Pieterpad Camino Trail: Pieterburen to Coevorden

Make your way to Baflo station where you will be picked up and transferred to the small village of Pieterburen. Settle into your accommodation and, if you arrive early, stretch your legs on an optional 10km/6.2mi loop towards the Wadden Sea dike. It’s a gentle introduction to the open landscapes that define this northern region.

After taking a few photos at the historic Pieterpad starting point in Pieterburen, you set off on your first steps along the Netherlands’ most famous long distance trail. Quiet country lanes and grassy farm tracks lead you through the wide open landscapes of the Groningen countryside, where traditional windmills punctuate the horizon and small villages seem unchanged by time. Passing through the historic mound village of Eenrum, you ease into the rhythm of the walk before continuing across peaceful farmland to Winsum, a canal lined village frequently voted one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Distance: 12km/7.5mi

Today’s route takes you through the Hogeland countryside with its canals, meadows and red-brick farmhouses. Cross narrow bridges, wander past tiny churches perched on mounds and follow waterside paths into the city of Groningen. Groningen is known for its historic architecture and relaxed canalside atmosphere. Despite its compact size, it has a vibrant café culture, excellent museums and a striking mix of old and new, from the medieval Martinitoren tower to the bold, modern Groninger Museum. With its pedestrian-friendly streets and welcoming feel, it’s an enjoyable place to explore. Distance:23km/14.3mi

Leaving the city behind, the landscape gradually becomes greener and more wooded. You’ll walk through parklands and along quiet rural paths as the terrain gently transitions from clay to sand. Zuidlaren is a pleasant Drenthe village with a relaxed rural feel. Distance: 21km/13mi

The scenery now shifts into the forests and heathlands of Drenthe. You’ll explore sections of the Drentsche Aa National Park, walking on sandy tracks through woodland and open heath. Along the way, keep an eye out for ancient dolmens and burial mounds that reflect the region’s long history. Distance: 18km/11mi

Continue through peaceful woodland and quiet countryside within the UNESCO Geopark Hondsrug. It is home to the Netherlands’ largest concentration of prehistoric dolmens, ancient burial mounds and traditional Saxon villages, making it a fascinating place where geology, archaeology and nature come together. The walking remains mostly gentle, with subtle undulations. Distance:18km/11mi

A longer but rewarding day, following forest tracks, heathland paths and open farmland. Traditional Saxon farmhouses dot the landscape, and the sense of space returns as you approach the charming village of Sleen. The village is home to a distinctive 15th-century church, historic Saxon farmhouses and welcoming cafés. Distance: 24km/15mi