The Boslounge Visitor Center

The Boslounge is a visitor centre and starting point for exploring Dwingelderveld National Park in the Dutch province of Drenthe. It is located at Spier, near Dwingeloo, on the edge of woodland where the national park begins, and it works as a simple gateway: a place to pick up information, find the trailheads, have a coffee and decide which route to take. It is a practical stop more than a sight, but it sets the tone for a day in one of the Netherlands' best known heathland areas.

Dwingelderveld is frequently described as the largest wet heathland in Western Europe, and its landscape is a patchwork of heather, pools, peat, woods and meadows. The heath is an old cultural landscape, kept open by sheep grazing and management, and it is at its most spectacular in late summer, when the heather blooms in purple. The area is rich in wildlife: you may see grazing sheep, dragonflies over the pools, and a range of birds including woodlarks, nightjars and cranes. Cattle and ponies also help to keep parts of the heath open.

The network of marked paths for hiking and cycling begins close to the Boslounge, and the surroundings offer routes of different lengths for families, casual walkers and more energetic cyclists. The flat ground makes cycling easy, and there is a tradition of cycling holidays in Drenthe. Information about flora, fauna and routes can normally be had at the centre, and a route map is the first thing to look for. Refreshments are usually available, although the facilities and hours of a small centre vary with the season.

The national park also has prehistoric traces, as is typical for Drenthe, where megalithic tombs known as hunebedden are found. The area has a reputation for dark and quiet nights as well, which makes it a good choice for those who enjoy stargazing in the evening. Kringloop de Siepel, a second-hand shop, is also in the area for anyone who likes browsing for bargains.

The Boslounge suits hikers, cyclists, families and nature lovers who want an easy introduction to the park. Come in spring for birdsong, late summer for the heather and autumn for mist over the pools, and bring walking shoes, a windproof layer and insect repellent in summer.