Summary:
A charming village situated on the northern edge of Dwingelderveld National Park, Dwingeloo may be small in size but boasts a significant cultural presence during the summer months.
During this time, the verdant village center transforms into a venue for events, such as an international ceramic art fair taking place on May 30. If your definition of ideal relaxation entails pleasant walks, cycling excursions, and horseback journeys through pristine nature, Dwingeloo is an excellent choice.
Dwingelderveld National Park features expansive skies, vast stretches of wet heathland, and tranquil fens that sparkle in the evening light.
1. Dwingelderveld National Park
The park’s northwestern boundary borders the village, allowing visitors to traverse scenic country lanes or utilize bicycles to immerse themselves in this stunning landscape.
As the largest area of wet heathland in western Europe, Dwingelderveld National Park spans 3,700 hectares.
The topography fluctuates from sandy elevations to moist lowland heath interspersed with numerous fens.
Some of these fens date back to the last Ice Age, supporting an impressive variety of wildlife.
Nearly all species of Dutch reptiles inhabit the park, alongside rare cranberry blue butterflies, roe deer, falcons, buzzards, and woodpeckers.
Grazing practices have been introduced to preserve the heathland. Near the visitor center, a thatched sheepfold houses a flock of 300 Drenthe Heath sheep that are brought out to graze every morning, accompanied by a pair of sheepdogs.
2. Bezoekerscentrum Dwingelderveld
This visitor center is located in Benderse, within the park’s southwestern section.
Making a ten-minute detour to visit it before commencing your walking or cycling journey in the national park is advisable, as it provides valuable insights into the local wildlife and offers inspiration for various activities.
At the center, you will find a scale model of the moorland, tips for wildlife spotting, detailed information about the park’s ecological species, and multimedia presentations.
Outside, a pond features a boardwalk and information panel, while a play area with swings and log balances offers children a space to enjoy among the birches.
3. Planetron
As one of only two Zeiss planetariums in the Netherlands, Planetron serves as a significant venue for stargazing enthusiasts.
On Saturday evenings, the 123-seat planetarium hosts live shows, transporting audiences to distant celestial bodies, including the North Star, the rings of Saturn, and Ursa Major, while sharing intriguing astronomical facts.
This narrated presentation features information from the observatory’s telescope, the most powerful optical telescope in the country. Following the show, there is an opportunity for a guided tour of the observatory, allowing visitors to view through the telescope themselves.
If you happen to visit on a cloudy night, your ticket remains valid for a return visit when the skies clear.
4. Sint-Nicolaaskerk
A national monument, the 15th-century Sint-Nicolaaskerk opens its doors on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the summer season.
This church resembles many others in the Drenthe region for historical reasons, to be discussed later.
The tower is believed to be the oldest Gothic church tower in Drenthe and features an onion dome, constructed in 1631 at the request of Rutger van den Boetzelaer, a steward of the region.
The nave endured significant damage due to a fire in 1923 and was restored with a barrel vault adorned with Art Deco floral motifs.
The organ, originally built in 1886, was relocated from The Hague’s Paleiskerk in 1985.
5. De Juffer van Batinghe (The Damsel of Batinge)
Among Dwingeloo’s five historical manors was one known as Batinge, inspiring a local legend featuring a fictional young woman from the area.
During the construction of the church in the 15th century, she developed an affection for the principal builder, visiting the site each day.
The builder, in turn, admired her so deeply that his focus waned, hindering his work.
The completion of the church required her absence, but before departing, she shared a vision regarding its design.
The builder successfully finished the church according to her vision, and the two subsequently married.
This charming tale offers an enchanting explanation for the Sint-Nicolaaskerk’s distinctive architecture.
A statue of this maiden can be found on horseback overlooking the green near the church.
6. De Brink
The central green of Dwingeloo encapsulates the village’s rural charm.
Functioning like a park, the Brink is filled with tall oak and beech trees and hosts numerous of Dwingeloo’s amenities.
Surrounding the open space are a variety of restaurants, along with a tourist information center and a bicycle rental shop.
At No. 12 stands a schultehuis dating back to 1675, now serving as the official residence of Dwingeloo’s mayor. The Brink also features a bandstand and a historic fire pond known as “De Riete.” It serves as a venue for many of Dwingeloo’s community events, including a market held every Wednesday during July and August.
