Best attractions and places to see around Borger-Odoorn, a municipality in the Drenthe province of the Netherlands, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The region is characterized by ancient landmarks, diverse landscapes including forests and heathlands, and engaging cultural sites. Visitors can explore the De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its hilly terrain and prehistoric structures. This area provides opportunities to discover both historical significance and natural environments.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Beautiful area for cycling or walking
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Beautiful restaurant. I had a cappuccino with coconut milk and it was delicious! Very nice that they offer a substitute for cow's milk.
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The Balloërveld is a beautiful wide sandy plain, interspersed with heathland. In addition, there are also burial mounds and medieval cart tracks to be seen. You imagine yourself in another world here.
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Is this Italy or Drenthe? The intense blue water, white sand and green conifers give this place a foreign feeling. But it is really our beautiful Drenthe
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This is an oddity in this landscape of pine forests and bogs. The Gasselterveld used to be an mine, hence the "oddity" of light blue waters in a place where every other pond, lake, puddle is pitch black! This is a big, very deep (50 meter) pond where people come to swim and do all sorts of other water activities including scuba diving. https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/uit-in-de-natuur/recreatieterrein-gasselterveld
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In the middle of Boswachterij Odoorn there is an open heathland that was created after a heavy storm in 1972. It was then decided not to create a new forest, but to fence it off and allow sheep to graze there to keep it short. On this sheep field, at the edge of the forest, is the landscape temple 'Ode to the Sun'. This megalithic work of art was created in 2000 by Rob Schreefel. It consists of a 25-ton boulder (from Brittany) with a round hole in the middle that gives a special light effect.
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On a wooded sand ridge, along the centuries-old trade route from the German Minster in Westphalia to the city of Groningen, Ter Apel Monastery dates from 1465 in the far southeast of the province of Groningen. The monastery offered hospitality and devotion to passing guests and pilgrims. Its function has changed over time, but Klooster Ter Apel remains a meeting place to this day. For lovers of art and culture, it is a sight to behold because of both its old and new architecture, and because of the permanent and temporary exhibitions that can be found there.
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Large monastery. Looks like a church. I was there on Sunday and could hear mass outside
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Borger-Odoorn is rich in ancient history. You can visit the Hunebed Centre in Borger, which provides extensive information about the prehistoric megalithic tombs (hunebeds) and the Funnelbeaker culture that built them. The area is home to the world's largest hunebed, D27, and other significant dolmens like D28 and D29. The Hunebed Centre also features an open-air Prehistoric Park with reconstructions of ancient buildings.
Yes, the region offers notable historical buildings. The Ter Apel Monastery, dating back to 1465, is a significant cultural highlight that continues to host art and cultural exhibitions. Additionally, the Dutch Reformed Church in Borger, with its 14th-century tower, now serves as a cultural stage.
For relaxation and water activities, you can visit Lake Gasselterveld, a large sand extraction lake with a sandy beach in a wooded area. Another pleasant option is 'T Nije Hemelriek, a lovely swimming lake with white sand, playground equipment, a kiosk, and a restaurant.
The region boasts diverse natural landscapes. The Balloërveld Heath offers a wide sandy plain interspersed with heathland, burial mounds, and medieval cart tracks, ideal for quiet walks or bike rides. You can also explore the De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark with its hilly forests and heathlands, or the tranquil Hunze Valley (Hunzedal) for walking and birdwatching.
Absolutely! Besides the interactive Hunebed Centre and its Prehistoric Park, families can enjoy the swimming lakes like 'T Nije Hemelriek, which has playground equipment. Nearby, you'll find Drouwenerzand Attractiepark for amusement, and Kabouterland in Exloo, a theme park focused on gnomes and fairytales.
Borger-Odoorn is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for various activities. For cycling, explore the Veenkoloniën area or try routes like 'Borger: bog landscapes and burial mounds' from the Cycling around Borger-Odoorn guide. Hikers can enjoy trails such as 'Hunebed D26 Drouwenerveld' or 'Glacier pit Ees' from the Hiking around Borger-Odoorn guide. There are also gravel biking opportunities, with routes like 'Odoorn Forest & Grolloo Forest loop' available in the Gravel biking around Borger-Odoorn guide.
Yes, in Boswachterij Odoorn, you can find the unique Ode to the Sun Sculpture. This megalithic artwork, created by Rob Schreefel, features a 25-ton boulder with a central hole that creates special light effects. The municipality also features 55 artworks and 18 monuments spread across its villages.
The best time to visit Borger-Odoorn for outdoor activities is generally during spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) when the weather is mild and nature is in full bloom. Autumn (September-October) also offers beautiful scenery, especially in the forested areas. While some routes are accessible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to cold and potential snow.
Yes, Borger-Odoorn offers several easy walking routes. For example, the Hiking around Borger-Odoorn guide includes routes like 'Glacier pit Ees – Crooked Trees in Stormbos loop' and 'Poolshoogte Tea House – Forest and Heathland Trails loop', both rated as easy and suitable for a relaxed stroll.
The diverse natural areas like the Hunze Valley and Boswachterij Odoorn provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. The heathlands in Boswachterij Odoorn are grazed by sheep, and the tranquil nature areas are ideal for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for local fauna while exploring the forests and open landscapes.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. Many enjoy the peaceful and quiet atmosphere of places like Balloërveld Heath for walking or cycling. The well-kept Ter Apel Monastery is admired for its architecture and cultural offerings, while the swimming lakes like Lake Gasselterveld are loved for relaxation and beautiful scenery.
Yes, the De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark is a significant geological feature in the region. This hilly area was formed during the ice ages and is characterized by its unique landscape of forests, heathlands, and sand dunes, making it a fascinating area for geological exploration and hiking.


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