Through the Wieden to Meppel

In the Wieden you can enjoy views over a unique water-rich landscape. You will also find historic places such as Ronduite. The route also takes you through Meppel and Zwartsluis.

Rough Weeding
Before you enter the Wieden, you first pass through the Olde Maten and Veerslootlanden, a beautiful peat meadow area. Here you drive through a so-called landscape: an area that has been divided into narrow strips (strokes). You will also find swamp forests and long rows of alders. The Wieden mainly consists of a few large lakes, such as the Beulakerwijde and Belterwijde. On the edges of this rugged nature reserve you will see reed fields and flowery meadows. Step away for a moment to let the tranquility take effect.

Up the water tower
There are some picturesque towns on your route, such as Zwartsluis, which is located at the point where the Zwarte Water and the Meppelerdiep meet. Zwartsluis was once the transit port for the transport of Drenthe peat to Holland. At Sint-Jansklooster you will pass the former Water Tower from 1932. Since 2014 you can climb to the top of this 45 meter high tower: both the stairs and the panoramic view are a spectacular experience.

Ronduite neighborhood
From the road that separates Beulakerwijde and Belterwijde, you have beautiful views over the water. This road, the Veneweg, has been running between the two lakes since 1775. It formed an important connecting road through the peat area between Meppel and Vollenhove. The hamlet of Ronduite is located on a peninsula in the middle of the two banks. The name refers to the redoubt (military fortification) that was once located here. On December 6, 1944, an American bomber crashed in Ronduite. One of the eight occupants was killed, the other seven were taken prisoner of war.