Gevangenis and Trippelenberg Loop

Starting from the outskirts of Veenhuizen, a village in the Drenthe province of the Netherlands, the Gevangenis and Trippelenberg Loop offers a gentle 12 km (about 7.5 miles) circuit with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. The trailhead is conveniently located near the historic Veenhuizen Prison Museum, a well-known landmark that also serves as a reminder of the area’s unique past as a former penal colony.

Getting There

For those arriving by public transport, the nearest major train station is Assen. From Assen, local buses run regularly to Veenhuizen, with stops close to the Prison Museum. If driving, parking is available at or near the museum, which is easily accessible via the N919 road.

Trail Experience and Navigation

The loop meanders through a landscape shaped by centuries of human intervention, with broad, flat paths that are well-marked and suitable for families or those seeking a relaxed walk. The route is best navigated using the HiiKER app, which provides up-to-date trail maps and waypoints to ensure you stay on course, especially at junctions where smaller paths branch off.

Landmarks and Points of Interest

- Veenhuizen Prison Museum (Start/Finish, 0 km/0 miles): The trail begins at this museum, housed in one of the original 19th-century prison buildings. The museum tells the story of Veenhuizen’s transformation from a remote colony for the poor and criminal to a modern village. - Historic Colony Buildings (1–3 km/0.6–1.8 miles): Early in the hike, you’ll pass several monumental buildings, including former staff houses and administrative offices, many of which are now private residences or small museums. - Trippelenberg Forest (4–7 km/2.5–4.3 miles): The route enters a tranquil woodland area, home to native birdlife such as woodpeckers and owls. The forest floor is carpeted with moss and ferns, and deer are occasionally spotted at dawn or dusk. - Open Fields and Canals (7–10 km/4.3–6.2 miles): The trail emerges into open farmland, with wide views across the Drenthe countryside. Canals and drainage ditches, remnants of the area’s agricultural history, line the fields and attract herons and storks. - Return to Veenhuizen (10–12 km/6.2–7.5 miles): The final stretch brings you back toward the village, passing the striking domed church and the old prison cemetery, both of which are reminders of the area’s layered history.

Nature and Wildlife

The flat terrain and mix of forest, meadow, and water habitats support a variety of wildlife. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom along the trail, and butterflies are abundant. The area is also known for its population of roe deer and the occasional fox. Birdwatchers will appreciate the diversity of species, especially near the watercourses.

Historical Significance

Veenhuizen’s origins as a 19th-century reform colony are evident throughout the hike. Established as part of a social experiment to rehabilitate the poor and criminal through agricultural labor, the village and its surroundings are now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the original colony buildings remain, offering a glimpse into a unique chapter of Dutch history.

Trail Preparation

With a total distance of 12 km (7.5 miles) and no significant elevation gain, the loop is suitable for most fitness levels. The paths are mostly gravel or packed earth, and can become muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended. There are several benches and picnic spots along the way, but limited facilities once you leave the village, so bring water and snacks. The route is open year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.

For navigation, download the route on HiiKER before setting out, as mobile signal can be patchy in the forested sections.