Experience nature

in South-West Drenthe

Drenthe Forest Ranger

From 21 to 27 September, nature takes centre stage during Experience Week. In and around the Dwingelderveld, Drents-Friese Wold and Holtingerveld, you’ll discover just how much is happening in the landscape. Set off with a forest ranger, go in search of wildlife, learn more about wild plants, or simply head out for a lovely walk or cycle ride.

There’s plenty to do all week long for young and old alike. Take a look at the programme below and choose your favourite activity or activities.

21–27 September | Food and cycling

Landhotel Diever, Diever
Hop on your bike for a delightful 53-kilometre cycle route through the Drents-Friese Wold. You’ll set off from Landhotel Diever with coffee, tea and a ‘hunebedbol’ (a traditional bread roll), and there are several stops for refreshments along the way. After the cycle ride, round off the day with a four-course dinner. Book via Landhotel Diever.
21–27 September | Paint with nature

Camping Torentjeshoek, Dwingeloo
Fancy painting on a canvas measuring no less than 2 metres high and 3 metres wide? At Torentjeshoek Campsite, during the ‘Beleefweek’, you’ll be working together on the artwork ‘Nature in Motion’. Everyone contributes a bit, so do join in with the painting and watch as the canvas gradually comes to life!
21 to 27 September 2026 | Walking route

Landhotel Diever, Diever
Put on your walking boots and set off into the Drents-Friese Wold National Park. From Landhotel Diever, you can set off on a lovely walk from 10.00 am. Before or after your walk, you can pop into the hotel for a cup of coffee or tea, or a tasty treat to round off your walk.
21 to 27 September | Treasure hunt for children

Torentjeshoek Campsite, Dwingeloo
Go on a treasure hunt around the park and see how many animals you can spot along the way. A fun adventure for children up to the age of 12. No booking required.
Monday 21 September | Opening of the Experience Week!

Dwingelderveld Visitor Centre, Ruinen
The ‘Beleefweek’ will be officially launched at the Dwingelderveld Visitor Centre. Primary school pupils will take part in various activities centred on the theme ‘Nature in motion’.
Tuesday 22 September | Bee excursion

Landal Hunerwold State, Wateren
Discover the world of bees during an excursion at Hunerwold State. The beekeeper will tell you all about the life of bees, and you’ll have the chance to sample various homemade honey products. There is space for up to 15 participants. You can register until Monday 21 September at 2.00 pm via hunerwoldstate@landal.nl.
Wednesday 23 September | Wild foraging walk

Drents-Friese Wold Outdoor Centre, Appelscha
Join experienced foragers Leah and Tim from ‘In het Wilde’ on a walk and discover which edible plants you’ll come across in the Drents-Friese Wold. You’ll learn how to harvest plants responsibly and what you can use them for. Afterwards, a small tasting session will be held at the Buitencentrum and you’ll receive a selection of recipes to try out at home. The walk runs from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm. There is space for a maximum of 20 participants. The cost is €27.50 per person and advance booking is required via In het Wilde.
Thursday 24 September | Late-summer walk

Landal Hunerwold State, Wateren
Put on your walking boots and join us in the Drents-Friese Wold. During this walk of around 5 kilometres, an enthusiastic IVN nature guide will tell you about the flora and fauna you encounter along the way. The walk runs from 10.30 am to 12 noon and is open to everyone. There is space for a maximum of 20 participants. You can register until Wednesday 23 September at 2 pm via hunerwoldstate@landal.nl. Participation is based on a voluntary contribution to the IVN guide.
Saturday 26 September | Wild foraging walk

Drents-Friese Wold Outdoor Centre, Appelscha
Join experienced foragers Leah and Tim from In het Wilde on a walk and discover the edible plants that grow in the Drents-Friese Wold. Along the way, you’ll learn which plants you can use and how to forage for them responsibly. Afterwards, a small tasting session awaits you at the Buitencentrum, and you’ll be given recipes to experiment with at home. The walk runs from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm. There is a maximum of 20 participants. The cost is €27.50 per person and you can register via In het Wilde.

