Discover the unspoiled nature of the Hondsrug in Drenthe and experience the historic village of Orvelte. During your journey to the brink village of Zuidlaren, you will cycle through De Drentsche Aa, a landscape that still looks much like it did a century ago. At the former Westerbork camp, history brings an impressive silence. Your route also takes you past the Paterswoldsemeer and Zuidlaardermeer.

You start in Ees, on the Drenthe Hondsrug, where you can enjoy nature and tranquility. On the second day, you will take a scenic route through the Schoonloo Forestry and the touristic Westerbork. You will also cycle through the charming historic village of Orvelte, where thatched-roof farms line cobbled streets leading to wooded village greens—once the heart of the village.

Through the picturesque village of Borger, where you can visit the Hunebedcentrum, you will cycle to Zuidlaren on the third day. This town, located on the Zuidlaardermeer, sits on the border of Drenthe and Groningen. As you leave the village, you will notice the difference: in the west, it is wooded, while the east features increasingly open landscapes. In the beautiful nature reserve Drentsche Aa, you can enjoy a rich variety of flora and fauna.

During the circular route from Zuidlaren, you will cycle around the Zuidlaardermeer and Paterswoldsemeer. You will pass various estates and historic mansions, riding through stunning natural landscapes on the border of Drenthe and Groningen.

On the fifth day, you cycle back to Ees through an ancient landscape. Along the way, you will pass forests, small heathlands, and serene lakes. Near Hooghalen, you will find a quiet zone with radio telescopes stretching over one and a half kilometers, used for scientific space research. You can also visit the Westerbork Memorial Center.

Confirmation and start package
This cycling holiday is available on request and subject to availability. You will receive a preliminary confirmation immediately and a final confirmation, including hotel details, within two working days. Before your departure, you will receive the start package by post. You can park your car near the starting hotel. After your last overnight stay, you will cycle back to the starting hotel.

Accommodations

Hotel Eeserhof *** | Ees
Hotel Eeserhof is a charming family hotel located on the Drenthe Hondsrug in a wooded area. The hotel is centrally located and has ample parking space. It offers 18 rooms, an à la carte restaurant, a brasserie with a bar and fireplace, a lounge, and a spacious terrace. The surrounding area is perfect for cycling and walking, offering something beautiful in every season. Parking at the hotel is free.

Brinkhotel *** | Zuidlaren
In Zuidlaren, you will find the Brinkhotel, an ideal base for cycling tours in nature. The hotel is located in Geopark de Hondsrug, the first Geopark in the Netherlands. Start your day with a generous breakfast buffet in the conservatory, featuring fresh bread and juices. For lunch or dinner, visit the "Eethuis voor Allen," where regional products are transformed into delicious dishes. The recently renovated rooms are modernly furnished and equipped with a TV, telephone, bathroom with shower and toilet, hairdryer, desk, and coffee and tea-making facilities. Parking at the hotel is free.

De Wapser Herberg **** | Wapse
In the forested region of Drenthe, De Wapser Herberg is a cozy family hotel where personal attention is key. You will stay in a spacious room with modern comforts: a comfortable bed, smart TV, free WiFi, coffee and tea-making facilities, and a bathroom with a toilet, hairdryer, and either a bathtub or shower. The associated à la carte restaurant is open all day for drinks, lunch, or dinner. The kitchen blends French and Dutch influences, serving recognizable dishes of top quality.