The best traffic-free bike rides in Hijkerveld

Hijkerveld offers a wide selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails, with over 45 routes available for exploration. These range from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

The gravel trails in Hijkerveld traverse a diverse landscape, including expansive dry and wet heathlands, serene marshes, numerous ponds (vennen), and remnants of ancient peat bogs. You'll also ride through tranquil forest edges and encounter old cart tracks, providing a constantly changing and scenic backdrop.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in Hijkerveld, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Riders often praise the area's tranquility, the diverse natural scenery, and the opportunity to spot wildlife like the Schoonebeker heath sheep and Scottish Highlanders that roam freely.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Hijkerveld are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Veen Bridge Drentsche Aa – Oranjekanaal loop from Hooghalen is an easy 32 km option, perfect for a scenic ride without retracing your steps.

Hijkerveld's trails offer access to several unique attractions. You can visit the Diependal Bird Hide for unparalleled birdwatching, explore the ancient Barrows at Hijkerveld, or observe the traditional grazing practices at the Sheepfold 't Hijkerveld. The entire Hijkerveld Nature Reserve itself is a highlight.

Absolutely! Hijkerveld offers 16 easy-rated routes, making it a great destination for families. The generally quiet nature of the area and the varied terrain provide an enjoyable and safe experience for riders of different ages and skill levels. Consider routes like the Veen Bridge Drentsche Aa – Oranjekanaal loop from Hooghalen for a pleasant family outing.

Dogs are generally welcome in Hijkerveld, but it's crucial to keep them on a leash, especially due to the free-roaming Schoonebeker heath sheep and Scottish Highlanders that graze the heathlands. This ensures the safety of both your pet and the livestock.

There are several parking options available. A popular starting point with parking facilities is near the Sheepfold 't Hijkerveld, which also serves as an excellent base to begin your ride and observe the sheep herd.

While Hijkerveld is best accessed by car, you can reach nearby towns like Hooghalen or Beilen by public transport. From there, you might need to cycle a short distance to reach the main trailheads. Check local bus schedules for connections to these villages.

Hijkerveld is beautiful year-round, but the spring and autumn months offer particularly pleasant conditions for gravel biking, with mild temperatures and vibrant natural colors. While summer is also popular, certain spots might see more activity. Winter can be serene, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy conditions.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a greater challenge, Hijkerveld offers several difficult-rated routes. The De Strubben-Kniphorstbos – Veen Bridge Drentsche Aa loop from Smilde, at nearly 97 km, provides an extensive and demanding ride through varied landscapes.

Absolutely! Hijkerveld is a prime location for birdwatching. Many gravel routes pass close to the Diependal Bird Hide, renowned for sightings of rare species like the red-necked grebe, as well as eared grebes, bitterns, and even ospreys in autumn. It's an ideal spot to pause your ride and observe the rich avian life.