Cycling in Drenthe
Heathland, forest, fens and prehistoric dolmens, with a separate cycle path almost everywhere. These are the best rides from our rental points in Hoogeveen and Ruinen.
Check availabilityDrenthe has more than 1,200 kilometres of cycle paths and calls itself the cycling province of the Netherlands. In a survey by the Dutch motoring club ANWB among over 9,000 leisure cyclists, Drenthe scored highest of all provinces: 8.5 out of 10.
Most of the riding is on quiet, separate paths through nature. Hoogeveen and Ruinen sit between the Dwingelderveld, the Ruinen forests and the Reest valley, so you are in the green from the first kilometre.
The easiest way to plan your own ride is the cycle junction network (fietsknooppunten). Every junction has a number and signs point the way to the next one. Write down a list of numbers, or put them in an app, and follow the signs.
Plan your route in advance on fietsnetwerk.nl. Feel free to ask for tips when you pick up your bikes: we know the area well.
The largest wet heathland in Western Europe. The main route starts at the visitor centre on the Benderse in Ruinen and crosses the heath, past fens and the radio telescope. For a longer day, ride the Dwingelderveldroute of about 46 km from the Fietstransferium in Ruinen.
All about cycling in the Dwingelderveld
Choose dateOn the Havelterberg you will find dolmens D53 and, about 150 metres away, D54. D53 is about 18 metres long and one of the largest dolmens in the Netherlands. It was taken apart and buried during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1949 and 1950.
Choose dateQueen Juliana opened the telescope in 1956. With its 25 metre dish it was the largest radio telescope in the world at the time. It has been a national monument since 2009. Combine it with a loop through the Dwingelderveld.
Choose dateThis ANWB route starts at junction 33 in Hoogeveen and passes the drift sands of Echtenerzand, the Hoogeveense Vaart canal, the moated Huis te Echten and Zuidwolde. A relaxed afternoon ride.
Choose dateVincent van Gogh arrived in Hoogeveen in 1883. The Van Gogh cycle route from Hoogeveen follows the landscape he painted. There are also routes from Emmen and Zweeloo; together about 150 km, ideal as a multi-day trip.
Choose dateThe Dwingelderveld is also within reach from Hoogeveen, especially on an e-bike. There and back plus the main route through the park comes to about 55 km.
Route through the Dwingelderveld
Choose dateFor rides up to about 30 km a classic bike is fine. Heading to Havelte, across the whole Dwingelderveld or from Hoogeveen to the park? An e-bike makes it far more relaxed: our Giant e-bikes have a large battery and last a long day without charging.
Prefer unpaved tracks and singletrack? Have a look at our mountain bike routes.
Several days on the bike? Tips for a cycling holiday in Drenthe
