Exloo/Odoorn
Exloo and Odoorn are charming villages in Drenthe that offer you a perfect combination of nature, culture and tranquility: Exloo: Ideal for nature lovers, with beautiful heathlands, forests and the UNESCO Geopark De Hondsrug. Visit the sheep herd or take advantage of the extensive hiking and biking trails. Odoorn: Known for its authentic village character, historic farms and dolmens in the area. The village is close to the wooded Odoornerzand, a beautiful nature reserve.
Both villages offer an authentic Drenthe atmosphere, perfect base for a relaxing day.
.
the history of Exloo/Odoorn
Exloo and Odoorn have a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with traces of early habitation and an agricultural past:
Exloo: This Esdorp originated around the Middle Ages and is known for its fertile ash land. The presence of dolmens in the area indicates habitation in prehistoric times. The village grew as a center for agriculture and shepherding, which can still be seen in the traditional brink and sheep flock.
Odoorn: One of the oldest villages in Drenthe, with archaeological finds indicating early settlement. The village flourished in the Middle Ages as an agricultural community. The nearby dolmens and the Odoorner sand bear witness to centuries of human activity in harmony with nature.
Both villages reflect the rich agricultural and prehistoric heritage of Drenthe.
Tourist activities
Sheepfold Exloo: An authentic sheepfold where you can see the Drenthe Heath Sheep, with daily outings to the nearby heathlands. It is a wonderful place to experience traditional shepherd life and learn more about nature management. Address: Hoofdstraat 75, Exloo
Kabouterland Exloo: An enchanting park where young and old can discover the world of gnomes, trolls and animals. With playful hiking trails, exciting caves and a petting zoo, it is a popular destination for families. Address: Zuiderhoofdstraat 11
The Sheep Shearing Festival in Exloo is an annual event in May focusing on the traditional art of sheep shearing. In addition to demonstrations, there is a fun fair, craft market stalls and activities for young and old. The festival celebrates the connection between nature, culture and historical pastoral life in Drenthe.
Gnome trail Ipsewips in Odoorn is a fun and educational walking trail for young children. During the walk, children discover nature through gnome stories and assignments. They receive a pointed hat and knapsack to complete the experience. A playful adventure in the middle of the forests of Drenthe! The route starts and ends at Poolshoogte. Address: Boswachter Meelkerlaan 5, Odoorn.
Poolshoogte in Odoorn is a unique destination in the middle of nature. It is located in the beautiful forestry Odoorn and offers a combination of relaxation, adventure and gastronomy. Visitors can climb the historic watchtower (De Brandtoren) for breathtaking views, enjoy delicious food at the terrace restaurant, and hike or bike in the surrounding forests. It is an ideal place for families, nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Address: Boswachter Meelkerlaan 5, Odoorn
Bicycle route
Bicycle route: Drouwen - Exloo - Odoorn. 47,7 km
Bike junctions: 42,43,47, 44, 23, 26, 20, 09, 38, 36 , 76, 59, 05,17, 22, 40, 42
Leave Camping de Berken to the left and bike to point 42.
Places you pass: Drouwen - Bronneger - Buinen - Exloo - Valthe - Odoorn - Schoonoord - De Kiel - Westdorp - Borger - Drouwen
Walking around in Exloo and Odoorn
Walking around between Exloo and Odoorn, Start and end, Zuideinde 36 (Sabelijgertandspoor) 6,4 km
Walking junctions: 40, 34, 33, 41, 55, 54, 53, 74, 44, 40
Shopping in Exloo/Odoorn
In Exloo there is a Spar, Bakery, country store, gift store and the antique store Smukke (Hoofdstraat 14)
Thuis at 41 is a concept store in Exloo offering a carefully curated mix of home accessories, gifts and lifestyle products. The store emphasizes honesty and sustainability, with products that are fair trade, organic or handmade by passionate entrepreneurs. Visitors will experience a warm, homey atmosphere and can find inspiration for a conscious and loving lifestyle.
The Schaapskudde Exloo Shop, located in 't Hallenhoes on Zuiderhoofdstraat 8 in Exloo, offers a selection of products made from the wool of local Drenthe moorland sheep. The range includes sheep rugs and various sheep-related items. By purchasing these products, you directly support the conservation of the sheep flock in Exloo. The store is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Zuiderhoofdstraat 8, Exloo
In Odoorn there is a Coop, Bakker Joost, 2 drugstores and G&W health store and ice cream parlor L'Odore)
Pawn 11 at JOB is a unique store in Odoorn, located in a former corn mill. It offers a carefully curated assortment of indoor and outdoor decorations, gifts and handmade products. Many of these items are made by young people from Studio JOB Odoorn, who discover and develop their talents here. Visitors can find authentic, lovingly made products in an inspirational environment. Address: Valtherweg 11.
Eating out or picking up food
Exloo
Lunchroom 't Hallenhoes: Located in the heart of Exloo, this lunchroom serves delicious coffees with artisanal delicacies daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Between 12:00 and 16:00 you can enjoy various lunch dishes, such as richly filled sandwiches, luxury sandwiches and fresh soups. The attractive terrace offers a relaxing setting overlooking the park.
Diner-Café Bussemaker: This restaurant combines a friendly atmosphere with a varied menu. From 12:00 you can go here for lunch with a choice of meal salads, hot plates and sandwiches. In the evening, the dinner menu offers classics such as satay, entrecote and tournedos, complemented by weekly fish and meat dishes. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday, with the kitchen open until 8 p.m. (reservations are required on weekends).
Odoorn
Terrace - Restaurant Poolshoogte in Odoorn offers a unique dining experience in the middle of the forest preserve. Guests can enjoy an extensive menu of lunch and dinner dishes ranging from sandwiches and meal salads to satay and schnitzels. There is also a selection of vegetarian options and pancakes. The dishes are prepared with daily fresh, seasonal and local produce. The restaurant has a spacious terrace and is located next to a historic watchtower, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and hikers. The combination of culinary quality and beautiful, natural surroundings makes a visit to Poolshoogte worthwhile.
Boshof in Odoorn offers a warm, cozy atmosphere and is known for its specialty: the Drenthe hare steak, prepared the grandmother's way. The restaurant also serves daily fresh fish and changing monthly specials. Overlooking the church and the brink of Odoorn, it is an ideal place for a relaxing dinner.
Lunch café AnderZ in Odoorn offers a unique dining experience by combining delicious food with social commitment. In cooperation with Cosis, the café offers people with disabilities or distance to the labor market the opportunity to work in the hospitality industry, contributing to an inclusive society. Guests can enjoy fresh coffee, tasty treats and extensive lunch dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A visit to Lunch Café AnderZ means not only enjoying good food, but also contributing to a valuable social initiative. Address: Hoofdstraat 24, Odoorn
