Boomkroonpad and play forest Drouwen
A 125-metre walkway through the treetops in the forest near Drouwen, with the Lorken play forest next to it for climbing, building dens and playing with water.
The Boomkroonpad (treetop walk) of Staatsbosbeheer, the Dutch state forestry service, is in the Boswachterij Gieten-Borger forest on the Hondsrug ridge, near Drouwen. You start underground, in a tunnel among the roots, and then climb a spiral staircase to the walkway, which runs between the crowns of the trees. The highest point is a lookout tower 22.5 metres high. The walkway opened in 1996.
The Boomkroonpad has its own visitor centre, the Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad. Its shop sells walking maps, binoculars, nature books, souvenirs and local produce. For food and drink there is Paviljoen de Woudstee, indoors or on the terrace.
Next to the visitor centre is the Lorken play forest. Children can climb and scramble, build dens and play with water at the water pump. The play forest is free; there is an admission charge for the Boomkroonpad.
Opening times vary with the season. Times and prices are on the Staatsbosbeheer website.
