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Pieterpad Camino Trail: Pieterburen to Coevorden

Forest paths on Pieterpad Trail in Holland

Canal walking between Pieterburen and Winsum

Pieterpad Trail

Walking into the village of Winsum

Forest paths on Pieterpad Trail in Holland

Canal walking between Pieterburen and Winsum

Pieterpad Trail

Walking into the village of Winsum

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Duration

9 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

8 nights hotel / guesthouse

Meals

8 Breakfasts

Price

$1520USD

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.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

Itinerary

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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

Meals: B

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

Meals: B

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

Meals: B

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

Meals: B

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

Meals: B

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

Meals: B

Day 9
Trip concludes

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

What's not included

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.

Grading

introductory

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.

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Priceper person from

$1520USD

Options & Supplements*

Lunch package: days 2 - 8USD$110
Single supplementUSD$890
Solo traveller supplementUSD$950

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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