Holiday apartment in Wateren: Nature, Routes and History

A holiday apartment in Wateren is worth considering if you want nature, local history and independent excursions to be part of the same experience. Wateren is situated in a rural setting amid and surrounded by the forests of the Drents-Friese Wold National Landscape. Due to its central location near Drents-Friese Wold National Park, Wateren is an important tourist area. The combination of woodland, historical connections and various routes makes the village a versatile destination for a trip with varied days.

Woodland and distinctive natural features

In the wider region around Wateren, the Drents-Friese Wold covers more than 6,000 hectares. The Vledder Aa rises in the Aekingerbroek nature area northeast of Wateren. A geological feature is formed by the pingoruins north of the Ganzenpoel near Wateren. They are an example of a shallow dobbe, with a depth of 2.80 m and a width of approximately 150 m. The natural scenery therefore ranges from extensive woodland to a striking landform shaped by the Ice Age. This provides various starting points for planning days out for families who want to combine active and more relaxed experiences.

Wateren and its historical surroundings

Wateren originated in the Middle Ages and belonged to the Diever mark cooperative. The village is older than neighbouring Zorgvlied. Another historical connection can be found in Klein Wateren: in 1823, an agricultural institute was established on what is now Dorpsstraat in Zorgvlied. Those who choose a holiday apartment in Wateren as their holiday destination can incorporate the history of the village and its surroundings into their travel plans without limiting themselves to a single type of excursion.

Since 1994, a monument on the Huenderweg between Wateren and Doldersum has commemorated seven young men who were shot there by the occupying forces in 1944. This memorial site adds a serious historical dimension to the natural and cultural themes. Accommodation in Wateren may therefore also appeal to travellers who want to combine experiences in the landscape with a conscious visit to historic sites.

Cycling routes with different themes

The Fietsrondje Frederiksoord is a 40 km cycling route focusing on education in the Colonies of Benevolence. The route is signposted and can be followed using its route signs. The Landbouwkundig Instituut Wateren is one of the highlights of the Fietsrondje Frederiksoord. In addition, the Zindag route passes through Wateren and runs through Drents-Friese Wold National Park. It is not signposted and can be downloaded. The two routes therefore bring different forms of navigation and different thematic focuses to the travel plans: education and culture are central to one route, while the other runs through Wateren and the national park.

Guidance for active holiday days

Wateren also has a specific connection for those interested in horse riding. The blue Men- en ruiteroute Drents Friese Wold offers a trailer parking area at Landgoed Alberhoeve in Wateren; prior contact is required. There is also a special horse bathing pond in the vicinity of Wateren, on the Appelscha–Wateren road north of Canadameer. Hoeve Heide & Wold in Wateren is a specific holiday farm accommodation located directly on hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails. If you want to combine a holiday home or holiday apartment with nature and horse-riding experiences, these specific local connections are particularly relevant for planning your own trip.

More destinations for your planning

More places to include in your travel plans: Vledder, Zorgvlied, Wapserveen, Oude Willem, Havelte, Dieverbrug, Uffelte, Wapse.

To the overarching travel overview: Westerveld.