Top 20 Lakes around De Wolden
Best lakes around De Wolden offer diverse natural landscapes within the Dutch province of Drenthe. The region features a mix of recreational lakes, natural fens, and former sand extraction sites. These areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, walking, and birdwatching. The natural environment supports a variety of plant and animal life, making it a destination for nature enthusiasts.
Best lakes around De Wolden
- The most popular lakes is Dwingelderveld National Park, a national park featuring the largest contiguous wet heathland area in Western Europe. It is actively maintained by sheep and includes various fens and lakes, supporting a rich biodiversity.
- Another must-see spot is Blue Lake, a lake known for its distinctive blue water color, resulting from local glauconite minerals. This deep lake, created by sand extraction, is located within the Leggelderveld nature reserve.
- Visitors also love Oldemeijer Recreational Lake, a recreational lake situated in a natural walking environment. It offers opportunities for swimming and relaxation, with a bridge allowing passage across the water.
- De Wolden is known for its recreational lakes, natural fens, and former sand extraction lakes. These areas provide a variety of landscapes to see and explore, from sandy beaches to heathlands.
- The lakes around De Wolden are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 100 photos shared.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Dwingelderveld National Park
Highlight • Forest
Here, wet heathlands alternate with drier sandy ridges, resulting in a rich variety of plants and animals. In the moist parts, heath, peaty feathers and bell gentian grow, while the drier areas are dotted with common heather and mouse's ear. The humid zones are partly dependent on bubbling groundwater, where the yellow ashy and small lily thrive. It is home to numerous bird species, of which the stonechat, curlew and woodlark are just a few examples of the dozens of species that find their breeding grounds here in the extensive heathland.
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Holtveen Bird Hide
Highlight • Structure
The Dwingelerveld offers everything that makes cycling in Drenthe so great: forests, heaths, moors and beautiful cycle paths.
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Wetlands of Dwingelderveld National Park
Highlight • Natural
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Davidsplassen, Dwingelderveld National Park
Highlight • Lake
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Blue Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
The Blauwe Meer recreational lake is located within the Leggelderveld nature reserve, southeast of the village of Hoogersmilde. The lake is surrounded by trees and was created by sand extraction. The founder of the limestone factory chose this location because Hoogersmilde was easily accessible by boat. Moreover, there was no shortage of white sand. Because of the sand extraction, the Blauwe Meer is very deep. There is a small entrance fee for a day of swimming in the Blauwe Meer (members of Natuurmonumenten and children under 4 are free). Please note that cash is not accepted: only with your phone, using a QR code! Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
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Does anyone know where to rent bikes?
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Great viewpoint The Dwingelerveld offers everything that makes cycling in Drenthe so great: forests, heaths, moors and beautiful cycle paths.
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Dwingelderveld National Park consists of forest, heathland and drifting sand. The extensive nature gives a good impression of the old Drenthe esdorp landscape. Near the ash villages you will find authentic ash trees; old fields where mainly grain was grown in the past. The Dwingeloosche Heide and the Kraloërheide together form the largest contiguous wet heathland area in Northwest Europe. Various duck species are seen on the Holtveen and in the area you can find stonechats, among other things.
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Unfortunately in March there are not many birds to see.
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Welcome to the Dwingelderveld National Park! Did you know that this is the largest contiguous wet heathland area in Western Europe? It is actively maintained by no fewer than two flocks of sheep, who ensure that unwanted trees and grasses do not have a chance on the heath. Here, wet heathlands alternate with drier sandy ridges, resulting in a rich variety of plants and animals. In the moist parts, heath, peaty feathers and bell gentian grow, while the drier areas are dotted with common heather and mouse's ear. The humid zones are partly dependent on bubbling groundwater, where the yellow ashy and small lily thrive. It is home to numerous bird species, of which the stonechat, curlew and woodlark are just a few examples of the dozens of species that find their breeding grounds here in the extensive heathland.
