09 Veen en Woudenroute
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert Hans van de Ven (Mr.MRA)
Last edit: 14-03-2025
Route Summary This is the 9th in a series of 43 Endangered ANWB routes. These were published in the Promotors between April 2015 and September 2016.
Peat and Forest Route – Motorcycling through Friesland and Drenthe
The Veen en Woudenroute takes you through the Frisian and Drenthe landscape, past vast peat areas, old peat canals and lush forests. This route takes you over beautiful back roads and winding dikes, with stops at unique nature reserves such as the Fochteloërveen and the Drents-Friese Wold.
The tour starts at Pancake House De Appelsche Hof in Appelscha and ends at Restaurant De Bosberg, with a variety of nature, history and culinary rest stops along the way, hence 3 stars.
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Verdict
Duration
3h 52m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
128.47 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review You start the day in Appelscha, where you can enjoy a hearty pancake or a cup of coffee at De Appelsche Hof before the route starts. From here you drive straight into the beautiful Drents-Friese Wold, an extensive nature reserve with varied landscapes of forests, heathland and drifting sand plains. The road takes you further via Elsloo and Makkinga, where you end up at the Appelschaastervaart, a historic waterway that was once used for peat extraction. The route winds further to Van Oordt's Mersken, a nature reserve with open peatland and forests, before you reach the village of Beetsterzwaag via quiet back roads. There are several places to eat here, including Prins Heerlijck and various informal lunch options. After the break, the ride continues along the Bakkeveense Duinen, a surprising piece of sand drift and heathland in Friesland. From the lookout tower you have a fantastic view of the area. Then you follow the road through the wooded area around Een West and Oosterwolde, after which you arrive at the impressive Fochteloërveen. This unique raised bog area, with its vast plains and rare animals such as the crane, is a must-see for nature lovers. Via Veenhuizen, a historic prison village, you drive back towards Appelscha, where the route ends at Restaurant De Bosberg. Here you can enjoy the ride on the terrace with a drink and a good dinner.
The Veen en Woudenroute offers a unique combination of nature, history and beautiful motorcycle routes. The varied landscapes, from peat areas to sand drifts, make this route a pleasure to ride. With a length of approximately 130 kilometers, it is an ideal day trip, with sufficient stops to explore the area.
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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