Cycling in South-West Drenthe

Cycling drents-friese wold heathland

On cycling!

Drenthe is the cycling province of the Netherlands. Vast heathlands, quiet forests, picturesque brink villages and ancient dolmens.

Why exactly should you jump on the pedals in South-West Drenthe? Because we offer plenty of diversity here; behind every bend awaits a new surprise and every day looks different.

Traverse the beautiful natural areas and then enjoy a bite to eat and a drink on a cosy terrace in one of the intermediate brink villages or towns.

With more than 2,100 kilometres of well-maintained cycle paths, you won't get out of cycling easily.

Highlights - What you really should not miss!

  • Dwingelderveldroute

    The Dwingelderveld route was voted the most beautiful cycling route in the Netherlands by Fietsnetwerk in late 2024 and late 2025. The 46-km route goes straight through the vast Dwingelderveld National Park, past heathlands, forests and picturesque village greens like Dwingeloo and Ruinen.

    View route
    Dwingelderveldroute National Park Dwingelderveld + sheep herd Ruinen

  • Commissioner Cramerpad

    Right across National Park Dwingelderveld meanders one of the most beautiful cycle paths in the Netherlands (named 'Cycle Path of the Year' in 2017).
    This beautiful cycle path starts in Smalbroek and goes past De Boslounge in Spier to Kraloo (follow node 46-44-43-32).

    View cycle path
    Commissioner Cramerpad family cycling national park dwingelderveld

  • Children's Cycling Adventure through the Colonies of Weldadigheid

    On this children's cycle route, you will learn all about the Free Colonies of Weldadigheid. Do you have it in you to be a real colonist? You will discover it all!
    There are assignments for children aged 5 to 8 and for 9 to 12 year olds.

    View route
    Children's Cycling Adventure through the Colonies of Weldadigheid Children's cycle route Colonies of Welfare family cycling

  • Van Gogh cycle route 'Vincent's Arrival'

    During this cycle tour, you will look at the landscape as Vincent van Gogh did. Along the way, there are information and vista panels with audio stories about his time in Drenthe.

    View route
    Van Gogh cycle route 'Vincent's Arrival' man on bicycle vista panel van gogh

Cycling experience routes - With Dieuwertje through Drenthe

Mountain biking

Crosse through the woods! South-west Drenthe is a paradise for mountain bikers. In this varied landscape of woods, heaths and sand drifts are challenging routes that appeal to both beginners and experienced bikers.
Narrow winding tracks meander through nature and alternate with fast stretches and technical passages.
Along the way, you will of course enjoy the peace and space this area is famous for.

More about mountain biking
mountain bike nature forest

Featured cycling routes - Plenty of choice of cycle routes in South-West Drenthe

Cycle junction network

The cycle junction network is a smart system with numbered junctions (nodes) connected by clear, green signs. By simply following the numbers, you effortlessly cycle from one beautiful part of Drenthe to another.

This makes it easy to create your own itinerary:

  1. Choose the starting point
  2. Note down the junction numbers you wish to connect (tip: use the bicycle handlebar labels available through Tourist Info Points and the many recreation operators)
  3. Follow the signs with the following number
  4. Enjoy nature, tranquillity and sights along the route

Prefer convenience? Then search among the ready-made (signposted) cycling routes.

set cycling bicycle junctions drenthe bicycle signpost route making

Cycling events

Bike rental - Didn't bring a bike? No problem!

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