Welcome to South-West Drenthe

National Park Dwingelderveld + sheep herd Ruinen

Surrounded by nature. - Steeped in stories.

Southwest Drenthe forms a golden triangle between three national parks. A place where forests, heaths and fens merge effortlessly into authentic bric-a-brac villages, country estates and manor houses.

This is where stories come to life. From the Ice Age to Van Gogh, from Shakespeare to the Colonies of Weldadigheid.Here you experience real, pure life. Here you return to yourself.Back to your OER.

Something for everyone - Experience South-West Drenthe your way

  • Back to nature

    In South-West Drenthe, you can experience nature at its best. Walk or cycle through three national parks, past heathlands, forests and fens. Here, the air is fresh, the space vast and the silence truly audible.

    Discover nature

  • Out and about with the kids

    In South-West Drenthe, there is plenty of room for a day out with the whole family. From play farms and swimming lakes to gnome trails and child-friendly walking routes, children will have hours of fun here.

    View all tips for kids

  • Good food and drink

    South-West Drenthe is all about pure and tasteful enjoyment. Discover local regional products, cosy restaurants and surprising addresses where cooking is done with attention.

    Discover all restaurants
    Terrace Ruinen Luning's

  • Discover all galleries and museums

    In South-West Drenthe, you will find plenty of inspiration for a cultural day out. Visit galleries, museums and special exhibitions.

    View all cultural pearls

Routes in South-West Drenthe

The heathland in bloom

There are few moments when South-West Drenthe is as impressive as when the heather is in bloom. From mid-August to early September, vast heathlands turn purple, transforming the landscape into one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in the Netherlands.

It’s a brief period when the landscape changes, flocks of sheep roam the heathland and visitors come to Drenthe from far and wide to witness this remarkable natural phenomenon with their own eyes.

Walk along quiet sandy paths, cycle past endless heathlands or see how flocks of sheep have been helping to preserve this unique landscape for centuries. With nature reserves such as Dwingelderveld National Park, Holtingerveld and Doldersummerveld, South-West Drenthe is the perfect place to experience the heather in bloom.

Discover the blooming heathland
Heathland walk

Visit the villages and towns in South-West Drenthe

  1. Diever
  2. Dwingeloo
  3. Frederiksoord
  4. Havelte
  5. Hoogeveen
  6. Meppel
  7. Geldings
Get out
Ruinen - cycling in brink village

Events in South-West Drenthe - Get inspired

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