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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.
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Day 1
Arrive Baflo Train Station, transfer to Pieterburen
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
Day 2
Begin at the iconic starting marker in Pieterburen and walk to Winsum (3hrs)
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
Day 3
Walk along quiet canals to Groningen (5-6hrs)
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
Day 4
Follow forest trails to Zuidlaren (5-5.5hrs)
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
Day 5
Walk across heathlands and Saxon farms to Rolde (4.5hrs)
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
Day 6
Walk through the Drentsche Aa National Park to Schoonloo (4.5hrs)
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
Day 7
Explore forest tracks and ice age landscapes to Sleen (6hrs)
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
Day 8
Walk past traditional villages to the historic castle town of Coevorden (5-5.5hrs)
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
Day 9
Trip concludes
Arrangements end after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
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.
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.
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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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