The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Hijkerveld

Hijkerveld offers a great selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with over a dozen routes specifically curated for families. These range from easy strolls to moderately challenging walks, ensuring there's something for every family's pace and preference.

Hijkerveld is renowned for its diverse natural landscapes. Families can expect to explore expansive heathlands, which are particularly beautiful when the heather is in bloom, as well as tranquil woodlands like the Kortewegsbos. The area also features fens and peat remnants, offering a varied and authentic Drenthe experience.

Hijkerveld is ideal for families due to its well-preserved natural environment, diverse wildlife, and historical elements. The trails are generally accessible, with many easy options, and the chance to spot the famous sheep herd or explore ancient burial mounds adds an exciting educational element for children.

The family-friendly trails in Hijkerveld are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.37 stars from over 3,200 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the beautiful heathland views, and the opportunities to observe wildlife, making it a favorite for outdoor family adventures.

Absolutely! Hijkerveld is a fantastic place for wildlife spotting. Families can often encounter the large herd of Schoonebeker heath sheep and Scottish Highlanders grazing the heath. The Diependal Bird Sanctuary is a haven for various marsh and water birds, and lucky hikers might even spot badgers or sand lizards.

Yes, encountering the Hijkerveld sheep herd is one of the highlights for many families. The herd of Schoonebeker heath sheep helps maintain the heathland. You can often see them grazing, especially near the Sheepfold 't Hijkerveld. A great route to experience this is the Bench with a View of the Heath – Hijkerveld Sheep Herd loop from Hooghalen.

Hijkerveld is rich in history. Families can explore remnants of prehistoric fields, known as 'Celtic fields,' and ancient burial mounds from the Iron Age, Bronze Age, and Neolithic periods. The Barrows at Hijkerveld are a notable historical site to visit along the trails.

Yes, Hijkerveld offers several easy routes perfect for families with young children or those using strollers. While many trails are unpaved, there are accessible paths suitable for shorter walks. For a pleasant, easy walk, consider the Nature of Hijkerveld – Sprookjesbos Nature Reserve loop from Hijkerveld.

Many of the family-friendly trails in Hijkerveld are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for families as it offers a continuous journey through the landscape. The ANWB Paddenstoel 22918/001 – Hijkerveld Heathland loop from Hijkerveld is a great example of an easy circular hike.

Hijkerveld is beautiful year-round, but the late summer (August/September) is particularly stunning when the heathlands are in full bloom with purple heather. Spring offers fresh greenery and newborn lambs, while autumn brings vibrant colors. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can vary.

The trails in Hijkerveld are mostly unpaved, winding through heathlands, woodlands, and sandy paths. While many are relatively flat and easy, some sections can be uneven. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes, especially for longer routes, to ensure comfort and stability for the whole family.

For families looking for a longer adventure, Hijkerveld also offers moderate routes that provide a good challenge without being overly strenuous. The Hijkerveld Information Board – Beautiful Tree loop from Oranje is a fantastic option, covering over 11 km through varied scenery.