't Nije Hemelriek is a household name in Drenthe. Just a stone's throw from our campsite de Berken in Gasselte, you will find this beautiful recreational lake. In summer you can swim, splash around and relax by the water. Het Nije Hemelriek is located in the Gasselterveld, which a hundred years ago was still a large nature area (filled mainly with the typical Drenthe heather) on the west side of Geopark de Hondsrug.
Why is it called 't Nije Hemelriek?
As you can see on Google Maps, recreational lake 't Nije Hemelriek is right next to the Hemelriek or Hemelriekje. Is that the "aole" Hemelriek then?
Het Hemelriek is originally a fen that was used as a swimming or skating lake until the 1960s/70s, depending on the season. The fen became so popular with so many swimmers that the soil and vegetation were damaged. To prevent further damage and protect the fen, Staatsbosbeheer decided to close the Hemelriek and dig Hemelriek 2.0 (or the Nije Hemelriek), slightly west of the original recreational lake.
Thus, the Nije Hemelriek did not arise by itself. It is known for its azure blue water (which is because of its high loamy acid content). Loamy acid is harmless. Various activities can be undertaken around 't Nije Hemelriek and there are several catering establishments in the area. From Camping de Berken it is less than ten minutes away by car. You can also get there by bike in about ten minutes (that's the advantage of a bike, you can go everywhere). But if you want a nice walk to 't Nije Hemelriek, for instance because you really want to make a day of it: it's a walk of about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the route you take (4 to 5 kilometres). So you still get some nice exercise on a relaxing day!
Camping de Berken: near the Nije Hemelriekje
Our campsite is located at a place that counts as a starting point from which you can undertake many different activities. A lovely spot in Drenthe, surrounded by nature and yet very close to amusement parks, recreational lakes, you name it.
For example, from the campsite it is only a short drive to Drouwenerzand amusement park, the Hunebed Centre in Borger or by car via the Hunebed Highway to Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen.
Moreover, there are plenty of hiking trails around the campsite where you can walk (with or without the dog) or hire a bike for a ride through nature!
For more information on the attractions around De Berken campsite, check out our website.
