Walking through the Dwingelderveld near Ruinen and Dwingeloo

This route through Dwingelderveld National Park leads you through forests and over vast wet heaths with a seemingly endless horizon. The almost 4000 hectare Dwingelderveld is one of the quieter places in our country, so you can relax here. On the way you will pass a number of fens or fens as they say in Drenthe. The Drostenveen is one of the most beautiful lakes in the national park. From the high edge you have a good chance to discover special bird species. A little further on you will pass the Davidplassen where you can admire birds in a viewing hut. At Smitsveen is the first sheepfold you will encounter on this route. There is also a strange bump in the landscape, a burial mound that was raised for the dead more than 3000 years ago. A second burial mound is hidden nearby. Towards the end of your walk you will pass the second sheepfold. If you arrive early enough, you can also walk here before the start of your walk to watch the sheep leave for the moor: a true experience. From mid-May through October 1, the herd leaves at 10 a.m. and returns around 5 p.m. Times are variable outside these months. In March it is lambing time.