Discover Zeegse: Heathland, Forest and the Drentsche Aa

Zeegse combines forest, heathland, wind-blown sand and water with centuries-old cart tracks, burial mounds and megalithic tombs.

Landscapes between forest, heathland and water

Zeegse is situated in a forest-rich area in the Drentsche Aa National Park. The area around Zeegse is characterised by wind-blown sand, heathland and the Drentsche Aa. The Zeegser Duinen bordering Zeegse include areas of wind-blown sand, forest and fenland. Wind-blown sand consists of sand moved by the wind, while fenland refers to wet, marshy landscapes. As a result, open sandy areas, wet fenland, heathland and wooded sections alternate within a small area. On a hike or bike ride, these landscape types appear in changing succession. Particularly large bog-myrtle shrubs grow at Siepelveen.

Wet and dry heathland, forests, waterways and a pingo remnant are among the natural features that hikers and cyclists can enjoy in Zeegse. A pingo remnant is the remains of an Ice Age ice hill after its ice core melted. In Zeegse, this distinct geological feature complements the varied heathland and water landscapes with a clearly defined natural landmark.

Hiking routes with landscape and history

The Knapzakroute Tynaarlo–Zeegse initially passes the Zeegserloopje and extensive grassland. It then continues through heathland and the dunes with wind-blown sand near Zeegse. Along the route, the stream and open grassland therefore come first, before the path continues through heathland and wind-blown sand.

The Drentsche Aa hiking route passes cart tracks, burial mounds and megalithic tombs. The cart tracks are centuries old. Cart tracks are old traces of roads, burial mounds are raised mounds of earth, and megalithic tombs are stone burial sites. The two routes therefore have different focuses: the Knapzakroute connects several landscape areas, while the Drentsche Aa hiking route brings together historic features along the way. Zeegse also has historic farmhouses.

Brink, farmhouses and megalithic tomb D6

The Brink is a large triangular area between Hoofdweg and Schipborgerweg. A brink is a traditional village green. Its shape and the two roads give this area a clearly recognisable location within Zeegse. The small megalithic tomb D6 also stands along Hunebedstraat in the direction of Tynaarlo. Unlike the centrally located Brink, D6 is a single stone monument beside the road towards Tynaarlo. Thus, both a central village green and an individual stone monument are among the named features of the village.

Zeegserloopje, Schipborger Diep and regional cuisine

The Zeegserloopje stream begins south of Tynaarlo, flows to the north of Zeegse and empties there into the Schipborgse Diep. The Schipborger Diep winds through meadows with marsh marigolds, orchids and devil's-bit scabious. The flower-rich meadows beside the water differ from the drier heathland and sandy areas. At Eetcafé Het Witte Huis in Zeegse, the chefs use as many local ingredients as possible. The village also has several restaurants, several campsites and a hotel.

More destinations

Vries, Eelderwolde, Paterswolde, Midlaren, Zuidlaren, Eelde, Tynaarlo

To the overview of the wider travel area: Tynaarlo.