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Top hiking area
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The lake was created in 1905 by sand-suction work by the Albino limestone factory. The water of the lake owes its color to the local glauconite found in the water. This is a mineral with a dark green color. Source: https://www.reisreport.nl/blauw-meer-in-drenthe/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly lakes around De Wolden?
Several lakes in the area are great for families. Oldemeijer Recreational Lake offers a natural walking environment with swimming opportunities. Recreatieplas Schoonhoven features a sandy beach, a shallow pool for children, and various sports facilities. De Zwarte Dennen is known for its clean sandy beaches and a small lake perfect for kids, along with shaded picnic spots.
Where can I go swimming near De Wolden?
You have several excellent options for swimming. Recreatieplas Schoonhoven offers a large recreational lake and a smaller, shallower pool. De Zwarte Dennen provides clean sandy beaches and safe swimming zones. Oldemeijer Recreational Lake is also popular for swimming, and Strand Nijstad features a dedicated swimming beach with water play equipment.
Are there any lakes with unique natural features?
Yes, Blue Lake is notable for its distinctive blue water color, caused by local glauconite minerals. It's a deep lake created by sand extraction within the Leggelderveld nature reserve. Dwingelderveld National Park, while not a single lake, features numerous fens and is the largest contiguous wet heathland area in Western Europe, supporting rich biodiversity.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
The lakes around De Wolden offer diverse activities. You can enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing at Recreatieplas Schoonhoven. Strand Nijstad provides canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. For those who prefer land-based activities, De Zwarte Dennen has well-marked routes for walking, cycling, and mountain biking. You can also find numerous hiking trails, such as the Dwingelderveld Radio Telescope Loop, and cycling routes like the Pond on the Woldenpad, which are accessible from the area.
Are there good places for birdwatching near the lakes?
Yes, the area is rich in birdlife. Dwingelderveld National Park is home to numerous bird species, including stonechats, curlews, and woodlarks. The Holtveen Bird Hide offers an excellent viewpoint for observing birds in their natural habitat, especially near water.
Which lakes have sandy beaches?
Recreatieplas Schoonhoven features a beautiful sandy beach and sunbathing area. De Zwarte Dennen is known for its clean sandy beaches. Strand Nijstad also boasts a significant swimming beach. Additionally, Koninginnepad, Terhorsterzand has a shallow recreational lake with a sandy beach, ideal for children.
What historical or cultural points of interest are near the lakes?
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural or recreational, the surrounding areas have some historical context. Recreatieplas Schoonhoven was developed in an area where the first forests were planted in the early 19th century after peat extraction. At Koninginnepad, Terhorsterzand, you can still find remnants of a shooting range and air raid shelters built by German occupiers in 1942.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, most recreational lakes in the area offer ample parking. Recreatieplas Schoonhoven is easily accessible with plenty of parking for cars and bicycles. De Zwarte Dennen also provides generous parking facilities for visitors.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around De Wolden?
The lakes are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn, for swimming and water-based activities. If you're interested in seeing the heathland in bloom, mid-August to mid-September is ideal, especially around areas like Koninginnepad, Terhorsterzand, which has extensive heathland.
Are there facilities like cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, some lakes offer amenities. Recreatieplas Schoonhoven has a beach pavilion with a large terrace. De Zwarte Dennen features a snack stand. Strand Nijstad includes a pavilion with a restaurant and a waterside terrace, providing options for food and drinks.
Can I find accessible options for visitors with mobility needs?
While specific accessibility details vary, Oldemeijer Recreational Lake is noted as wheelchair accessible, suggesting it has features to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.
What makes Strand Nijstad a popular destination?
Strand Nijstad is popular due to its wide range of facilities and activities. This former sand extraction lake offers a swimming beach, water play equipment, a pavilion with a restaurant, a diving school, outdoor fitness, fishing spots, and beach volleyball courts. It's a versatile spot for a beach atmosphere in Drenthe, offering activities like canoeing, SUP, and archery tag.
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