelriek, the meandering Anderse Diep and former shifting dunes. The Staatsbosbeheer Heide en Plassen walking route is marked with purple wooden signs and leads through a varied natural landscape. For a cycling tour, the children’s cycle route Dino de mammoet is signposted with white hexagonal signs bearing green lettering.

Hunebeds, fossils and regional history

The culture around Drouwen is reflected in distinctive archaeological and geological features. Hunebed D20 is notable for its nearly complete ring of kerbstones. From Drouwen, Hunebed D26 can be reached via several narrow, poorly surfaced paths and then along a sandy track. The Hunebed Museum in Borger displays objects found during the excavation of Hunebed D26, including stone weapons and tools.

At the Expositieboerderij Versteend Leven in Drouwen, you can see minerals, fossils, jewellery and shells from around the world. The exhibition can be visited free of charge and without obligation; the facility is wheelchair accessible.

Planning ideas for your days out

The Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad can be reached from Assen railway station by bus 24 towards Borger, getting off at the Papenvoort stop. From there, it is another 2 kilometres on foot. This is one concrete way to include a forest and treetop experience in your day’s plans. Depending on your focus, you can also devote your time to heathland, forest walks, hunebeds, village history or child-friendly experiences.

If you would like to extend your travel plans to other places, you can also explore Valthe, Odoornerveen, Odoorn, Klijndijk, Borger, Drouwenermond, Eesergroen and Bronneger.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Borger-Odoorn.