The valley system of the Drentsche Aa received the status of Geological Monument on July 10. The unveiling took place at the Deurzerdiep in the municipality of Aa and Hunze, with the presence of councilor Ivo Berghuis and deputy Henk Jumelet.

Unique Place in Landscape and History

The Drentsche Aa is one of the best-preserved valley systems in Western Europe. A valley system is a combination of different water flows with the surrounding landscape. The Drentsche Aa region on the Hondsrug is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the Netherlands. The majority of the Drentsche Aa area falls under the National Park Drentsche Aa and the Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark. Part of the area is under the Nature Network Netherlands (NNN) and is also a Natura 2000 area, providing extra protection. Deputy Henk Jumelet: “The Drentsche Aa is a landscape full of life and stories. Everyone is welcome to come and experience it for themselves. By designating the valley system of the Drentsche Aa as a Geological Monument, we show how special the soil beneath our feet is. This deserves attention and protection.”

What Does This Status Mean?

Geological Monuments are components that tell something about the geological history of an area influenced by ice, wind, and water. By designating and unveiling Geological Monuments, the province of Drenthe wants to introduce everyone to the rich history of the Drentse soil. There are now fourteen Geological Monuments in Drenthe. Councilor Ivo Berghuis: “The valley system of the Drentsche Aa is one of the best-preserved valley systems in Western Europe. And one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the Netherlands. An area where living, working, and (sustainable) recreation go hand in hand even today. An area we want to treat carefully. Therefore, it is good to inform visitors about the special character of this geological monument.”

Route of Geological Monument Valley System Drentsche Aa

From the “House of the Drentsche Aa/ Bistro Aa” in Deurze, a walking route of 2.3 kilometers has been developed that runs along the Geological Monument. The route also goes along the Deurzerdiep, part of the valley system Drentsche Aa. The route is part of the Walking Junction Network and was created in collaboration with IVN, Geopark De Hondsrug, National Park Drentsche Aa, Landscape Management Drenthe, Recreation Board Drenthe, municipality of Aa and Hunze, and province of Drenthe.

Searching and Puzzling in the Summer Vacation

For primary school students, there is an extra discovery tour this summer: a Philippine puzzle along the walking route, developed by the province of Drenthe in collaboration with the UNESCO Global Geopark De Hondsrug. The puzzle connects to what can be seen along the way and will be available from July 14 to August 25, 2025, at Bistro Aa. After solving the puzzle, a reward follows. A coin for an ice cream that can be redeemed at Bistro Aa within the same period.