×

The Netherlands🇳🇱 | national parksDwingelderveld National ParkWet heath, Drenthe Heath sheep, Lheebroekerzand, Dwingeloo observatory | things to do and best time to go

Explore Drents-Friese WoldExplore Geopark De Hondsrug

Backpacking in Dwingelderveld
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #12
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

A flock of Drenthe Heath sheep drifted across the sand path ahead of me, and the shepherd’s dog worked them with almost no sound. I had expected silence and empty heath; instead the landscape turned out to be actively managed. Dwingelderveld sits in southwest Drenthe, between Dwingeloo and Ruinen, and it is the largest wet heathland in Western Europe. Mistakes cost time here: the park is flat and trail-marked, but few buses run, so plan around timetables. Compared with the Hoge Veluwe, it is quieter and free to enter. It lacks dramatic relief, and midsummer weekends fill the car parks.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 The Netherlands Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #12 national park in The NetherlandsWhy visitors keep coming back

Backpackers pick this park because it rewards slow, self-guided movement. The marked walking routes are color-coded by junction numbers (the knooppunten system), so you can build your own loop without a guide or a map app. Distances stay short and the ground is flat, which suits anyone carrying a full pack. The second reason is the Drenthe Heath sheep flocks that still graze the heath each day, something you can watch for free from the paths. Add the cheap campsites at the park edge and you get a long weekend outdoors without tours, permits or steep climbs.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. Wet heath and fens: Large stretches of purple heather mix with shallow pools, which makes this the biggest wet heathland in Western Europe.
  2. Drenthe Heath sheep: A shepherd grazes a flock across the heath, helping keep the open landscape from turning to woodland.
  3. Ancient drifting sands: Wind-blown sand dunes and sandy paths show how the land looked before reforestation.
  4. Observatory at Dwingeloo: The Dwingeloo radio telescope, built in the 1950s, stands just outside the park and can be visited on select days.
  5. Lheebroekerzand: A sandy expanse where heather meets bare dunes and offers wide views across the heath.
  6. Wildlife: Red deer, roe deer, black grouse reintroduction efforts and adders appear in the quieter corners, especially at dawn.
  7. Ancient hunebedden nearby: Neolithic stone graves in Drenthe
… read more 👉
  1. Wet heath and fens: Large stretches of purple heather mix with shallow pools, which makes this the biggest wet heathland in Western Europe.
  2. Drenthe Heath sheep: A shepherd grazes a flock across the heath, helping keep the open landscape from turning to woodland.
  3. Ancient drifting sands: Wind-blown sand dunes and sandy paths show how the land looked before reforestation.
  4. Observatory at Dwingeloo: The Dwingeloo radio telescope, built in the 1950s, stands just outside the park and can be visited on select days.
  5. Lheebroekerzand: A sandy expanse where heather meets bare dunes and offers wide views across the heath.
  6. Wildlife: Red deer, roe deer, black grouse reintroduction efforts and adders appear in the quieter corners, especially at dawn.
  7. Ancient hunebedden nearby: Neolithic stone graves in Drenthe lie within cycling distance and show how long people have lived here.
Combine the Lheebroekerzand dunes with the Dwingeloo telescope for a half-day walk plus a short cultural stop.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Dwingelderveld National Park

Historical Canal Tour

Historical Canal Tour

4.9(78) 1h
From €21
per personViator
Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar: 1 hour

Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar: 1 hour

4.4(59) 1h
From €15
per personViator
Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar: 1.5 Hours

Groningen: Terrace Boat Experience with a Cozy Bar: 1.5 Hours

4.4(43) 1h 30m
From €17
per personViator
Perfumery Exploration Workshop in Groningen

Perfumery Exploration Workshop in Groningen

5.0(26) 3h
From €75
per personViator
Groningen: 2 Hour Party Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

Groningen: 2 Hour Party Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

5.0(26) 2h
From €38
per personViator
e-Scavenger hunt Groningen: Explore the city at your own pace

e-Scavenger hunt Groningen: Explore the city at your own pace

4.3(28) 3h
From €31
per personViator
Discover Groningen in this Outside Escape city game tour!

Discover Groningen in this Outside Escape city game tour!

