Pieterpad: Stage 2, Coevorden to Vorden

Travel to Coevorden station on your own and check in at your accommodation. If you still have energy after traveling, definitely take a walk through the park. 

Leaving Coevorden, known as the ‘goose city,’ you step into the serene beauty of the Poort van Drenthe, a striking natural gateway marked by an impressive stone artwork. Crossing from Drenthe into the province of Overijssel, the trail follows the tranquil valley of the Overijsselse Vecht river, a lifeline for the region’s rich landscapes.

In Gramsbergen, take a moment to admire the charming historic center, where beautifully restored houses line the streets, and the bronze statue of the ‘Pieterpad’ walkers pays tribute to those who traverse this famous route. The journey continues through the hamlet of Ane and the England Forest, a lush woodland nestled in an ancient meander of the Vecht. Finally, you reach Hardenberg, a peaceful riverside town where you can relax and reflect on the day's walk.

On the trail, first walk along the 'Molengoot', an old course of the river Vecht, where the landscape tells stories of the river’s past. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Rheezermaten, a protected nature reserve where wetlands and meadows create a haven for wildlife.

Then visit the beautiful village of Rheeze, its history stretching back to the Middle Ages. This well-preserved village offers a glimpse into the past with its traditional Saxon farmhouses and picturesque setting.

Continue through the peaceful Hardenberg forest, where shaded paths lead you along the banks of the rivers Vecht and Beneden-Regge. The route takes you over the scenic Junne estate, with its rolling fields and ancient woodlands, before reaching the lively town of Ommen, where the day's walk ends with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of charm.

The Pieterpad continues through the Vecht and Beneden-Regge basins, a hilly part of Overijssel. This is evident from the Ommerland watchtower at the top the Besthemerberg (112 ft). Climb the tower and enjoy the beautiful view over the Vecht valley! Other Dutch 'mountains' on the route include the Archemerberg (256 ft) and the adjacent Lemelerberg (144 ft). In this undulating landscape, pass the 'Fat Stone' boulder and walk along the juniper bushes on the Lemelerberg. Admire the monumental 'Lion' in Park 1813 and reach Hellendoorn via the wooded Eelerberg estate. 

Today, traverse the Sallandse Heuvelrug, a striking moraine stretching from Ommen to Holten. This is Overijssel at its highest, where rolling hills are blanketed by vast forests and sweeping heathlands, offering a landscape unlike any other in the Netherlands.

Following the path over the Hellendoornse Berg, head towards 't Ravijn, where you can admire the intriguing 'Stardust' artwork, installed as a tribute to a brief yet fascinating gold rush that once took place here.

Take a moment to reflect at the solemn Twilhaar forced labor camp monument, a powerful reminder of history hidden within these peaceful surroundings. Continue your walk, taking in breathtaking panoramas from the summits of Haarlerberg and Holterberg. The journey then leads through the serene Noetselenberg estate, before reaching the welcoming village of Holten, where your day's adventure concludes.

Leave Holten behind and step into the charming hamlet of Beuseberg, situated on the outskirts of the Overijsselse moraine. Follow a majestic beech-lined lane near the tranquil Schipbeek brook, crossing its waters to enter Gelderland’s Achterhoek, a region known for its picturesque farmsteads and rolling countryside.

Along the way, make time for a visit to the exquisite Verwolde Manor, an elegant estate surrounded by lush gardens and home to a delightful tea garden, perfect for a restful pause. Here, you'll also find the legendary 'Dikke Boom' (Fat Tree), the largest oak tree in the Netherlands, a silent witness to centuries of history.

Continuing on, just before reaching Laren, you'll pass by De Binnenhof, a distinguished 18th-century rectory that was later expanded into a graceful 19th-century villa. This historic landmark adds yet another layer of charm to this scenic and culturally rich journey.

The day begins with a peaceful walk through Groot Dochteren, a charming hamlet known for its scattered farmsteads and serene countryside. Crossing both the Twente Canal and the Berkel River, you’ll make your way toward the Velhorst Estate, where a stunning viewpoint offers sweeping vistas over the tranquil Kienveen nature reserve.

Continue your journey through a vast expanse of heathland, where towering conifer forests—planted in the early 20th century—create an enchanting woodland atmosphere. As you walk, the landscape gradually reveals the grandeur of Het Enzerinck, a stately neoclassical manor built in 1826, standing proudly amidst its elegant surroundings.

Your destination today is Vorden, but if time and energy permit, consider a short detour to the magnificent Hanseatic city of Zutphen, just a quick 9-minute train ride away. Its medieval charm, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere make it well worth the visit!

After breakfast, this part of the Pieterpad ends here for you.  

Accommodation on Our Trips

Our adventures feature a variety of accommodations, depending on the location and the type of trip you choose. We carefully select each property, ensuring it is well situated along the route and locally run, so that you receive a warm welcome and enjoy a comfortable, authentic experience.

Your comfort is a priority throughout your travels. Most of our trips include stays in friendly, independent, or family-run hotels, guest houses, and B&Bs. Each accommodation is chosen for its charm, cleanliness, and those personal touches that make you feel at home. Some trips offer more elevated stays that feel like a special treat, while others may include simpler options, such as mountain refuges, particularly in remote areas.

Classic Hotels – Comfort with Character

Most of our trips combine a variety of accommodation styles to suit the route and location. You will typically stay in charming, locally owned B&Bs, guest houses, inns, and small hotels that offer a warm welcome and comfortable surroundings. These properties often feature extra touches such as distinctive regional character, leisure facilities, or renowned local cuisine.

All accommodations feature private ensuite bathrooms unless otherwise specifically noted for mountain huts, refuges, and pilgrim hostels.

On some mountain adventures and selected pilgrimage routes, the experience may also include more basic accommodation, such as mountain huts, refuges, or pilgrim hostels, where ensuite rooms are not always available and shared bathrooms or dormitory-style accommodation may be part of the experience.

While simpler in style, these accommodations are often rich in atmosphere and camaraderie, providing an authentic connection with fellow travellers and the places you visit.

The Pieterpad is a long-distance walk suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness and a love for slow travel. The route is non-technical, with well-marked paths through varied landscapes—rolling hills in the south, forests, heathlands, and river valleys. There are no extreme elevations, making it accessible to most walkers, but some daily distances can be long, requiring endurance. Weather conditions, especially in winter, may add some challenge. If you enjoy discovering hidden corners of the Netherlands at a relaxed pace, this could be the perfect journey for you!