Attractions and Places To See in Boswachterij Gees - Top 12

Boswachterij Gees is home to several distinctive natural features. The Mekelermeer in Boswachterij Gees is a significant pingoruin, one of the largest in Drenthe, recognizable as a round lake or fen. You can also explore the Hooge Stoep, a heathland on a cover sand ridge offering elevated views, and the meandering stream valley of the Geeserstroom, a vital habitat for marsh birds.

The Boswachterij is rich in wildlife. You might spot **Scottish Highlanders** grazing the heathlands. It's also a crucial breeding and resting ground for numerous marsh birds like the bittern, bluethroat, and various duck species. Lucky visitors could also encounter adders, grass snakes, deer, foxes, badgers, pine martens, great egrets, and even otters.

Yes, the Birdwatching viewpoint at Veenplas is an excellent spot to observe various bird species, including herons and spoonbills. The area around the Geeserstroom also provides a habitat for many marsh birds.

Yes, the area has a rich history. You can find several prehistoric burial mounds throughout the Boswachterij, particularly along its green routes. Archaeological finds along the Bergstukken, a side arm of the Geeserstroom, indicate ancient hunter settlements dating back to 12,000 BCE. Additionally, the ruins of Mottekasteel De Klinkenberg, a motte castle from 1225-1250, are situated on a four-meter-high mound.

Boswachterij Gees offers numerous well-maintained walking routes, catering to different preferences. You can find paths through open landscapes along the Geeserstroom, as well as trails winding through forests and heathlands. For more detailed options, explore the Hiking in Boswachterij Gees guide, which includes easy routes like the 'Viewpoint Over Het Ven – Bridge Over the Geeserstroom loop from Gees' (5.4 km).

Absolutely, the Boswachterij is popular for cycling. You'll find various routes, including the scenic Through the Forest trail, which offers a natural decor for cycling. For a comprehensive overview, check out the Cycling in Boswachterij Gees guide.

Yes, Boswachterij Gees also offers mountain biking opportunities. You can find various routes suitable for MTB. For specific trails and their details, refer to the MTB Trails in Boswachterij Gees guide.

Cyclists looking for a challenge might be interested in the Tilweg Cobblestone Section (Gees Forest). This short, straight, and bumpy cobblestone strip within the Geesbos is known from the 'Ronde van Drenthe' UCI road race. There's a hard-packed sandy stretch parallel to it if you prefer to avoid the cobbles.

Yes, Boswachterij Gees offers several family-friendly spots. The Mekelermeer in Boswachterij Gees is considered family-friendly, offering a nature reserve overlooking the water. The Birdwatching viewpoint at Veenplas is also a great option for families to enjoy nature and spot birds.

The Boswachterij offers beauty year-round. The heathlands, including Hooge Stoep, transform into a vibrant purple expanse during their bloom, typically in late summer (August/September), offering picturesque views. While beautiful, be aware that some areas, like the Bridge Over the Geeserstroom, can be very wet and less accessible in winter.

For beautiful panoramic views, head to the Hooge Stoep heathland, which is situated on a cover sand ridge and offers elevated perspectives over the surrounding countryside. The eastern side of Boswachterij Gees also provides lovely views over the fields due to its slightly higher elevation.

The Geeserstroom valley is a particularly beautiful and important natural feature. It's an impressively beautiful stream valley that managed to escape land consolidation efforts in the 1960s. The meandering stream provides a vital habitat for numerous marsh birds and has undergone restoration efforts to enhance its ecological value.