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1
introductory
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 8 nights hotel / guesthouse
Meals
  • 8 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£1110 GBP

9 Days£1054GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: NLP

Trip highlights

  • Explore historic villages such as Winsum, Eenrum and Sleen
  • Discover Drentsche Aa National Park and UNESCO Geopark Hondsrug
  • Pass windmills, traditional Saxon farmhouses, dolmens and ancient burial mounds
  • Experience the wide, open clay landscapes of Groningen and the sandy forests of Drenthe

The Pieterpad is the Netherlands’ most famous long distance walking trail, stretching roughly 500km/311mi from the northern village of Pieterburen to Sint-Pietersberg near Maastricht in the south. It was created in the late 1970s by two Dutch friends, Toos Goorhuis-Tjalsma and Bertje Jens, who wanted to design a continuous walking route that would cross the entire country while avoiding busy roads. The first section opened in 1983, and the trail gradually expanded into a complete north to south journey linking quiet farmland, forests, heathlands, river valleys and historic villages. Today it is the Netherlands’ best known walking route, maintained by the Pieterpad Foundation and walked by thousands each year, offering a rewarding way to experience the country’s changing landscapes and local culture on foot.

Beginning in the small northern village of Pieterburen, this opening section of the Pieterpad leads you south to Coevorden through the wide open landscapes of the Netherlands’ rural north. You walk across expansive farmland, past quiet canals and through historic villages before reaching the sandy soils and wooded landscapes of Drenthe. Along the way you can explore the vibrant university city of Groningen, walk through the natural beauty of Drentsche Aa National Park and the UNESCO Global Geopark Hondsrug, and encounter traditional windmills, Saxon farmhouses, ancient dolmens and prehistoric burial mounds that reveal the region’s long history. With comfortable accommodation and luggage transfers arranged, you are free to enjoy the walking and take in the ever changing scenery at your own pace.

Countries:

The Netherlands

Starting Point:

Pieterburen

Finishing Point:

Coevorden

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your way to Baflo station where you will be picked up and transferred to the small village of Pieterburen. Settle into your accommodation and, if you arrive early, stretch your legs on an optional 10km/6.2mi loop towards the Wadden Sea dike. It’s a gentle introduction to the open landscapes that define this northern region.

Meals:  Nil

After taking a few photos at the historic Pieterpad starting point in Pieterburen, you set off on your first steps along the Netherlands’ most famous long distance trail. Quiet country lanes and grassy farm tracks lead you through the wide open landscapes of the Groningen countryside, where traditional windmills punctuate the horizon and small villages seem unchanged by time. Passing through the historic mound village of Eenrum, you ease into the rhythm of the walk before continuing across peaceful farmland to Winsum, a canal lined village frequently voted one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Meals:  B

Today’s route takes you through the Hogeland countryside with its canals, meadows and red-brick farmhouses. Cross narrow bridges, wander past tiny churches perched on mounds and follow waterside paths into the city of Groningen. Groningen is known for its historic architecture and relaxed canalside atmosphere. Despite its compact size, it has a vibrant café culture, excellent museums and a striking mix of old and new, from the medieval Martinitoren tower to the bold, modern Groninger Museum. With its pedestrian-friendly streets and welcoming feel, it’s an enjoyable place to explore. Distance:23km/14.3mi

Meals:  B

Leaving the city behind, the landscape gradually becomes greener and more wooded. You’ll walk through parklands and along quiet rural paths as the terrain gently transitions from clay to sand. Zuidlaren is a pleasant Drenthe village with a relaxed rural feel. Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals:  B

The scenery now shifts into the forests and heathlands of Drenthe. You’ll explore sections of the Drentsche Aa National Park, walking on sandy tracks through woodland and open heath. Along the way, keep an eye out for ancient dolmens and burial mounds that reflect the region’s long history. Distance: 18km/11mi

Meals:  B

Continue through peaceful woodland and quiet countryside within the UNESCO Geopark Hondsrug. It is home to the Netherlands’ largest concentration of prehistoric dolmens, ancient burial mounds and traditional Saxon villages, making it a fascinating place where geology, archaeology and nature come together. The walking remains mostly gentle, with subtle undulations. Distance:18km/11mi

Meals:  B

A longer but rewarding day, following forest tracks, heathland paths and open farmland. Traditional Saxon farmhouses dot the landscape, and the sense of space returns as you approach the charming village of Sleen. The village is home to a distinctive 15th-century church, historic Saxon farmhouses and welcoming cafés. Distance: 24km/15mi

Meals:  B

Your final stage leads you through quiet rural scenery towards the historic town of Coevorden, a small town close to the German border. Once an important fortified stronghold, it is known for its well-preserved star-shaped fortress layout and central castle, which still anchors the town today. With its canals, compact centre and relaxed atmosphere, Coevorden offers a satisfying and scenic end point to the northern section of the Pieterpad trail. Distance: 21km/13mi

Meals:  B

Arrangements end after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 8 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices.
  • 8 nights in hotels or B&B's on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Transfer from Baflo Train Station to Pieterburen
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps & GPX tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 15kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Baflo Train Station and from Coevorden
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide – this is a self guided walking trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers, taxis or trains
  • Excess luggage
  • Hotel taxes may apply - these are payable locally and range from €1-€3 per person per night
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Hotels & B&B's

Accommodation for 8 nights is in a combination of hotels & countryside B&B's. Rooms have ensuite facilities and some may also have a restaurant or bar.

Trail Surface

Walking Path

Starting in the wide landscapes of Groningen, you follow dikes, farm tracks and quiet country lanes through pastures, grain fields and traditional mound villages. The scenery gradually changes to the sandy soils of Drenthe, where walking trails wind through forests, heathlands and nature reserves. Expect mostly flat to gently rolling terrain, with occasional sandy paths, heath-covered fields and woodland tracks.

Suitability

introductory

1

GRADE 1 - daily walks are around 4 - 6 hours and between 12 and 24km/7.4 and 14.9mi. The trail is well defined and is typically flat, taking in the wide pan-flat plains of the north. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

Departure dates

Daily 1 Jan to 31 Dec

Notes

DN1
Walking in winter is possible, though you need to be mindful of shorter days, potential snow conditions, cold temperatures and changeable weather.

Priceper person from

£1054GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Lunch package: days 2 - 8GBP£80
  • Single supplementGBP£600
  • Solo traveller supplementGBP£640
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.