Boswachterij Hooghalen via Melkwegpad

Getting to the Trailhead

The Boswachterij Hooghalen via Melkwegpad hike begins at the Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork, located at Oosthalen 8, 9414 TG Hooghalen. For those traveling by car, ample parking is available at this address. If you're using public transportation, you can take a train to Assen Station. From there, regional taxis are available to transport you directly to the Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork. ([drentscheaa.nl](https://www.drentscheaa.nl/algemene-onderdelen/secundaire-navigatie/english/where-shall-we-start/?utm_source=openai))

Trail Overview

This approximately 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) loop trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. With virtually no elevation gain, it's accessible to hikers of all levels. The route is well-maintained and suitable for families, including those with strollers or wheelchairs.

The Melkwegpad Experience

Starting from the Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork, the trail leads you onto the Melkwegpad, a fascinating educational path that represents a scale model of our solar system. As you walk, you'll encounter informative panels about each planet, spaced proportionally to their actual distances in space. This setup provides a tangible sense of the vastness of our solar system. Along the way, interactive exhibits allow you to engage with concepts like gravity and sound transmission, making it an engaging experience for both children and adults. ([beninbeeld.nl](https://beninbeeld.nl/melkwegpad/?utm_source=openai))

Historical Significance: Kamp Westerbork

Approximately halfway through the hike, you'll arrive at the site of the former Kamp Westerbork. During World War II, this camp served as a transit point where over 100,000 Jews, Roma, and Sinti were deported to concentration camps. Today, the site features a memorial with 102,000 stones, each representing a life lost. Visitors can explore remnants of the camp, including the commandant's house and reconstructed barracks, offering a poignant reminder of the past. ([marianwandelt.nl](https://marianwandelt.nl/wandelroute-melkwegpad-kamp-westerbork-bospad-5-km/?utm_source=openai))

Radiosterrenwacht and the WSRT

Adjacent to the former camp, you'll encounter the Westerbork Synthese Radio Telescoop (WSRT), consisting of 14 parabolic antennas. These telescopes are part of the Radiosterrenwacht and play a crucial role in astronomical research. The presence of these structures adds a unique scientific dimension to your hike. ([staatsbosbeheer.nl](https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/routes/hart-van-drenthe/wandelroute-melkwegpad?utm_source=openai))

Natural Beauty: Hingsteveen and the Bospad

Continuing on the trail, you'll traverse the Hingsteveen area, characterized by serene forests and open heathlands. The path includes a scenic boardwalk over wetlands, offering opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. The return journey via the Bospad takes you through dense woodlands, providing a peaceful conclusion to your hike. ([marianwandelt.nl](https://marianwandelt.nl/wandelroute-melkwegpad-kamp-westerbork-bospad-5-km/?utm_source=openai))

Trail Navigation

While the trail is not marked with colored signs, it follows well-defined paths. To ensure a smooth experience, consider using the HiiKER app for detailed maps and navigation assistance.

Additional Tips

- Amenities: Restrooms and a café are available at the Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork.

- Accessibility: The trail's flat terrain and paved sections make it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

- Pets: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, especially near the memorial sites.

- Respect: Given the historical significance of Kamp Westerbork, visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful demeanor while on the premises.

Embarking on the Boswachterij Hooghalen via Melkwegpad hike offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Drenthe while reflecting on significant historical events.