Woods, heaths and drift sands - you will find it all in the Dwingelderveld National Park. The Dwingelose Heide and Kraloëerheide are located in this vast nature reserve, the largest continuous wet heath in Northwestern Europe. The Dwingelderveld National Park is perfect for walking and getting a breath of fresh air. 

Getting a breath of fresh air
The wet heath in this national park has a distinctive character, particularly between June and September when the heather blooms pink and purple. You will find lakes and pools in the lower-lying plains, which are extremely important for the plants and animals that live here. Take a look around the Davidsplassen lakes or the Drostenveen and you will discover many species of unusual animals. 

Drifting sand
Sheep used to graze on the heath in the past, sometimes in herds of more than 8,000! This intensive grazing resulted in bare areas, which then became drifting sand. An example of this is the Lheebroekzand. It can get pretty rough here when the wind crops up! 

Bird-watching cabin
Do you want to avoid scaring the birds? A bird-watching cabin is located near the Davidsplassen. Take along your binoculars and quietly wait until you see a pintail or black-necked grebe fly by. 

Sheep pens
The heath is maintained by grazing sheep. In the evening, two shepherds bring the herds back to a sheep pen on the Benderse and another one in Achter 't Zaand. A sight you certainly shouldn’t miss! 

Visitor's center
Would you like to know more about the nature found in Dwingelderveld National Park? Take a look around the Visitor's Center. You will learn all about the plants and animals and about the history of the area. Particularly interesting are the butterfly and herbgarden and the bee shed. When approaching the Visitor's Center, make sure you take a look at the roof. This covered roof blooms in springtime, and turns red from the succulents in the fall.