Walking through the Dwingelderveld near Ruinen and Dwingeloo

This route through National Park Dwingelderveld takes you through forests and over vast wet heathlands with an endless horizon. The almost 4000 hectare Dwingelderveld is one of the quieter places in our country, so you can relax here. Along the way you will pass a number of fens or peat bogs 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 of discovering special bird species. A little further on you will pass the Davidsplassen where you can admire birds in a birdwatching hut. At the Smitsveen is the first sheepfold you will encounter on this route. There is also a strange mound in the landscape, a burial mound that was built 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 see the flock of sheep leave for the heath: a real experience. From mid-May to 1 October, the flock leaves at 10:00 and returns around 17:00. Outside these months, the times are variable. Lambing season is in March.