Saturday 26 September | Cycling excursion to Dwingelderveld

Dwingelderveld Visitor Centre, Ruinen
Hop on your bike and explore the Dwingelderveld with a guide. This excursion focuses on nature conservation and will teach you more about the area’s unusual field names, such as ‘Het Gat van Tante Willemien’ and ‘het Moordenaarsven’. The cycle tour runs from 10.00 to 12.30. You can register via Natuurmonumenten. Participation costs €7.70 for members and €11 for non-members. Children up to and including 12 years of age pay €3.85 if they are members and €5.50 if they are non-members. Registration is compulsory.
Saturday 26 September | Forest Ranger’s Lunch

Landhotel Diever, Diever
Join us for a cosy lunch with the forest ranger and listen to his stories about nature and the area whilst you eat. Lunch is served from 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm and there is space for up to 25 participants. Advance booking is required. Adults pay €20.50 and children up to the age of 6 pay €17.50.
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September | Making toasted sandwiches over an open fire

Torentjeshoek Campsite, Dwingeloo
Make your own toasted sandwich over the campfire and enjoy a lovely break surrounded by nature. The activity starts at 2.00 pm and is open to everyone. You can register at the reception of Torentjeshoek Campsite. A toasted sandwich costs €2.50.
Saturday 26 September | Full Moon Walk

Aekingerzand car park, Elsloo
Join a guided walk organised by Staatsbosbeheer across the Aekingerzand as the full moon illuminates the landscape. Along the way, you’ll discover the drifting sand dunes, the gnarled Scots pines and the starry sky. The walk takes place from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm and is suitable for children aged 6 and over. You can book via Staatsbosbeheer; participation costs €10 for adults and €7 for children up to and including 12 years of age.
Saturday 26 September | Out and about with forest biologist Martijn

Torentjeshoek Campsite, Dwingeloo
Join forest biologist Martijn on a walk and discover all the creatures that move, grow and live in the natural world. During this excursion, you’ll see the landscape and the animals and plants you encounter along the way in a whole new light. The excursion starts at 11.00 am, is open to everyone and there’s space for up to 30 participants. You can register at the reception of Camping Torentjeshoek.
Sunday 27 September | Long-distance walk

Drents-Friese Wold Outdoor Centre, Appelscha
For keen walkers: a lovely walk of around 15 kilometres through the Drents-Friese Wold, led by a nature guide from Staatsbosbeheer. Along the way, you’ll discover special spots in the countryside, and a bowl of soup will be waiting for you afterwards. The walk takes place from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm and is suitable for those aged 12 and over. You can register via Staatsbosbeheer; participation costs €15.
Sunday 27 September | Walk with the forest ranger

Landhotel Diever, Diever
Take a walk of around 6 kilometres through the woods around Landhotel Diever, accompanied by the forest ranger. Along the way, he will tell you about the plants, animals and the landscape. The walk takes place from 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm and is suitable for the whole family. There is space for a maximum of 10 participants, and dogs are not permitted. Advance booking is required. The cost is €7.50 for adults and €5.50 for children up to and including 6 years old.
Sunday 27 September | Autumn walk with the forest ranger

Dwingelderveld Visitor Centre, Ruinen
Join the forest ranger on a walk through Dwingelderveld National Park and discover the landscape in autumn. The walk takes place from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm and is open to everyone. You can register via Natuurmonumenten. Participation costs €7.70 for members and €11 for non-members. Children up to and including 12 years of age pay €3.85 as a member and €5.50 as a non-member.
Sunday 27 September | Traditional cooking

Landhotel Diever, Diever
Cooking over an open fire, surrounded by nature. Sample a variety of snacks and discover just how enjoyable cooking outdoors and sharing a meal together can be. The activity runs from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm, is open to everyone and no booking is required.