Bargerveen Nature Reserve
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Bargerveen Nature Reserve

4.6
·1k reviews·Emmen, Netherlands

Explore one of the Netherlands' last intact raised bogs, a haven for rare wildlife, diverse flora, and integrated art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Birdsong and blooming heather

CrowdLow
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Bargerveen Nature Reserve

Bargerveen Nature Reserve

Best Time

Spring mornings

Birdsong and blooming heather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore one of the Netherlands' last intact raised bogs, a haven for rare wildlife, diverse flora, and integrated art.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"The most beautiful place in the Netherlands, offering hours of diverse exploration."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear waterproof boots

The peat bogs can be very wet! Waterproof footwear is essential for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for wind

Long stretches are exposed. Bring layers and a windbreaker, as conditions can change quickly. ☁️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,314 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intact Raised Bog

Intact Raised Bog

Central Bargerveen

Witness one of the Netherlands' last remaining, pristine raised bogs. A truly unique natural wonder.

Diverse Wildlife

Diverse Wildlife

Throughout the reserve

Spot rare birds, snakes, butterflies, and unique flora found nowhere else in the country.

Sheepfold & Cattle Stable

Sheepfold & Cattle Stable

South side of the moors

Observe large herds of sheep and cattle from special viewing platforms. A glimpse into traditional farming.

"Into Nature" Art Installation

"Into Nature" Art Installation

Various locations

Discover unique glassworks and sculptures integrated into the natural landscape, a legacy of the 'Into Nature' biennale.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

Bargerveen's unique peat bog landscape can be wet and exposed. Pack waterproof footwear and layers for unpredictable weather. Be prepared for long stretches without shade, especially if visiting on a windy day.

Plan Your Exploration

With trails ranging from 5k to 17k, choose a route that suits your fitness. Parking is available on both north and south sides, with the south offering a restaurant and sheepfold for a more complete experience.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Birdsong and blooming heather
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Butterflies and diverse flora
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn evenings
Why
Golden light on the bogs
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Afgelopen zaterdag weer een wandeling gehad voor de muskathlon 🥾🇺🇬 22km gelopen in Bargerveen. Prachtige omgeving en genoten van elkaar en de natuur#uganda #muskathlon #63km #wandelen #op1dag #iederkindtelt #strijdentegenonrecht #hiking #bargerveen #fup #fyp
@siemsreisnaaroeganda
6 likes • 1.9K views

Wear waterproof boots

The peat bogs can be very wet! Waterproof footwear is essential for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for wind

Long stretches are exposed. Bring layers and a windbreaker, as conditions can change quickly. ☁️

Bargerveen Nature Reserve #zoomnl #nfnl #oerdrenthe #rtvdrenthe #roegtv #bargerveen #drenthedoetwatmetje #bargerveen_natuurgebied #noorderland #drenthe #nederland_ontdekt #holland_naturelovers #holland_nederland #holland_photolovers #hollandnetherlands #netherlandstravel #netherlands🇳🇱 #thenetherlands #netherlands #oerdrenthe #dutch_photo_academy #naturephotography #natuurfotografienl #natuurfoto...
harrie54
47 likes • 264 views
‘Thousands a second a Year’. One of six glassworks exhibited at ‘Into Nature’ Biennale in summer and fall 2021 in Bargerveen: a peatfield nature reserve in Northern Netherlands. These glassworks are now acquired by @staatsbosbeheer and permanently installed around the Sheepfold/Schaapskooi at Bargerveen. The beautiful sheepfold was founded by shepherd Luuc Bos who sadly passed away shortly after t...
awoiska_vandermolen
1.1K likes • 11K views

Spot rare flora

Keep an eye out for the Great Sundew, a rare carnivorous plant found in this unique habitat. :seedling:

Explore art installations

Discover the 'Into Nature' glassworks permanently installed, adding an artistic dimension to the landscape. 🎨

Reebok, Bargerveen. #reeenfotografie #ree #reebok #reegeit #roedeer #bargerveen #bargerveen_natuurgebied #bargerveennaturereserve #chevreuil #sonyalpha #sonya7riii #sony200600 #wildlifephotography
janaukewolters
11 likes • 37 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear waterproof boots

The peat bogs can be very wet! Waterproof footwear is essential for comfortable exploration. :athletic_shoe:

