Best attractions and places to see in Borkeld include a diverse nature reserve known for its varied landscape. This area features extensive heathlands, young forests, and significant archaeological sites with evidence of prehistoric activity. Borkeld is home to the largest juniper shrub heath in the Netherlands and includes Friezenberg, its highest point at 40 meters. The reserve offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
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In conversation Just pick up the phone and the wind will connect you with everything that isn't yet said or often is still hidden from you who you miss so much who you love so much who you'd like to call back preferably today who you've wanted to call long ago to share, to tell but you didn't know no one said it was here so close just try it and give your words to the wisdom of the wind he brings them to the love that connects everywhere. Margreet Jansen | Zilverensleutels.nl
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There are two benches up here from which you can enjoy the beautiful view.
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The phone is a "Telephone of the Wind". There is no response, but people who want to say something to a distant friend or a deceased loved one can go to such a phone in the open air. https://telefoonvandewind.nl/
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Nature reserve De Borkeld is a top spot for cyclists who love varied nature. You cycle through heathlands, forests and along fens, with beautiful views and quiet paths. The area has well-marked cycle junctions, so you can choose your own route. You will encounter all kinds of animals and plants, and you can take a nice break along the way.
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The Borkeld sheepfold is located in a beautiful nature reserve and is surrounded by vast heathlands and forests. A herd of Drenthe heath sheep grazes here, helping to maintain the heath. Visitors can see the sheep up close and enjoy the quiet, rural atmosphere of the Borkeld, ideal for a walk through the surrounding landscape.
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Beautiful nature reserve with a hardpack gravel path that meanders through it. Really worth it.
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Enjoy the surroundings
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Borkeld offers a diverse landscape including young forests, extensive heathlands (both wet and dry), clay pits, and grasslands. It is home to the largest juniper shrub heath in the Netherlands, covering about 17 hectares. You can also visit the View from Friezenberg, the highest point in the reserve, offering picturesque views.
Yes, Borkeld is a significant archaeological reserve. Evidence of hunter-gatherer activity from 13,000 years ago has been found here, along with prehistoric burial mounds and settlement sites dating back 4,000 to 6,000 years, which can be seen as 'bumps' in the landscape.
The diverse habitats in Borkeld support unique plant communities and wildlife. It's a good spot for birdwatching, with species like the Eurasian Curlew, Black Woodpecker, and Eurasian Nightjar. You might also encounter grazing animals like the Cows at Borkeld, often found on the large heathland.
Borkeld is very family-friendly. Many trails, including the Gravel path through the Borkeld, are suitable for families. The Day Camping Site De Borkeld provides facilities like playgrounds and picnic benches. The Phone of the Wind, Borkeld is also a unique and engaging outdoor art installation for all ages.
Borkeld offers numerous marked walking and cycling routes. Popular walking routes include the Borkeld Walk (5 km) and the Friezenberg Walk (3.5 km). Cycling routes range from 17 to 50 kilometers. You can find various hiking options, including easy trails, on the Easy hikes in Borkeld guide.
Yes, Borkeld has routes designed for people with reduced mobility, and many walking trails are considered easy. For instance, the Gravel path through the Borkeld is a hardpack gravel path that meanders through the reserve, making it accessible for many. You can explore more options in the Easy hikes in Borkeld guide.
Borkeld is beautiful year-round. Spring is excellent for birdwatching, and the heathlands are particularly stunning when in bloom during late summer (August/September). The diverse landscape offers different experiences across all seasons.
While the guide data does not explicitly state dog-friendly policies for all areas, nature reserves in the Netherlands often have specific rules regarding dogs (e.g., on-leash only, or restricted areas). It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival or consult the official website for the Borkeld Nature Reserve for the most current regulations.
You can visit the Informatieboerderij 'n Witten, located at the Day Camping Site De Borkeld. This information farm hosts a permanent exhibition about the surrounding nature reserve and is typically open from May to October on specific days.
Yes, Borkeld features the Phone of the Wind, Borkeld. This unique outdoor art installation allows visitors to use a 'wind telephone' to communicate messages to distant friends or deceased loved ones, offering a contemplative experience.
Visitors highly appreciate the varied nature, quiet paths, and beautiful views. The opportunity to cycle through heathlands and forests, encounter wildlife, and find peaceful resting points like the View from Friezenberg are frequently mentioned highlights.
Yes, Borkeld and its surroundings are well-suited for both mountain biking and road cycling. You can explore various routes, including the Rijssen MTB Trail, or longer road cycling routes like the 'De Apenberg – Watermill Den Haller loop'. Find more details in the MTB Trails in Borkeld and Road Cycling Routes in Borkeld guides.
Parking is available at the Day Camping Site De Borkeld, which serves as a convenient starting point for many marked trails within the nature reserve.
Absolutely. The View from Friezenberg is the highest point in the undulating landscape of Borkeld, standing at 40 meters, and offers picturesque views across the reserve. The Gravel path through the Borkeld also includes a viewpoint over a rest area.
The Friezenberg is the highest point within the Borkeld Nature Reserve, reaching 40 meters above sea level. It offers a View from Friezenberg, providing picturesque panoramic views across the reserve and serving as a popular resting point for hikers and cyclists.


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