Dolmen walk Odoorn to Valthe

Starting point

From Odoorn you climb onto the Hondsrug, the long sand ridge that runs straight across Drenthe. The path barely rises, yet you sense you are on higher, drier ground: this is where the first farmers chose to settle thousands of years ago.

Along the way

You pass dolmen D32 north of Odoorn, a burial monument of heavy glacial boulders raised here by the funnel beaker people. The stones still lie exactly as they were, ringed by wood and heath. Further on the route runs through the Valthe wood, where pine and broadleaf alternate.

Highlight

Near Valthe the landscape opens onto old fields and tree banks — the classic esdorp landscape of the Hondsrug. From the clearings you look far across the flat land; only clusters of trees and the odd church tower break the horizon.

The way back

The loop back to Odoorn follows sand paths and field edges. In spring you see many meadow birds here; in autumn the oaks and beeches along the banks turn a warm orange.

Good to know

• A little longer and more varied; fairly flat but with loose sand paths.
• Dogs may join on a leash; tread gently at the dolmens themselves.
• Bring water — there are few facilities along the way.
• The dolmens are protected; please do not climb on them.

From De Oringer Marke

The walk starts in Odoorn itself, a stone's throw from De Oringer Marke. Back at the hotel you can pull off your boots and let the day wind down quietly at the bar.