It may not sound very appealing, but the opposite is true! We recommend that you climb this highest landfill in the Netherlands on foot or by bike. You can find the hill north of Hoogeveen near the towns of Drijber and Wijster. With a height of 48 meters, this is the highest point in Drenthe. This so-called VAM hill is named after the Waste Disposal Company. They covered the hill with clean earth and grass and opened it to walkers and cyclists. After the climb with an average gradient of 10%, you have a fantastic view over the surroundings; an extra reward for your sporting effort.
Climbing and Descending with the Bicycle
The cycling route consists of three climbing routes and one descent. The total length is 2100m. So you can keep pedaling at a good pace. On the most northern route, you'll encounter a cobblestone stretch of 150 meters at the end of the course, with a gradient of no less than 15%. A real calf burner. But it's manageable with a road bike or mountain bike. The specially designed mountain bike course is spectacular due to the many descents and climbs. Along the way, you'll come across, among other things, a 300-meter boardwalk and a 60-meter floating water bridge. You can reach the cycling route via the connecting routes from the Boslounge in Spier and from Sleen. Follow the well-known signs for MTB routes on your way.
Bicycles can be rented in Dwingeloo. Are you coming by train? Then you can rent a bike in Beilen.
On foot to the highest point
Is cycling not your thing? Then choose a short or long walking route to the De Blinkerd viewpoint, on top of the VAM mountain. Both routes start at the parking lot near kiosk Het Blinkertje. The long route of 5 km begins with a crossing of the stream Oude Diep via stepping stones. The stream, which flows at the foot of the mountain, has been restored to its former glory so that it meanders again through the Drenthe landscape. Via shell paths and other unpaved paths, you climb in a wide arc to the highest point. You can descend back to the starting point via another route. There is a chance you might encounter sheep along the way, which keep the vegetation on the waste hill short.
You reach the starting point of the routes by following the signs from the Wijster-Drijber road.
Top reward!
At the top of the mountain is the Information Center De Blinkerd. A flying saucer-like building where you can learn a lot about the mountain and surroundings. For instance, the formation of the landscape around the Oude Diep, the waste management by Attero, and the water management of a stream valley system. The center is open daily from sunrise to sunset.