Heather in bloom

The heather in Drenthe usually blooms from mid-August to early September. The exact flowering period varies each year and depends on the weather, but during these weeks the vast heathlands turn a beautiful shade of purple. That is precisely why this is a popular time for walking, cycling or getting out into nature. If you visit the heath early in the morning or in the late afternoon, you’ll also enjoy the most beautiful light and it’s often quieter.

If you want to see the most beautiful flowering heathland in Drenthe, you really can’t go past South-West Drenthe. This region is home to several extensive heathland areas within a short distance of one another, making it easy to visit several spots in a single day. For instance, in Dwingelderveld National Park you can walk through the largest contiguous wet heathland area in Western Europe; in the Holtingerveld you can enjoy a varied landscape featuring heathland, hunebeds and drifting sand, whilst in the Uffelter Binnenveld you’ll discover a smaller-scale heathland area with ponds and surprising vistas.

The Doldersummerveld and the Echtener Esch are also definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re coming to walk, cycle, take photographs or simply enjoy the purple heather: in South-West Drenthe, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to experience the heather at its most beautiful.

Some of the most beautiful heathland walks in Drenthe can be found in South-West Drenthe. Highly recommended is the red walking route through Dwingelderveld National Park (4.7 km), where you walk across the Ruiner Es, through the Anserdennen and past vast heathlands. The walking route through the Uffelter Binnenveld (6 km) is also popular for its peaceful heathland, picturesque ponds and lovely views across the landscape.

Those who prefer a longer walk can opt for the route through the Echtener Esch (13 km), whilst the Doldersummerveld and the Holtingerveld also offer wonderful walking opportunities whilst the heather is in bloom. This means there is a route to suit every walker’s preferred distance and setting.

Yes, the heather in bloom is not only beautiful to explore on foot, but also by bike. In South-West Drenthe, there are various cycle routes that take you past vast heathlands. Highly recommended is the Dwingelderveldroute (46 km), which runs right through Dwingelderveld National Park and was named the most beautiful cycle route in the Netherlands at the end of both 2024 and 2025. Along the way, you’ll cycle past purple heathland, picturesque village greens and tranquil nature reserves.

The Havelterberg Route (55 km) is also a great choice. This route takes you through the Holtingerveld, past heathland, dolmens and drifting sand areas. Prefer to plan your own route? Thanks to the extensive cycle junction network, you can easily cycle past the most beautiful heathland areas of South-West Drenthe and decide for yourself the distance and sights to see along the way.