4.7(12)
From €28
per personViator
Groningen: Canal Cruise - open boat (optional) Audio Guide

Groningen: Canal Cruise - open boat (optional) Audio Guide

4.9(9) 1h
From €19.50
per personViator
Murder City Game with Live Game Supervisor in Groningen

Murder City Game with Live Game Supervisor in Groningen

4.6(9) 3h
From €23
per personViator
Groningen: Relaxing boat tour with unlimited drinks: 1.5 hours

Groningen: Relaxing boat tour with unlimited drinks: 1.5 hours

5.0(5) 1h 30m
From €35
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

Late August to mid-September is the best window for Dwingelderveld, when the heather blooms purple across Europe's largest wet heathland.
  • Spring (Apr to May): 6 to 17°C (43 to 63°F), long light until about 9 pm by May, cuckoos calling and Drenthe Heideschaap lambs on the heath.
  • Summer (Jun to Aug): 14 to 22°C (57 to 72°F), up to 16 hours of daylight. Peak crowds and campsite prices, especially in July and August school holidays.
  • Autumn (Sep to Oct): 8 to 18°C (46 to 64°F). Heather peaks in late August, then red deer rut in late September and October. Quieter, with lower rates.
  • Winter (Nov to Mar): 0 to 6°C (32 to 43°F), only 8 hours of light, frost and mist. Very few visitors, many campsites closed.
Book campsites months ahead for August, or arrive midweek.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
netherlands-national-park-dwingelderveld-national-park
© Google | Nationaal Park Dwingelderveld

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutThe Netherlands Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Netherlands
The digital guide (373 pages) contains:
✅ 127 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 5, 10 & 15-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in The Netherlands

Inside the park, the best option for backpackers is a campsite, as there are no hostels. Several campsites sit within or right beside the heath, including Ruinen, Dwingeloo and Lhee, and many offer tent pitches, small cabins and trekkers' huts. The Dwingelderveld area also has a few minicampings on farms, which are quiet and cheaper. Dwingeloo, the main village, has a supermarket, bakery and cafes, and is the easiest base for walking from your door to the visitor center and the old observatory. Ruinen and Westerbork are smaller, with fewer services but good access to trails. For hotels, B&Bs and … read more 👉
Inside the park, the best option for backpackers is a campsite, as there are no hostels. Several campsites sit within or right beside the heath, including Ruinen, Dwingeloo and Lhee, and many offer tent pitches, small cabins and trekkers' huts. The Dwingelderveld area also has a few minicampings on farms, which are quiet and cheaper. Dwingeloo, the main village, has a supermarket, bakery and cafes, and is the easiest base for walking from your door to the visitor center and the old observatory. Ruinen and Westerbork are smaller, with fewer services but good access to trails. For hotels, B&Bs and more choice, use Hoogeveen or Assen, both with train stations. Public buses reach the villages, but service is thin in the evenings and on Sundays, so check the 9292 app. A bike makes staying outside the park easy, since cycle paths link everything.
Best hostels in The Netherlands


Best quality hotels in The Netherlands

👛 Costs (as of 15 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A backpacking day in Dwingelderveld typically costs USD 45 to 90, mostly driven by campsite fees and food. The park itself is free to enter and walk.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feesUSD 0Open access to trails and heath at all times. Some guided walks and the visitor center exhibits may charge a small fee.
AccommodationUSD 18 to 45Tent pitch at a campsite per night, usually priced per person plus pitch. Trekkers' huts and cabins run USD 50 to 110.
Local transportUSD 5 to 20Regional buses are metered by distance. Bike rental costs USD 12 to 20 per day and is the most practical choice.
Food and suppliesUSD 15 to 35Supermarket groceries in Dwingeloo or Ruinen keep costs low. A cafe lunch is USD 10 to 18 and a restaurant dinner USD 22 to 35.
ActivitiesUSD 0 to 15Walking and cycling are
… read more 👉
A backpacking day in Dwingelderveld typically costs USD 45 to 90, mostly driven by campsite fees and food. The park itself is free to enter and walk.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feesUSD 0Open access to trails and heath at all times. Some guided walks and the visitor center exhibits may charge a small fee.
AccommodationUSD 18 to 45Tent pitch at a campsite per night, usually priced per person plus pitch. Trekkers' huts and cabins run USD 50 to 110.
Local transportUSD 5 to 20Regional buses are metered by distance. Bike rental costs USD 12 to 20 per day and is the most practical choice.
Food and suppliesUSD 15 to 35Supermarket groceries in Dwingeloo or Ruinen keep costs low. A cafe lunch is USD 10 to 18 and a restaurant dinner USD 22 to 35.
ActivitiesUSD 0 to 15Walking and cycling are free. Observatory or museum visits and guided heath tours cost extra.