7. Dwingeloo Radio Observatory
Inaugurated by Queen Juliana in 1956, this radio telescope near Dwingeloo was the largest globally at the time of its unveiling.
Developed by Philips, the national machine factory Werkspoor N.V., and a consortium of Dutch universities, the dish, with a diameter of 25 meters and a weight of approximately 120 tons, has attained status as a national monument.
Two galaxies, Dwingeloo 1 and Dwingeloo 2, derive their names from this instrument, which remains operational and is utilized by amateur astronomers and radio operators following a restoration in 2012. For casual visitors, the observatory can be viewed from the pathways adjacent to the Davidsplassen lake within the national park.
8. Cycling
Dwingeloo’s picturesque countryside and national park are easily navigable by bicycle, with the area’s gentle terrain enabling a leisurely ride while admiring the landscape.
Many of the park’s paths are paved, forming part of an extensive network of cycling routes featuring “Fietsknooppunten” (Bicycle Nodes), ensuring visitors can navigate effortlessly using clear maps.
A bicycle rental shop, Reiber Rijwielen, conveniently located on the Brink in Dwingeloo, offers tandems, e-bikes, mountain bikes, and trailers for dogs.
9. Keramiekmarkt
Ascension Day (May 30) is recognized as a public holiday in the Netherlands, and in Dwingeloo, this occasion is celebrated with a ceramics fair on the Brink.
This event is organized by the renowned Stichting Keramisten Noord-Nederland (North Netherlands Ceramicists’ Foundation), consisting of over 200 members.
On Ascension Day, the village attracts thousands of visitors, as approximately 90 ceramic artists from both the Netherlands and abroad display their works.
These offerings extend beyond mere souvenirs, showcasing striking contemporary designs, busts, and monumental sculptures.
Alongside the fair, there are live musical performances, demonstrations, and workshops.
10. Oogstdag (Harvest Day)
For additional affirmation of Dwingeloo’s rural identity, one can visit during the harvest festival in mid-August.
This agricultural heritage event features participants donning traditional rural attire while engaging in farming activities reminiscent of their ancestors.
At the nearby hamlet of Lhee, visitors can witness firsthand the process of corn harvesting and processing.
Farmers work diligently in the fields using sickles, scythes, and horse-drawn harvesters, binding the sheaves as they go.
Activities also include bakers preparing dough for an outdoor oven, threshing competitions, and demonstrations of vintage machinery, such as an antique threshing machine powered by a steam tractor from 1900.
11. Horseback Riding
The enchanting moors and woodland of Drenthe are richly interwoven with bridleways, making Dwingeloo an ideal location for equestrian activities.
Manege De Drift, a nearby riding school, offers pony and horse rentals for accomplished riders, available for durations ranging from one hour to a full day.
Additionally, supervised riding excursions are conducted both during daylight and at dusk.
For families with young children, a horse-drawn wagon ride can be arranged, which may be driven by the guests or facilitated by a coach driver from the riding school.
Other riding options in proximity to Dwingeloo include Stal de Brinkhof, Trail Ranch, Stal Vos, and Paardrijcentrum “Zonnetij.”
12. Bosbad de Paasbergen
Located on the outskirts of the national park, just a kilometer from Dwingeloo, lies an outdoor swimming pool nestled within a forested area.
As one of the few public swimming options available locally, the pool is highly popular during the summer months, featuring a 40-meter slide, a designated paddling pool for younger children, and an expansive sunbathing area.
The pool is connected to two local campsites, Torentjeshoek and De Noordster, which offer various activities for day visitors including beach volleyball, football, and a zip-line.
13. Blauwe Meer
A nature reserve has been established on the site of an old brick factory and sand extraction area.
This location, which dates back to the early 20th century, has transformed into a stunning lake with captivating blue waters, characterized by the mineral glauconite found in the surrounding sand.
In the summer, the Blauwe Meer attracts sunbathers and swimmers alike.
Parents of young children should exercise caution, as the lakeshore has a steep incline; however, a swimming area suitable for non-swimmers is available near the entrance.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy beneath the shade of trees on the surrounding former agricultural land.
