Ter Apel: Monastery, Trails and Nature

Ter Apel combines its medieval monastery with hiking trails and a landscape of forests, heathland and stream valleys. If you are looking for a hotel in Ter Apel, you can plan your visit around the themes that interest you: monastery history, interactive experiences, walking, or the waterway. The trails vary considerably in length and character.

Monastery, Exhibition and Local History

The monastery in Ter Apel was founded in 1464. At the permanent exhibition “Het kloosterleven van de Kruisheren,” visitors can take an active part: they can sit at the prior’s desk, lie down on a straw mattress, try out the speaking niche in the refectory, and light a candle in the canons’ church. The exhibition thus combines information about monastic life with hands-on activities at the site.

The museum’s free augmented reality app guides visitors to eight stops around the monastery grounds; the route takes about 40 minutes. The app also lets visitors explore the monastery’s vanished upper floor and the former watermill. This makes it possible to combine a visit with a clearly defined route and additional topics related to the monastery’s history.

The herb garden features beds edged with box hedges and planted with medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, and plants used to make dyes. The war memorial is also part of the area’s history: the brick memorial column is two metres high and one metre wide and deep. It commemorates all fellow townspeople who died as a result of acts of war during the years of occupation.

Ter Apel’s tourist information point is located in the former storage shed by the museum. It offers a presentation about Ter Apel and Westerwolde, as well as free brochures and maps. This can help you find your way if you want to explore other aspects of the area in addition to the monastery.

Compare Trails and Activities

The Kanukjespad is 2.4 kilometres long and takes 60 to 90 minutes to walk. Families with children aged four to seven can follow the trail when the museum is open. Along the path, children collect ingredients and use them to make “soup” in the monastery’s herb garden. The trail’s length, walking time and activity make this visit different from a tour focused solely on the exhibition.

The Kanunnikenpad passes through the forests around Ter Apel Monastery in Westerwolde. Its name refers to the monastery’s former residents, the canons. Guided walks in the Kloosterbos also explore the connection between the landscape and the lives of the Crosiers who once lived there. Visitors learn about plants, animals, centuries-old customs and the cultural history of the area.

The Ter Apel walking route follows the Ruiten Aa through a winding, wet and colourful stream valley. Most of the route passes through forests dating back to the year 800. Along the way, hikers cross the Ruiten Aa Canal on a 22.4-metre-long hand-operated cable ferry. This combination of forest, stream valley and canal crossing sets the route apart from trails focused on the monastery or herb garden.

Another option is the 12.5-kilometre Route 26, “De Bosbeek Ter Apel,” which follows the Bosbeek. Near Ter Apel, the man-made Bosbeek connects the loop in Drenthe with the Ruiten Aa. The landscape around the medieval monastery includes forests, heathland, fields, small lakes and meandering streams.

Waterway and Annual Event

Ter Apel lies on the Veendam–Stadskanaal–Ter Apel waterway. During the boating season, from 1 May to 1 October, its bridges and locks are operated from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; seasonal operating details may change. If you are planning a trip, check the current operating times in advance.

“Middeleeuws Ter Apel” takes place every year; the exact dates vary from year to year. The event includes a small archaeological excavation each year, in which the public can take part. At the market, visitors can browse, sample and buy medieval products and drinks, including medieval beer. The specific market offerings may vary from one edition to another. Check the dates for the relevant edition when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ter Apelkanaal, Sellingen, Vlagtwedde, Bourtange.

Return to the main travel overview: Vlagtwedde.