Het Witte Veen
The heath and forest area Witte Veen is located between Buurse and the German border. In the middle of the area there are still the old border posts made of Bentheimer sandstone from the 18th century.
It used to be a large, wild bog area as well as a well-known smuggling route between the Netherlands and Germany. Later it was excavated for agricultural purposes. Today, Natuurmonumenten and German nature managers are restoring the natural character of the raised bog.
For the beautiful circular walk you have to cross the border. The hiking trail starts at the parking lot of restaurant and water mill de Haarmühle. In about two hours you stroll through a beautiful nature reserve with rough grasslands, pools, heathland, forest and raised bog. In spring you can hear the tree frog. In the fields grow bell gentian, bog puff, one-eared woolly grass and lavender heather.
Scottish Highlanders
The White Bog was once a vast bog area where farmers grazed sheep. The peat was excavated, reclaimed and converted into agricultural land. Natuurmonumenten now maintains a large part of the area. The aim is to restore the old character wherever possible. Highland cattle have kept the area open for a long time, providing variation in plant growth. Pools and ditches have been dug to stop the decline of amphibians. With success: the number of tree frogs has already increased. Meanwhile, the iconic Scottish Highlanders have disappeared from the White Bog, but there is a chance you may encounter beautiful Hereford cows in the area.
Hiking/Biking/Excursion
Hiking and cycling routes are available at Toerist Information Point Haaksbergen.
Click here for more information about the Witte Veen