source: holland.com
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsPlan your hike in Dwingelderveld: routes, terrain, and sights

Dwingelderveld is flat, soft underfoot and easy, with sandy tracks, boardwalks, forest lanes and open heath. Difficulty stays low, though sand slows you down and there is little shade. Morning and evening bring the best chances of deer, and the sheep graze most days in season. Late August to early September is peak heather bloom.
Heathland Walk (Heideroute)
  • Length: roughly 8 to 12 km depending on the loop
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Features: open heath, fens, sheep flocks
  • Terrain: sand and packed paths
Lheebroekerzand Loop
  • Length: about 6 to 8 km
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Features:
… read more 👉
Dwingelderveld is flat, soft underfoot and easy, with sandy tracks, boardwalks, forest lanes and open heath. Difficulty stays low, though sand slows you down and there is little shade. Morning and evening bring the best chances of deer, and the sheep graze most days in season. Late August to early September is peak heather bloom.
Heathland Walk (Heideroute)
  • Length: roughly 8 to 12 km depending on the loop
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Features: open heath, fens, sheep flocks
  • Terrain: sand and packed paths
Lheebroekerzand Loop
  • Length: about 6 to 8 km
  • Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Features: dunes and wide views
  • Terrain: loose sand and forest tracks
The park is reached by regional bus from Assen or Meppel to Dwingeloo, but services are infrequent, especially evenings and Sundays, so check 9292.nl before you go. Cycling is popular and bikes can be rented locally. Entry to the park itself is free. Crowds build on sunny summer weekends around the visitor center, while the far trails stay quiet.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Dwingelderveld is flat, well marked and easy to hike, so serious hazards are few. Paths are numbered by color and junction, though sandy tracks and similar-looking heath can still cost you time without a map or offline app. Weather changes quickly, so pack a rain layer and sun protection, as exposed heath has little shade. Ticks are the most common problem from spring to autumn. Wear long trousers, check your skin each evening and remove ticks promptly. Adders live here but are shy and rarely seen, so stay on paths and give them space. Keep dogs leashed, since sheep graze the heath and ground-nesting birds are protected. Some areas close for wildlife, so respect signs. In winter, carry a headlamp, as dusk comes early.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Dwingelderveld

One to two days is enough for most backpackers. A full day lets you walk a 10 to 15 km loop through the heath and fens, and a second day adds Lheebroekerzand or a cycle to nearby hunebedden. Staying overnight at a local campsite helps you catch dawn wildlife.
Yes, though it takes planning. Regional buses connect Assen and Meppel to Dwingeloo, with a trip taking roughly 45 to 60 minutes, but frequency is low and drops further on Sundays. Many visitors rent bikes locally for about 10 to 15 euros a day, which makes covering the park much easier.
No entrance fee or permit is needed for walking or cycling in the park. Parking at some trailheads may cost a few euros, and campsites charge their own nightly fees, typically about 15 to 35 euros for a tent pitch. Guided tours and the visitor center may charge separately, but self-guided exploration is free.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Dutch national parks near Dwingelderveld

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for The Netherlands including Dwingelderveld and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all The Netherlands has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore The Netherlands
Country photo of The Netherlands
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on exploring Dwingelderveld

Dwingelderveld suits walkers and cyclists who want long, gentle days and open sky, not summits. Families, birders and photographers chasing heather in late summer will enjoy it most. If you need drama or steep climbs, look elsewhere. Go midweek, pack water and sun protection, and let the sheep set your pace.

✈️ When did I visit The Netherlands?
Netherlands is my home base, so whenever I don’t travel, you can find me in this tiny spot on the globe. When friends from abroad visit me, it’s the time to actually explore my own country as a traveler.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in The Netherlands, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story