Walking through historic areas
Walk amongst the ferns
Opposite the Appelbergen pavilion, you can walk straight into the woods. The yellow posts help you find your way. At the start of the route, these guide you to the left-hand side of the nature reserve. Walk through the dense woodland and see how the many ferns catch the sunbeams shining through the canopy. After a short distance, you’ll reach more open ground, where blackberry bushes are busy bearing fruit and brightly coloured flowers are in bloom.
Looking out over a rustic little lake
Further on, you can see the first sand drift. As this rugged land has never been cultivated, the sand has had free rein for years to form sand dunes with the help of the wind. A little further on, you’ll reach the second clearing: a rustic little lake where time seems to stand still. To your left, you’ll find a wooden bench from which you can look out over the water. A lovely spot to take a break. After a tasty sandwich and a drink, you’ll head back into the woods.
From woodland to open countryside
The further you walk, the more varied the landscapes become. One moment you’re walking through dense greenery; the next, you’re strolling along historic sandy tracks. The deep ruts in the sand are medieval cart tracks – a nod to the past. For centuries, carts travelling between Groningen and Coevorden stripped all the vegetation from the sand. The wind carried the sand to form the sand dunes mentioned earlier. If you continue along this historic trade route, you’ll reach a marshy area. But don’t worry – your feet will stay dry, thankfully.
“ ‘The view opens up; you leave the forest behind you for a moment’ ”
Prehistoric vistas
The view opens up; you leave the forest behind you for a moment. To your left are the meadows, to your right the marsh. After walking a loop around the marshy area, you’ll arrive at a small, deep crater lake in the centre. This is a pingo ruin, a remnant of the Ice Age. Underground ice pushed the ground upwards. When the ice melted, craters filled with water were formed.
Back to square one
The last part of the route runs through dense greenery again. The yellow posts lead you to the end point of the route: paviljoen Appelbergen. Place for a hot chocolate with whipped cream, apple pie or coffee to-go. If you walked the route with children, a large playground awaits them to let off steam once more. You can take a break.
