Drouwenerzand, Zwanemeer and Hemelrijk via Eexterweg

This is a long, low-relief loop through the Drenthe sand and heath landscapes, linking three standout nature areas—Drouwenerzand, Zwanemeer, and the Hemelrijk area—via quiet lanes and forest tracks. At around 48 km (29.8 mi) with roughly 200 m (656 ft) of total ascent, it’s physically “easy” in terms of steepness, but it’s still a full-day endurance walk because of the distance and the amount of time you’ll spend on softer sand and mixed surfaces.

Getting to the start (and what “near” likely means)

You didn’t include the exact start coordinates, but the route name “via Eexterweg” strongly suggests the start is near the road called Eexterweg in/near Gasselte or Gieten (both sit close to the Drouwenerzand–Zwanemeer–Hemelrijk cluster). The most practical “known landmark” start area for this hike is typically around Gasselte village / the N34 corridor, where multiple trailheads and parking areas serve Drouwenerzand and the surrounding reserves.

• By car: Aim for Gasselte (Drenthe) and look for signed parking for Drouwenerzand or nearby nature parking areas along local access roads. In this region, trailhead parking is usually small but well-marked with “P” signs and nature-area boards.
• By public transport: The easiest approach is usually train to Assen or Groningen, then a regional bus toward Gieten/Gasselte/Borger. From the nearest bus stop in Gasselte/Gieten, expect a short walk to Eexterweg and the first forest/sand tracks.
  If you share the start lon/lat, I can pin it to the nearest exact address or named car park and suggest the most efficient bus stop.

What to plan for: even though the elevation is modest, the route is long and can feel slower than expected—especially if you hit extended sandy stretches. A realistic moving pace for many hikers here is 4–5 km/h (2.5–3.1 mph), but sand can drop that.

Terrain underfoot and pacing

You’ll rotate through pine and mixed woodland, heath, drift-sand, and wetland edges. Expect: - Firm forest paths (fast, easy walking) - Sandy tracks (energy-sapping; gaiters can help keep sand out) - Heathland singletrack (narrow, sometimes muddy after rain) - Boardwalk/bridged sections near wetter areas (watch for slick wood in damp or frost)

With only about 200 m (656 ft) of gain spread across the day, the “climbs” are mostly gentle rises over old sand ridges and subtle undulations rather than hills. The main challenge is time on feet and foot care (hot spots from sand + long distance).

Drouwenerzand: drifting sand, heath, and big skies

Drouwenerzand is one of the classic Drenthe landscapes: open, pale sand patches and heath that feel surprisingly expansive for the Netherlands. The “drift sand” character comes from historical land use—centuries of grazing, sod-cutting, and wood harvesting reduced vegetation cover, allowing wind to mobilize sand. Today, conservation management keeps parts open to preserve that rare habitat.

What to expect here: - Open exposure: little shelter from wind or sun; in warm weather, this section can feel hotter and drier than the forest. - Navigation traps: multiple faint paths across sand and heath can braid and rejoin. Use HiiKER to confirm you’re on the intended line when the tread becomes indistinct. - Wildlife: look for heathland birds (skylark-like song overhead in season), dragonflies near wetter fringes, and roe deer at the forest edge early/late in the day. Reptiles such as common lizard may bask on sunny path edges in warmer months.

Distance-wise, many hikers will spend roughly the first 10–18 km (6–11 mi) moving between forest and open sand/heath mosaics depending on the exact loop alignment.

Zwanemeer: peatland feel and wetland edges

Zwanemeer is known for its wetter character—think boggy margins, reedbeds, and damp woodland transitions. Even in a generally “easy” hike, this is where footing can become the most variable: - After rain, expect soft ground and occasional standing water on low tracks. - In cooler months, shaded wet sections can hold ice longer than surrounding paths. - Mosquitoes and biting insects can be noticeable in still, warm conditions—pack repellent if you’re hiking late spring through early autumn.

This area is excellent for birdlife—listen for calls from cover and scan edges where open water or wet clearings appear. Keep noise low if you want better chances of sightings.

Hemelrijk and the forest-lake landscapes

“Hemelrijk” in this region is often associated with a mix of woodland, recreational water features, and sandy soils. The feel typically shifts back toward faster forest walking, with occasional open viewpoints across water or clearings. If your loop passes near recreational zones, you may encounter: - More day visitors and cyclists on shared paths - Occasional signposted detours or seasonal management closures (rare, but possible)

Because the route is long, this is a good place to plan a deliberate break—somewhere sheltered