The walkway allows visitors to experience the forest canopy layer, which is typically inaccessible to the public without climbing gear.
The underground root tunnel mimics the environment of burrowing animals and soil-dwelling insects.
The Hondsrug area, where the center is located, features unique geological formations created by glacial movement during the last ice age.
The walkway is designed to demonstrate how trees transport water and nutrients from the soil to the leaves.
The site operates as a gateway to the broader Staatsbosbeheer forest network in the province of Drenthe.
The Boomkroonpad is a specialized treetop walkway located in the Drouwenerzand forest area of Drenthe, Netherlands. The centerpiece is a 125-meter-long aerial bridge that elevates visitors 22.5 meters above the forest floor. The facility is managed by Staatsbosbeheer, the Dutch forestry commission, and serves as an educational hub for local woodland ecology. Beneath the walkway, an underground root tunnel provides a subterranean view of soil layers and forest organism interactions. The surrounding Gieten-Borger forest is part of the Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark. The site includes a dedicated play area known as 'Bosweide' and multiple waymarked hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 7 kilometers. The structure is constructed primarily of timber, integrating into the natural environment of the coniferous canopy.
The highest point of the elevated bridge provides a panoramic view of the surrounding pine forest canopy.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear suitable for sandy forest paths and uneven terrain.
Combine the treetop walk with one of the longer forest loops to experience the varied topography of the Hondsrug.
Check the weather forecast, as the elevated walkway remains open during most conditions but can feel significantly windier than the forest floor.
Do not attempt to access the aerial walkway with a stroller or wheelchair, as the structure includes stairs; stick to the accessible ground-level forest trails instead.
Open daily throughout the year, though specific seasonal maintenance or extreme weather may occasionally limit access to the aerial section.
Stay on marked paths to protect the forest undergrowth and refrain from climbing on railings or the wooden structure.
