Dwingelderveld

Dwingelderveld: the largest wet heathland in the Netherlands

Dwingelderveld in Drenthe is no ordinary heath. At more than 3,700 hectares, it is the largest unbroken wet heathland in the Netherlands. That means open plains, pools, peat pits and a quiet that you rarely find anywhere else. For landscape photographers it is a place that rewards you time and again, as long as you know when to visit and where to look.

August: the heather bloom is the highlight

The period between mid-August and early September is the most popular time to visit. The heather turns purple-pink, and when the light is low, in the early morning hours or just before sunset, the area takes on something almost magical. A wide-angle lens on a tripod with the horizon low in the frame works well: it conveys the vast scale. But a longer focal length, around 85mm or 135mm, helps you isolate the sheep flock that regularly moves through the area against the blooming background. The flocks are not guaranteed, but the chance of encountering them is real.

Autumn: mushrooms and mist

After the bloom, the character of the area changes. In September and October, mushrooms appear along the edges of the pools and on the mossy borders between the heather clumps. For macro photography this is an excellent period. Bring a macro lens and work from low down, lying on the ground. Morning dew makes mushrooms considerably more interesting. The chance of mist is also greater in autumn, and low mist above the pools is one of the most beautiful phenomena you can capture here.

Practical

You can park at the Benderse on the edge of the village of Ruinen. From the car park you have direct access to the area. Dwingelderveld is a Nationaal Park and falls under Natura 2000 protection. Drones are not permitted without an exemption from Staatsbosbeheer. Dogs must be kept on a lead. In summer, around the heather bloom, it can get busy even on weekdays. At weekends, starting early, before eight o'clock, is well worth the effort. The terrain has unpaved paths, so sturdy shoes are more practical than trainers.

Sources and further reading

• Nationaal Park Dwingelderveld (officiële site)
• Staatsbosbeheer - Dwingelderveld
• Nationaal Park Nederland - Dwingelderveld