Ter Apel walking route
Winter is the ideal season for a brisk walk in the woods. The area around Ter Apel is home to the oldest forests in our province. Walk along the Ruiten Aa through a winding, wet and colourful stream valley. The history of this region has left its mark; the route takes you past various historic sites. Discover the stories behind the buildings on this walk through Westerwolde.
A landscape steeped in history
From the Schotslaan, where one of Ter Apel’s three Jewish cemeteries is situated, you can walk to the former potato flour factory. This factory played an important role in the region during the twentieth century. Farmers sold their potato harvest to the factory, and many residents of Ter Apel found employment there. The landscape still bears witness to the factory’s influence; just look at the canal and the railway line that were built for the factory. Between walking junctions 14 and 25, you’ll walk past the old drainage fields of the potato flour factory.
Most of this route runs through the woods of Ter Apel. These ancient woods date back to the year 800, so you can see some remarkable plants all around you. For example, this wood is the only place in the Netherlands where you can still find the stone bramble. If you look closely, you’ll also spot plenty of different birds. Woodpeckers, kingfishers, red-backed shrikes, stonechats and grey wagtails, for example. So be sure to bring your binoculars.
