Attractions and Places To See in Boswachterij Exloo - Top 12
Best attractions and places to see in Boswachterij Exloo include a diverse landscape of dense forests, expansive heathlands, and shifting sand drifts. This region, situated on the Hondsrug in Drenthe, Netherlands, features both natural beauty and historical landmarks. It offers a variety of sites for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in prehistoric history.
Best attractions and places to see in Boswachterij Exloo
- The most popular attraction is Glacier pit Ees, a natural monument that is an oval or round depression in the landscape, colloquially known as a 'glacier pit'. This dry pingo ruin formed during the last ice age when ice pushed up hills, leaving a crater.
- Another must-see spot is Crooked Trees in Stormbos, a forest area featuring uniquely shaped trees. It offers varied terrain for hikers.
- Visitors also love Dolmen D30, a historical site that is a megalithic tomb attributed to the Funnelbeaker culture. Excavations revealed pottery fragments and human bone remains within its burial vault.
- Boswachterij Exloo is known for historical landmarks, unique natural features, and diverse landscapes. The region offers a mix of ancient burial sites, geological formations, and extensive forest and heathland areas.
- The attractions in Boswachterij Exloo are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 230 upvotes and 40 photos shared.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Dolmen D30
Highlight • Historical Site
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Glacier pit Ees
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Cobblestone section Voorbosweg
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
At 3.6 kilometres (2.2 miles), it's no walk in the park. It is a ride in the forest however... a bumpy one. Except for the last part (or the first if you enter it from the north), that's a bumpy ride in the fields! Anyway, prepare for a bumpy ride and you're good to go!
P.s. There's a sharp rim in the middle of the one corner in this section. Go easy on that one and lift up. I didn't and it broke my saddle, yikes!
Do you like cobbles / keien like these?
Visit my special Komoot collection on the Drentse keien with all cobbled streets of Drenthe and a special 'ultimate cobbled route' through Drenthe "Hell of the North"
komoot.nl/collection/919731/-de-ware-hel-van-het-noorden-drentse-keien
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Crooked Trees in Stormbos
Highlight • Forest
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Boswachterij Exloo
Highlight • Forest
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Tips from the Community
Boswachterij Exloo is a vast nature reserve on the Hondsrug, with dense forests, heathlands and sand drifts. This Drenthe landscape offers a network of hiking and cycling trails where nature lovers can enjoy the peace, varied nature and characteristic Scottish Highlanders that graze here. Perfect for an active day outside in a typical Dutch landscape.
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It's definitely even more beautiful when the heather blooms in August/September.
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This dolmen is attributed to the Funnelbeaker culture, the collective name of a number of communities that lived in this area in the New Stone Age. It is perhaps no surprise that the pottery consisted mainly of funnel beakers. Evidence has been found that pottery containing remains of the funeral meal was buried in the grave. The serifs of dozens of pots have been found in the burial vault of dolmen D30, which was located at a depth of one meter.
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Here in front of you you see an oval/round depression in the field. Colloquially, this dry pingo ruin is also called a 'glacier pit'. And that is not without reason. Pingo ruins are the remains of a so-called pingo, a hill that was created by pushing ice during the last ice age (about 20,000 years ago). When this ice melted, a crater filled with water remained, which then became filled with peat. In some places, however, the craters remained dry because the bottom consisted of coarse sand in which water could not remain. The pingo ruin near Ees is such an example.
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Such a terribly cool piece of unspoiled nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Boswachterij Exloo?
Boswachterij Exloo is rich in diverse natural landscapes. You can discover the unique Glacier pit Ees, a dry pingo ruin formed during the last ice age. The area also features alternating landscapes of dense forests, expansive heathlands, and shifting sand drifts. Don't miss the Crooked Trees in Stormbos, known for their uniquely shaped appearance.
What historical landmarks can I visit in Boswachterij Exloo?
The region is home to several significant historical sites. A must-see is Dolmen D30, a megalithic tomb from the Funnelbeaker culture where pottery fragments and human remains were found. Other notable landmarks include The Seven Mounds, an ancient burial site, the historical Markesteen (Boundary Stone), the Buinerkeet shelter, and the American Plane Monument commemorating a WWII crash.
Are there family-friendly activities in Boswachterij Exloo?
Yes, Boswachterij Exloo offers several family-friendly options. Many natural attractions like the Glacier pit Ees and Crooked Trees in Stormbos are suitable for all ages. The extensive network of walking and cycling paths is perfect for family outings, and children might enjoy spotting the Scottish Highlanders grazing in the heathlands.
Can I bring my dog to Boswachterij Exloo?
Yes, Boswachterij Exloo is dog-friendly. There are several large off-leash areas where dogs can roam freely, provided they are well-behaved and do not disturb wildlife. Always ensure your dog is under control, especially near grazing animals or in areas with sensitive wildlife.
What kind of hiking trails are available in Boswachterij Exloo?
Boswachterij Exloo boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. Popular options include the 'Knopenrondje Exloo' and the 'Monumentenroute.' For more detailed hiking routes, you can explore guides like the Attractions and Places To See in Boswachterij Exloo guide on komoot.
Are there cycling opportunities in Boswachterij Exloo?
Absolutely. The gently rolling landscape of Boswachterij Exloo is ideal for cycling. You'll find numerous cycling paths, including routes like the 'Knopenrondje Exloo' and the 'Monumentenroute.' For specific gravel biking, road cycling, or mountain biking routes, check out komoot's dedicated guides such as Gravel biking in Boswachterij Exloo, Road Cycling Routes in Boswachterij Exloo, and MTB Trails in Boswachterij Exloo.
When is the best time to visit Boswachterij Exloo?
Boswachterij Exloo is beautiful year-round, but many visitors find late summer (August/September) particularly appealing when the heather blooms, adding vibrant purple hues to the landscape. This is especially true for areas around the Glacier pit Ees. Autumn also offers stunning scenery with changing leaf colors in the forests.
What can I expect to see in the village of Exloo?
The village of Exloo itself is charming and worth exploring. It features old oak and linden trees framing its edges and a traditional sheepfold. Each morning, a shepherd leads a flock of Drenthe heath sheep to the Molenveld, a unique local tradition to observe.
Are there places to rest or eat within Boswachterij Exloo?
Yes, you can find spots to rest. The Oude Schaapskooi (Old Sheepfold) is an ideal spot for taking a break or having a picnic. While there might not be many formal dining options directly within the forestry, the nearby village of Exloo offers cafes and restaurants.
Where can I park when visiting Boswachterij Exloo?
Parking is generally available at various entry points to the forestry. For instance, Dolmen D30 is easily accessible by car, with parking nearby. Look for designated parking areas at trailheads or near major attractions.
Can I see any specific wildlife in Boswachterij Exloo?
Yes, one of the characteristic sights in Boswachterij Exloo is the presence of Scottish Highlanders. These distinctive cattle graze in the area, contributing to the natural charm and helping maintain the heathlands. Keep an eye out for them during your visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about Boswachterij Exloo?
Visitors frequently praise the varied nature, from dense forests to open heathlands and sand drifts, and the extensive network of hiking and cycling trails. The historical significance of sites like Dolmen D30 and the unique geological formation of the Glacier pit Ees are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the tranquility and the opportunity for active recreation in a beautiful Dutch landscape.
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