Schoonloo, Orvelte, Emmen

Two friends, Toos and Bertje devised and walked the Pieterpad between 1978 and 1983. A long-distance walking route (500 km) from Pieterburen in northern Groningen to Sint-Pietersberg in southern Limburg in 26 stages that are easily accessible by public transport and where you can stay overnight. The scenery along the way is hugely varied, but equally beautiful everywhere.

Where you can walk, you can also cycle, and we wouldn't be Fietsnetwerk if we didn't set out some great cycling tours for you inspired by the Pieterpad. We made 14 routes totalling almost 1,300 km along all the places on the Pieterpad. We did make circles of them so that you always return to your starting point. This section takes you from Schoonloo to Emmen.

On the way, you cycle through the lush forest of Schoonloo and nature reserve Het Hart van Drenthe. Hop off for a short walk through the monumental village of Orvelte and visit the sheepfold and the Iron Age farm. The Sleenerzand is also a nature reserve with a history dating back to prehistory.

Dolmen, a cosy farm shop and the Ellert and Brammert open-air museum will let you immerse yourself further in the story and taste of this region. Moreover, you will pass by the Ceramic Gardens, where you can stroll through a giant garden to admire the various sculptures.

At junction 19 northwest of Emmen, you can take it on to junction 16 and move on to the next Pieterpad stage: from Emmen to Coevorden!