What is the Hunebed Highway? It is the nickname of the N34, a road that starts near Ommen and takes you past almost all the dolmens in the Netherlands. The route is about 60 kilometres long and takes you past 45 of the 52 dolmens. But not only that: the Hunebed Highway is an attraction in itself because it shows not only the dolmens, but also the rich history of Drenthe. If you plan to travel (part of) the Hunebed Highway, you can stay at the De Berken campsite in Gasselte. This campsite is located a stone's throw away from the Hunebed Highway. Bonus: Camping de Berken is also close to Borger, where you can find the Hunebedcentrum (and the largest hunebed in the Netherlands!). Definitely worth a visit!
Why is the N34 called the 'Hunebed Highway'?
Because one of the glaciers from the most 'recent' Ice Age - which formed the Dutch landscape as we see it today - passed through the Netherlands from Scandinavia, the dolmens are numbered from north to south. Although there are 52 hunebeds in the Netherlands, they are numbered from D1 to D54. This is because D33 was destroyed in 1918 and one of the dolmens (number D48) turned out not to be a dolmen at all, but just a large stone. It had already been given a hunebed number because researchers expected (or perhaps hoped) that they would discover the foundations of a complete hunebed under it.
From Camping de Berken you pass hunebed D21 and D22 as you head south towards Borger, where you can visit hunebed D27, D28 and D29. Despite their uninspiring names, the dolmens are certainly worth seeing. Especially hunebed D27, with 22.5 metres the largest hunebed in the Netherlands. Borger is home to the Hunebedcentrum, where you can immerse yourself in ancient Dutch history. The Hunebedcentrum has special exhibitions, artefacts and activities - great fun for the whole family. Your stay at Camping de Berken, with its convenient location close to the Hunebed Highway, is an excellent starting point for many enjoyable days out!
Where else does the Hunebed Highway lead?
The main 'Unique Selling Point' of the Hunebed Highway is the fact that you can get to almost all the dolmens via this road. No fewer than 45 of the 52 dolmens are situated close to the N34. But did you know that part of the Hunebed Highway could also be called the 'Hondsrug Highway'? The largest part of the Hunebed Highway leads you across the Unesco Geopark de Hondsrug, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands. But the Hondsrug is also a fascinating area for children. For example, there are various great walking routes for young and old. Near Exloo, a little further along the Hunebed Highway, past Borger, you can go on an adventure along the track of the sabre tooth tiger. The sabre tooth is, just like the mammoth, a prehistoric animal that used to live in this area. The sabre tooth tiger track is a play route of about two kilometres long. You can experience this and much more fun from Camping de Berken, close to Hunebed Highway.
Check out the various accommodation and camping options at Camping de Berken.
