Geldings

Aerial view of Ruinen, south-west Drenthe

Geldings - Nature, history and conviviality

Ruinen is a cosy brink village in south-west Drenthe, with a village heart full of history and character. Stroll along the brink and spot the statue of Bram de Ram or Lammechien, or enjoy the atmosphere at one of the nice cafés and restaurants.

But Ruinen is more than just the village itself. It is close to the Dwingelderveld National Park, where vast heathlands, forests and lakes await you. Perfect for a hike, bike ride or just to get away from it all in nature. Who knows, you might come across the flock of sheep or spot a roe among the greenery!

Don't miss this

  • Ruinen sheep flock

    See the hundreds of Drenthe Heath Sheep grazing and experience a unique piece of Drenthe cultural heritage. Follow the shepherd and his dogs as they guide the flock to the heath daily. Want to be sure to see them? Then pay a visit to the Sheepfold.

    Ruinen sheep flock Ruinen sheep flock

  • National Park Dwingelderveld

    The Dwingelderveld starts practically behind Ruinen's front door. Cycle or walk through vast heathlands, forests and fens in the largest wet heathland area in Western Europe.

    National Park Dwingelderveld Sheep flock remote on Dwingelderveld

  • Visitor centre Dwingelderveld

    Start your exploration at the visitor centre in Ruinen. Learn all about the special nature, butterflies, birds and sheep. And pick up handy tips for the most beautiful routes through the park.

    Visitor centre Dwingelderveld Two people beside bicycles at the Dwingelderveld Visitor Centre in Ruinen.

  • Watch tower Ruinen

    Climb the watchtower and look out over the Dwingelderveld as far as the eye can see. See the moors, fens and forests from above. A view you won't soon forget!

    Mother and daughter on the watchtower at Dwingelderveld

Want to discover more? - All addresses in Ruinen for you

Routes in Ruinen

Today, Ruinen's brink is the cosy heart of the village. Besides the beautiful Maria church, you will find nice terraces, cosy cafés and some shops, where it is nice to linger. A nice place to refuel after a walk or bike ride through the area.

Also on the brink you will find Ruinen's permanent resident, Bram de Ram, a statue symbolising the many flocks of sheep that have roamed the fields around Ruinen over the centuries and can still be found.

In the past, however, this brink looked very different. Anno 1139, Ruinen was a High Lordship, an independent area with its own laws and jurisdiction. The lords of Ruinen lived at Oldenhave Castle and had special rights, such as hunting and fishing rights and even the right to pronounce the death penalty. Their stories, and those of noblewoman Zwedera van Rechteren, show how special the history of the village is.

Watch the video about the Hoge Heerlijckheid
Ruinen, in front of the Maria church

Events in Ruinen

Ruinen on the map

Click on the interactive map and discover Ruinen: all accommodation, cosy places to eat, fun activities and the most beautiful cycling and walking routes in and around this cosy brink village.

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