Pack for wind

Long stretches are exposed. Bring layers and a windbreaker, as conditions can change quickly. ☁️

Spot rare flora

Keep an eye out for the Great Sundew, a rare carnivorous plant found in this unique habitat. :seedling:

Explore art installations

Discover the 'Into Nature' glassworks permanently installed, adding an artistic dimension to the landscape. 🎨

Visit the sheepfold

See the large herds of sheep and cattle from special viewing platforms on the south side. 🐑

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Bargerveen's unique and diverse landscapes, highlighting its status as one of the Netherlands' last intact raised bogs. The abundance of rare wildlife and flora, along with the integrated art installations, makes for a memorable experience. Some note the lack of cover in windy conditions and the potentially wet terrain.

"Beautiful location for walking or cycling tours.
Very diverse landscape with lots of different birds, snakes, butterflies, other animals and plants where certain species won't be found anywhere else in the country.
Longer and shorter hikes are possible from 5k to 12k and even up to 17k.
Long stretches though, are without cover in case there is a lot of wind.
Parking available on the North and south side of the moors.
On the south side of the moors, there's a large parking area, a restaurant and a sheepfold.
Also next to the sheep there's a large stable with cattle. Both can be visited by the public from special viewing platforms high above the animals."

JP

"The best place in the country to see an intact raised bog. Can be very wet tho. Also possible to find some very rare Great Sundew!"

Stein H

"It's in my opinion the most beautiful place in the Netherlands. You can walk for hours in a very diverse surrounding."

jan egbert De Jong

What People Like

Unique raised bog ecosystem
Diverse wildlife and flora
Art installations in nature

What People Dislike

Exposed to wind
Can be very wet

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Bargerveen Nature Reserve has parking available on both its north and south sides. The south side offers a larger parking area, a restaurant, and the sheepfold, making it a convenient starting point for many visitors. Reddit

Information on public transport access can be limited. It's recommended to check local bus schedules or consider driving for the most convenient access to the reserve's parking areas. Reddit

There are parking facilities on both the north and south sides. The south side is often preferred due to its proximity to amenities like a restaurant and the sheepfold. Reddit

Yes, Bargerveen is popular for cycling tours. The surrounding areas offer scenic routes, and you can often find cycling paths leading to the reserve. Instagram

The reserve is quite extensive. The main points of access with parking and amenities are typically referred to as the north and south sides of the moors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Bargerveen Nature Reserve is a natural area, and generally, there is no admission fee to enter and explore the trails. Enjoy the natural beauty freely! Reddit

As a nature reserve, Bargerveen is typically open from dawn till dusk. There are no set opening hours, allowing visitors to explore at their leisure. Reddit

Entry to the sheepfold and the surrounding natural areas is usually free. The restaurant at the south side will, of course, have its own operating hours and pricing for food and drinks. Reddit

The 'Into Nature' art installations, particularly the glassworks, are permanently installed and can be viewed as part of your visit to the reserve. Instagram

While not always advertised, local nature organizations or visitor centers might offer guided tours, especially during peak seasons. It's worth checking local tourism websites for current offerings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Bargerveen offers a variety of trails, with options for longer and shorter hikes ranging from 5k to 17k. The landscape is diverse, featuring heather and peat bogs. Reddit

Absolutely! Bargerveen is an excellent area for bird spotting, with diverse birdlife attracted to its unique wetland and heathland habitats. Reddit

You can encounter a wide array of wildlife, including various birds, snakes, butterflies, and unique plant species. It's known for its diverse ecosystem. Reddit

Yes, on the south side of the moors, there is a restaurant available. Restroom facilities may also be present near the main parking areas. Reddit

Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the terrain can be wet. Layers are recommended due to potential wind and changing weather conditions. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The expansive peat bogs, heather fields, and unique flora offer stunning photographic opportunities. Look for the interplay of light and landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset. Instagram

Wildlife photographers often focus on the diverse birdlife, as well as smaller creatures like snakes and butterflies. The roe deer are also a popular subject. Instagram

The 'Into Nature' glassworks, integrated into the landscape, provide unique and artistic subjects for photography. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm hues across the bogs and heather. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. Waterproof camera gear is advisable due to the damp environment. Instagram

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