Attractions and Places To See in Valtherbos - Top 6
Best attractions and places to see in Valtherbos include a sprawling forest of nearly 450 hectares, offering a blend of historical landmarks, diverse natural features, and cultural sites. This area, managed by Staatsbosbeheer, is part of the larger Emmen forestry. Visitors can explore ancient hunebeds, significant World War II hiding places, and unique geological formations like pingoruines. The forest also provides a habitat for various wildlife and offers numerous Valtherbos popular trails routes for outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places…
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Valtherbos Hiding Place
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A-Tree and 'De Schaar' Memorial at the Second Hiding Place
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Dolmen D35
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In 1871, the province of …
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Pingoruine Glacier Hollow
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Bird watching screen
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Very interesting history. At the hiding place you will find several information boards.
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From the autumn of 1942, Albertus Zefat, the owner of a chicken farm in Valthe, hid 16 Jewish people in hiding in the chicken coop behind his house. Because this was noticed, a hole of 6 x 3 meters was dug in the hard forest soil in the Valtherbos for the people in hiding in the autumn of 1942. In 1943, the hole – covered with trunks, branches and leaves – was discovered by accident, but this had no consequences. The hole was moved to its current location. Albertus Zefat himself was shot dead in July 1944 when he refused to say where the Jews were. The people in hiding were cared for by a group of people from the village and stayed there until 11 April 1945. Ab van Dien, one of the people in hiding, wrote his memories of the time in the hiding hole in his book ‘De Opgejaagden’. Fourteen Jewish people in hiding survived the occupation, but a number of their helpers in the village did not. At the liberation, a total of about 20 people emerged. These were Jews and other people in hiding. The hiding place was restored in the context of 75 years of freedom in the spring of 2020.
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If you walk the red or yellow route, you will pass the hiding place in the Valtherbos. A lot of information about the monument is provided here. The hiding place was renovated in March 2020. The path from the cycle path to the monument has been widened and paved with wood chips. Large, sturdy benches have been placed that invite you to stay longer and the old display case has been replaced by a plaque that gives a beautiful view of the location. The idea arose in the early eighties to reconstruct the hiding place and to place a memorial stone. Since no permit was granted for the reconstruction, only a memorial stone was chosen. Stichting Welzijnswerk started publishing the booklet 'De Opgejaagden' in 1982. This booklet was written by Ab van Dien, one of the people in hiding.
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Pingo ruins are the remains of a pingo when the ice in the subsurface melts. A ring-shaped crater is then created that is filled with meltwater. This lake can then be filled again with organic material in a warmer period as a result of plant growth. See also: https://www.geologievannederland.nl/landschap/landschapsvormen/pingoruine
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Along the yellow route through the Valtherbos you pass a plaque with a tree next to it in which the letter A is carved. This plaque was unveiled in May 2013 by the then 93-year-old Mr. Aaltjo Oldenburger. He was one of the aid workers who were closely involved in a second hiding place (the first hiding place is the well-known hiding place, elsewhere in the forest, which has been restored). Where you are standing now must have been the second hiding place. This was built because people thought that the first hiding place would be discovered. The second hiding place is no longer intact and therefore cannot be found. Oldenburger carved an A into the tree with a pair of scissors so that he could easily find the hiding place. Because Oldenburger was a textile worker at the time, he always carried the scissors with him. Thanks to his efforts, 16 Jewish people in hiding survived the war. The text on the plaque is by the Jewish writer and poet Otto Weiss.
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A moving situation that happened here.
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Only half of the stones of dolmen D35 remain. Another striking element is that it is located exactly in an east-west direction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ancient historical sites can I explore in Valtherbos?
Valtherbos is rich in ancient history, notably featuring several hunebeds (dolmens). You can visit Dolmen D35, a megalithic tomb built over 5,000 years ago by the Funnel Beaker culture, measuring 8.5 meters long and 3.2 meters wide. Other hunebeds like D38, D39, and D40 are also present in the area, offering a glimpse into the Netherlands' oldest monuments.
Are there any World War II historical sites in Valtherbos?
Yes, Valtherbos holds significant World War II history. You can visit the Valtherbos Hiding Place, a cave built by Bertus Zefat that sheltered 20 Jewish individuals who all survived the war. Another poignant site is the A-Tree and 'De Schaar' Memorial at the Second Hiding Place, commemorating a second hiding spot where 16 Jewish people survived, marked by an 'A' carved into a tree by an aid worker.
What unique natural features can I discover in Valtherbos?
Valtherbos features a unique geological formation called the Pingoruine Glacier Hollow. This natural monument is a remnant from the last ice age, formed when ice in the subsurface melted, creating a ring-shaped crater that later filled with meltwater and organic material.
Can I spot wildlife in Valtherbos?
Valtherbos is a haven for diverse wildlife. Visitors might spot roe deer or wild boars, especially during dawn or dusk. The forest is also home to various bird species, including Europe's smallest bird, the goldcrest, and different woodpeckers like the great spotted and black woodpeckers. There is even a dedicated Bird watching screen to observe them unseen.
What kind of natural environment does Valtherbos offer for exploration?
Valtherbos is an expansive forest of nearly 450 hectares, characterized by its mixed woodland, including numerous oak trees, as well as various needle and deciduous trees. It provides a tranquil escape with winding paths. The area also includes smaller heath areas, play meadows, and the ancient Meerbosch, known for its old oaks, beeches, small wells, and marshy areas.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels in Valtherbos?
Yes, Valtherbos offers numerous hiking routes for various skill levels. You can find many easy hikes, including circular walks that take you past historical sites and natural features. For more details and specific routes, explore the guide for Easy hikes in Valtherbos.
What cycling opportunities are available in Valtherbos?
Valtherbos is popular for cycling, including mountain biking and gravel biking. There are numerous routes available for different skill levels. You can find specific trails and tours in the guides for MTB Trails in Valtherbos and Gravel biking in Valtherbos.
Is Valtherbos suitable for families with children?
Yes, Valtherbos is family-friendly. Many attractions, such as Dolmen D35 and the Pingoruine Glacier Hollow, are accessible and engaging for children. The forest also features play meadows and easy walking paths, making it a great place for outdoor family activities.
What is the best time of year to visit Valtherbos?
Valtherbos can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming flora, summer offers lush greenery and pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities, while autumn transforms the forest with vibrant colors. Even in winter, the serene landscape has its own charm. The best time depends on your preferred activities and scenery.
Are there any facilities for birdwatching in Valtherbos?
Yes, Valtherbos provides a dedicated Bird watching screen. This facility allows visitors to observe the diverse birdlife of the forest, including species like the goldcrest and various woodpeckers, without disturbing them.
What are some lesser-known natural spots or 'hidden gems' in Valtherbos?
Beyond the main attractions, the ancient Meerbosch, located near the eastern side of Valtherbos, is considered a hidden gem. It's an old patch of forest with venerable oaks and beeches, featuring small wells and marshy areas, offering a tranquil and less-traveled experience.
How long does it typically take to explore the main attractions in Valtherbos?
The time required to explore Valtherbos depends on your interests. A visit to the main historical sites like the hunebeds and WWII hiding places, combined with a short walk, could take a few hours. For a more comprehensive experience, including longer hikes or cycling, you could easily spend a full day or more exploring the extensive forest and its various features.
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