Dwingelderveld National Park
Ruinen, Netherlands
One of the largest wet heathlands in Western Europe, with sheep flocks, small lakes and forest edges, crossed by walking and cycling routes. Visit in late summer for the purple heather bloom.
Dwingelderveld National Park in south-western Drenthe covers about 3,700 hectares. Most of it is wet heathland, along with peat bogs, marshes and a few sand drifts. The park also holds the largest juniper thicket in the Netherlands. Two shepherds graze flocks of the endangered Drenthe heath sheep here, of which only about 100 animals remained in the 1970s.
Hiking trails, cycling routes totalling about 30 kilometres, and bridle paths open up the area. From the observation hides you can watch birds such as cranes and woodpeckers. The visitor centres in Ruinen and Spier provide information on routes and guided tours. The heather blooms in late summer, usually in August and September. Allow half a day to a full day for a bike ride or hike.
- Nearest town
- Ruinen, Netherlands
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 52.8000, 6.4000
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Netherlands: No motorway tolls for cars. 100 km/h on motorways between 6:00 and 19:00.
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camperparc Stee in LheeMotorhome stopover3 km from Dwingelderveld National Park · 84 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- BoerdamCampsite7 km from Dwingelderveld National Park · 42 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Mini-camping TerhorstCampsite9 km from Dwingelderveld National ParkTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- De TolCampsite10 km from Dwingelderveld National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping MidzomerCampsite10 km from Dwingelderveld National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Puur NatuurlijkCampsite17 km from Dwingelderveld National Park · 18 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Netherlands · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Dwingelderveld National Park?
Dwingelderveld National Park is in Ruinen, Netherlands, at GPS 52.8000, 6.4000. It is about 23 km from Giethoorn.
Can you camp near Dwingelderveld National Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is De Wiltzangh, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 244 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Dwingelderveld National Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Giethoorn (23 km), Seal Centre Pieterburen (67 km), Hindeloopen (69 km) and Paleis Het Loo (70 km).
When is the best time to visit Dwingelderveld National Park?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)