Emmen, Zwartemeer, Klazienaveen

Bargerveen is the only remaining piece of the once vast Bourtangerveen, and fortunately this part has been beautifully preserved. It is best known for the presence of a population of vipers, as well as the very rare smooth snake found here. The best time to spot these animals is in August and September. For those less interested in snakes, the Bargerveen also offers an abundance of unusual breeding birds, plants and peat moss.

Along the Cycle route, you will also pass several interesting stops that are worth taking a look at. For example, the Veenpark, where you can discover history and learn stories from the past. It is the only place in the Netherlands where peat is still cut. Besides Dutch culture, you can also experience Tibetan culture along the way, as you cycle past the Museum of Contemporary Tibetan Art. Here you will find an impressive collection of contemporary and more traditional, classical art objects.

Emmen, also known as the ‘open, green city’, has a rich history. People lived in Drenthe long before the era, and this also applies to where you cycle through Emmen today. The town originated in 1139 as the court of Emne, and archaeological finds confirm that a settlement had been established at this location before that time. Even Neanderthals walked this land.