Storm damage renders Drenthe forests impassable

On August 24th, severe weather struck Drenthe, causing significant damage in various nature reserves. The Dwingelderveld and the Gieten-Borger forestry area were particularly hard hit, with fallen trees, broken branches, and dangerous hanging foliage making many hiking, cycling, and riding paths inaccessible.

Dwingelderveld: Major devastation and closed paths

In Dwingelderveld, the damage is most severe. Fallen oaks, beeches, and Scots pines block many paths, especially north of the Spierigerweg. Deep holes in the bike paths, caused by the roots of fallen trees, pose additional hazards. Many walking and riding paths remain inaccessible due to broken branches hanging in the trees that could fall at any moment. State Forestry is working hard to clear the damage, but due to the extent of the devastation, many paths will remain closed for the foreseeable future. It is not possible to set up detours because of the widespread damage.

Gieten-Borger: Careful recovery

The Gieten-Borger forestry area has also suffered considerable damage, especially on the west side of the Houtvester Jansenweg. Hikers are strongly advised to avoid the area until all hanging branches and fallen trees have been removed. The mountain bike route is largely accessible again, except for a small detour on the east side of the Gasselterveld. State Forestry expects most hiking trails in Gieten-Borger to reopen by the second half of September.

Uncertainty Over recovery time

While efforts are underway to clear the damage, it is difficult to estimate how long this will take. The expectation is that the bike paths in Dwingelderveld will be accessible by the end of the upcoming weekend, but many other paths may remain closed until the end of September or even longer. The recovery process in Gieten-Borger is likely to be completed sooner.

State Forestry urges visitors to avoid the affected areas for now and to follow any signs or barriers in the forests. Visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of these Drenthe forests again once the autumn colors appear.