PureNature
Our forest campsite is located in one of the most beautiful spots in Drenthe, within the Drentsche Aa National Park and on an elongated sand ridge called the Hondsrug.
Drentsche Aa National Park
In the Drentsche Aa National Park, multiple streams wind through the landscape. For thousands of years, humans and nature have been strongly connected here. Can you recognize the ancient cart tracks? The burial mounds? And, of course, the dolmens. How did they actually move those boulders? Stroll along quiet paths or trudge through the mud. Hop on a bike if you want to see more. In one of the charming villages, relax on a terrace with your favorite drink and a snack.
Hondsrug
The Hondsrug is an elongated sand ridge that stretches from Emmen to Groningen. It originated in the Ice Age when flowing ice pushed the ground upward. Did you know that you'll find most dolmens in Drenthe in this area? Cycling paths, forest trails, sandy paths, and cobblestone paths crisscross the Hondsrug. Even deep into the forests, you can explore nature with burial mounds, dolmens, ponds, and heath. Don't forget the beautiful villages around the forest and the impressive beech avenues. A perfect environment for delightful walks and bike rides. Want to go even higher? Take a walk on the Boomkroonpad. On this unique path in the Gieten-Borger forest area, you literally walk among the treetops.
Zwanemeerbos
Our campsite is located in the forest called Zwanemeerbos. The name 'Zwanemeerbos' has existed for a long time, even before the nearby water pond that resulted from sand extraction activities. In addition to natural beauty, the area contains traces from the past, including 26 burial mounds scattered over three groups. Explorations (1994) and archaeological research (1950) revealed that these burial mounds mainly date back to the Iron Age (between 800 BC and the beginning of the Common Era). Most mounds are 'burnt mounds,' with the core consisting of charcoal from a cremation, sometimes with remnants of pottery. Fascinating.
Breevenen Nature Reserve
Behind the campsite, in the valley east of an elongated sand ridge called the Hondsrug near Gieten, Annen, and Eext, lies the more than 250-hectare large, new nature reserve called Breevenen. Not long ago, the area consisted of potato fields, but the local water company acquired the terrain and developed it into a nature reserve. The Hondsrug borders the Hunze valley on the west side, and on the east side lies the peat colonial landscape.
Geopark de Hondsrug
The history of Drenthe's nature is ancient and geologically unique. The landscape was significantly shaped during the Ice Age by sliding ice sheets, meltwater, and large erratic boulders, creating hills, valleys, and winding rivers. The builders of the dolmens also left their mark on the environment with their impressive burial monuments. All these peculiarities make Geopark De Hondsrug the perfect location for an enjoyable and educational day out.
