Sleen, Orvelte, Odoorn

Curious about what else there is to discover in central Drenthe? Then this is your route. Starting in Sleen, you cycle through the typical Drenthe cultural landscape towards Zweeloo. Nowhere do nature and culture go hand in hand so visibly as in the small-scale, rolling, Drenthe country estates and villages.

Via the authentic lane on the Paardelandsedrift you drive to the archetypal village of Orvelte. This is where the remains of a mammoth were found in the Oranjekanaal in 2009. Cars are not allowed in this nostalgic museum village, but there is a horse-drawn tram. Here you can imagine yourself in a distant past between the sawmill, smithy, clog makers, grutter shop, workshops and galleries. But it is also home to the Jan Kruis Museum.

When you've seen enough in Orvelte, hop back on your bike and cross the Oranjekanaal. Via the Orvelterzand and forestry Schuurlo to Schoonoord and the open-air museum, and via forestry Odoorn and once again the typical Drenthe countryside back to Sleen. Here you can round off the day with a snack and a drink...