4.4
(3672)
22,744
hikers
42
hikes
Urban hiking trails in Hijkerveld traverse expansive heathlands, which are often grazed by sheep and cows, contributing to the area's natural character. The terrain offers a diverse experience, ranging from open plains to areas with trees, and includes natural ponds that enhance the scenic beauty. A notable feature is the Diependal Bird Hide, providing opportunities for wildlife observation.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4
hikers
3.92km
00:59
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
4.34km
01:06
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
9
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
3.71km
00:56
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Nice big cow, appropriate for the company.
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Spacious free parking at the swimming pool and the animal meadow.
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Nice animal meadow with many different animals.
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In 1945, the initiative was taken to raise money to erect a monument for the 73 war victims from the municipality of Beilen. The commission was awarded to the Arnhem sculptor Fri Heil, it was her second war monument. She made a bronze male figure, which is placed against a boulder. In 1948, she showed her design at an exhibition for Gelderland art in Arnhem. The large stone was found during excavation work near the Linthorst Homankanaal.[2] On 31 August 1950, the unveiling took place at the cemetery on the Torenlaan. The chairman of the founding committee, former mayor Henk Wytema, described the male figure in his speech as an ordinary Drenthe boy, with his hands pointing backwards, because he knows he is supported by a granite faith. The wife of Queen's Commissioner R.H. de Vos of Steenwijk unveiled the monument.[3] In August 2013, the statue's right arm was broken off by vandals.[4] The arm was later found and the monument could be restored. During the National Remembrance Day, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place every year.
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History The first church was founded on this site as a Catholic church in the tenth century and was dedicated to Willibrord, the first bishop of Utrecht. The current church is a single-nave Gothic building that took on its present form around 1400. At the time, it was one of the six mother churches of Drenthe and, as a "dingspilkerk" (church), also served as the seat of justice. Dingspilkerk The Stefanuskerk (St. Stephen's Church) is one of the six "dingspil" churches in Drenthe, the oldest ecclesiastical foundations in the province. The church is centrally located along the then existing north-south and east-west corridors and likely originated as a chapel for passing travelers. On behalf of the Bishop of Utrecht, lord of Drenthe since the mid-11th century, justice was administered three times a year in the "dingspil" churches. Once every four years, the bishop himself also came to Drenthe for this purpose and sat in the "seendstoel" (seed chair) to deliver judgment. The church of Beilen was owned by the bishop, and he gave his income from that church, the "Valkengeld," as a kind of subsidy to other churches under construction. These churches were also allowed to determine who would become the village pastor. Eventually, the monastery in Ruinen, later Dikninge Abbey in De Wijk, received this income through the church of Steenwijk (1206/1207). After that, services in Beilen were led by priest-monks from the monastery. Around 1415, the monastery also acquired a farmstead in Beilen, as accommodation for visiting priests. This "costeryen-huys" (costery house) had been built by villagers and was therefore sometimes used as a village inn, which in turn led to conflicts. After the great village fire of August 8, 1820, Beilen no longer has an old parsonage with archives, but fortunately the church was preserved. This is a reminder of the old village, which has completely disappeared, and its ties with Dikninge Abbey.
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The current Stephen's Church as it now stands in front of you was built around 1400. However, before that, in the 10th century, a first church had already been founded here.
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Hijkerveld offers a good selection of urban hiking trails, with over 40 routes to explore. These trails provide a great way to experience the unique blend of natural beauty and local charm within the area.
Urban hikes in Hijkerveld primarily lead through expansive heathlands, which are often grazed by sheep and cows, creating a rugged yet idyllic setting. You'll find a network of paths winding through this unique environment, often featuring natural ponds and diverse terrain from open plains to areas with trees.
Yes, Hijkerveld is an excellent destination for easy urban walks. The vast majority of the trails, 34 out of 40, are rated as easy. For example, the Drie Bijlen Sculpture – St. Stephen's Church Beilen loop from Beilen is an easy 5.3 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing.
The urban hiking trails in Hijkerveld are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.36 stars from over 2,100 reviews. Hikers often praise the serene heathland scenery and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks.
Along your urban hikes, you can discover several interesting points. The Diependal Bird Hide offers unique opportunities for birdwatching. You might also encounter historical sites like the Barrows at Hijkerveld or the charming Sheepfold 't Hijkerveld.
Yes, Hijkerveld offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly birdwatching. The Diependal Bird Hide is a notable attraction where you can spot a wide array of water and marsh birds, including various grebes, garganeys, and even ospreys during autumn.
Many natural areas in the Netherlands, including parts of Hijkerveld, have specific rules regarding dogs, especially due to grazing animals and wildlife protection. It's always best to check local signage or the specific trail information for the most up-to-date dog policies before heading out.
Absolutely! Given the prevalence of easy trails and relatively flat terrain, many urban hikes in Hijkerveld are very suitable for families. Routes like the Zwembad De Peppel Parking Lot – Girl With The Little Birds loop from Beilen are short and manageable, making them ideal for walks with children.
Parking is generally available near trailheads and popular access points in and around Hijkerveld. For example, the Zwembad De Peppel Parking Lot is a known starting point for one of the urban loops, suggesting convenient parking in that area.
While Hijkerveld is primarily a natural area, nearby towns like Beilen, which serve as starting points for several urban hikes, are typically accessible by public transport. It's advisable to check local bus schedules to plan your journey to the trailheads.
Hijkerveld offers a pleasant hiking experience throughout the year. Spring brings fresh greenery, while summer showcases the heathlands in full bloom. Autumn provides beautiful colors, and even winter can offer crisp, quiet walks. The best time depends on your preference for scenery and weather.
While the trails themselves are in a natural setting, the urban context means that nearby towns like Beilen offer amenities such as cafes and restaurants where you can refuel before or after your hike.
The urban hikes in Hijkerveld vary in length, but many are designed for shorter outings. For instance, the Girl With The Little Birds loop from Beilen takes approximately 45-50 minutes to complete, while others might extend to about 1.5 hours, offering flexible options for different schedules.


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