At Bockholter Dose, the observation tower offers views across the raised bog landscape, as well as the chance to observe numerous bird species. Together with moorland paths, forest and horse-riding routes of varying lengths, Vrees has a strong connection to nature and horse riding. When planning your visit, you can decide whether you mainly want to explore the moorland and information boards or choose a designated route on foot or horseback.
Moorland and Trails in Vrees
The Vreeser Wiesen lowland bog and the Bockholter Dose raised bog are part of the Bockholter Dose nature reserve. Both provide habitats for many plants and animals. An observation tower about ten metres high at Bockholter Dose offers views across the raised bog landscape and opportunities to observe numerous bird species. The views and nature-watching here offer a different focus from the information boards at Vreeser Wiesen.
The boards there cover bog plants and animals, beekeeping, landscape management with sheep, and the protection of meadow birds. Two wooden shelters beside the information boards provide places for a picnic. A boardwalk runs across Vreeser Wiesen, bordered by heather and purple moor grass. This lets you learn about the landscape through its habitats and how they are managed, rather than focusing your visit solely on a viewpoint.
For a hike, the Dosenmoortour leads from Vrees through the Bockholter Dose nature reserve. The route is about 15 kilometres long. Another option for exploring the landscape is the Eleonorenwald forest: most of it lies within the municipality of Vrees and it is used for cycling, hiking and horse riding. The Eleonorenwald in Vrees is also one of the destinations on the Emsland Route.
Bridleways and Activities
Horse-riding activities in Vrees can start at the Mimameid Emsland riding station, with guided or independent rides. The station offers overnight accommodation, as well as paddocks, horse stalls, an open stable and an indoor riding arena. Before travelling, check the establishment’s packages and the conditions on the trails.
The three bridleways described differ in length and route. The Plingenberger Steine bridleway is 6.6 to 8.4 kilometres long and runs through forest. A continuation to Plingenberger Steine and along the sand pit is optional. The Herzogsbusch bridleway is 9.8 kilometres long and follows mulched sandy paths through the forest and along its edge. The Queckenberg Route is 18.6 kilometres long; after 6.7 kilometres, there is a shelter beside the trail. This makes Queckenberg the longest route listed, while the Plingenberger Steine route has an optional extension.
Local Heritage House and Accommodation
The Heimathaus Vrees is a historic half-timbered building that opened as a local heritage house in 1992. Celebrations and events can be booked there, including musical performances and kale dinners. As the events programme may change, it is worth checking specific dates before your trip.
Motorhome travellers will find six pitches at the SchĂĽtzenplatz in Vrees, about 500 metres from the town centre. Information about this facility may change; check the details before travelling. If you are looking for accommodation, you can also consider whether nature and hiking trails, horse-riding activities or a motorhome trip will be the main focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Dohren, Dörpen, Bawinkel, Holthausen, Esterwegen, Lingen, Dersum, Emsbüren.
Back to the main travel overview: Emsland.
