On Friday, 14 November, the first themed cycling route ‘Traces from the Second World War’ was officially opened by Deputy Willemien Meeuwissen (Province of Drenthe), Alderman Frank Foreman (Municipality of Westerveld), and Director Dick Dijkstra (Recreational Board Drenthe). The route was developed because in 2025 we celebrate that it has been 80 years since the Netherlands was liberated and the Second World War ended.
The route runs through Southwest Drenthe, through the villages of Diever, Holtinge, Darp, Havelterberg, Kallenkote, Wapserveen, Vledder, Doldersum, and Wateren. Along wooded areas, monuments, and hiding places for people in hiding, cyclists encounter locations that remind them of the Second World War. Think of a watchtower where resistance fighters kept an eye on the surroundings, or a hiding place deep in the forest.
Cycling with Meaning
The themed route is intended not only to let visitors cycle but also to pause and reflect on the stories of the past. “There is still much war heritage to be found in Westerveld. We want these places to remain visible, accessible, and experiential. For residents and visitors, to keep the memory alive,” said Alderman Frank Foreman.
Stories Along the Way
Although the route was previously available digitally, it is now also equipped with signage in the field. Moreover, the route is included on https://www.drenthe.nl and can be optimally experienced via the free DrentheRoutes app. Users of the app automatically see short videos at various locations.
Bringing History and Recreation Together
“Through this route, we bring history and recreation together in a way that resonates,” said Director Dick Dijkstra. “This shows that Drenthe is not only beautiful but also has a deeply rooted story to tell.”
“Cycling along historical sites makes the past tangible. Especially in Drenthe, where stories still lie in the landscape, this route uniquely combines recreation and remembrance,” said Deputy Willemien Meeuwissen. “As a province, we like to invest in initiatives that add meaning to the experience of Drenthe.”
First of Three Themed Routes
‘Traces from the Second World War’ is the first of a total of three planned themed cycling routes in Drenthe. Currently, work is underway on a second route between Assen and Norg, and later a third section between Nieuwlande and Coevorden will follow.
The development of the routes is a collaboration between the Province of Drenthe, the municipalities of Westerveld, Assen, Noordenveld, Tynaarlo, Hoogeveen, Coevorden, Midden-Drenthe, and Recreational Board Drenthe.
Ready to Go? Heres How It Works!
The cycling route is freely accessible and can be followed in multiple ways: via signage in the field, on www.drenthe.nl (refers to another website), and with the free DrentheRoutes app (available in the App Store & Google Play). With the help of the app, the route gains an extra dimension. At specific locations, short videos, historical images, and personal stories from the past automatically appear.
