Woldmeenthepad and Onderduikers Weg

Starting from the outskirts of Steenwijk, a charming town in the Dutch province of Overijssel, this 16 km (about 10 miles) loop hike offers a gentle, flat walk through the heart of the Woldmeenthe nature reserve and along the evocatively named Onderduikers Weg, or “Path of the People in Hiding.” With virtually no elevation gain, this route is accessible to hikers of all abilities and is especially suitable for those seeking a peaceful day in nature with a touch of history.

Getting There
Steenwijk is well-connected by train, with direct services from major cities like Zwolle and Leeuwarden. The trailhead is a short walk from Steenwijk railway station, making public transport the most convenient option. For those arriving by car, parking is available near the station and at several points on the edge of the Woldmeenthe reserve.

Nature and Wildlife
The Woldmeenthe is a mosaic of meadows, woodlands, and wetlands, shaped by centuries of peat extraction and agricultural use. Early in the hike, you’ll pass through open fields where lapwings and curlews nest in spring. The woodlands are home to roe deer, foxes, and a variety of songbirds. In wetter sections, look for frogs and dragonflies flitting among the reeds. The landscape is especially vibrant in late spring and early summer, when wildflowers carpet the meadows.

Historical Significance: Onderduikers Weg
Around the halfway mark, the trail joins the Onderduikers Weg, a path with deep historical resonance. During World War II, this area was a refuge for people hiding from Nazi persecution—so-called “onderduikers.” Discreet farmhouses and hidden bunkers provided shelter, and the path itself was used to move between safe houses. Interpretive signs along the route share stories of courage and resilience, and a small memorial near the 8 km (5 mile) point invites quiet reflection.

Trail Navigation and Facilities
The route is well-marked, but for added confidence, use HiiKER to follow the trail and locate points of interest. There are several benches and picnic spots along the way, particularly near the forest edges and watercourses. Public toilets and cafes can be found in Steenwijk at the start and end of the hike, but facilities are limited once you’re on the trail, so plan accordingly.

Points of Interest
- At approximately 3 km (1.9 miles), the trail skirts the edge of the De Woldberg, a low wooded hill offering panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. - Near the 10 km (6.2 mile) mark, you’ll pass a restored WWII-era bunker, now part of a small open-air museum. - The final stretch leads through tranquil farmland dotted with traditional Dutch windmills and grazing sheep, before returning to Steenwijk.

This hike is ideal for those interested in both natural beauty and the poignant history of the Dutch resistance. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths make it accessible year-round, though waterproof footwear is recommended in wetter months due to occasional muddy patches.