Paterswolde brings together designed landscapes, local history and activities on the water. The Landgoederen Paterswolde nature area includes De Braak, Vennebroek and De Duinen; Friese Veen is also nearby. When planning your visit, it makes a difference whether you are particularly interested in historic landscape design, a place of remembrance, cycling or observing nature.

Parkland and Local History

The park woodland at Landgoed De Braak was designed in the landscape style around 1825 by landscape architect Roodbaard. The Parkbosroute on this estate is 2.52 km long. This gives anyone who likes to plan outings around a specific route length a clear point of reference. Its date, designer and style also make De Braak a focal point for anyone interested in the history of its design as well as the landscape itself. Vennebroek and De Duinen are also part of the Landgoederen Paterswolde nature area.

A memorial and a distinctive building offer further insights into local history. The “De Duinen” monument in Paterswolde was erected in memory of Herman (Hans) van Hessen, a Jewish person in hiding. Huis Schelfhorst in Paterswolde is a residential tower surrounded by a moat. The monument and the striking architectural form represent different themes: remembrance on the one hand, architecture on the other. This allows you to look beyond Paterswolde’s parkland and nature and explore its local history as well.

Paths and Leisure at Paterswoldsemeer

Paterswoldsemeer has a sunbathing lawn, a small sandy beach for swimming and a designated bathing jetty. Leisure facilities may change over time. If sunbathing or swimming is important to your visit, check the latest information in advance. The area by and around the lake also has numerous walking and cycling paths. You can focus on getting around on foot or by bike, or set aside some time by the water.

For cyclists, the Fietsroute Paterswoldsemeer has several named highlights: a fish passage, vissenbossen, the newly laid Woudzandpad and natural shorelines. These features are associated with the water management project completed in 2025. Another named cycling route is the Fietsroute De Onlanden. It starts at Kijkboerderij 't Hoge veld on Helmerdijk in Paterswolde. The two routes therefore offer different specific points of reference for planning a ride: one with its highlights at Paterswoldsemeer, the other with a stated starting point in Paterswolde.

Nature Watching at Friese Veen

Those who want to make nature watching the focus of their visit will find Friese Veen near Paterswolde. The area consists of swamp woodland, reed beds and open water. From a birdwatching hide, you can enjoy views of the area and get a good look at the cormorant colony. Friese Veen therefore offers a different nature experience from the designed parkland of De Braak: here, wetlands and birdwatching take centre stage.

There is parking along Hoofdweg at the entrance to Friese Veen in Paterswolde, near house number 266 (9765 CM). If travelling by bus, get off in Paterswolde at the Noordwijk or Vennerstraat stops. This information can help you choose how to get to the nature area; bus travellers can plan their journey using the appropriate stop.

Discover more destinations: Vries, Zuidlaren, Midlaren, Eelde, Zeegse, Tynaarlo, Eelderwolde.

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