Schoonebeek, Nieuw-Schoonebeek, Twist

During World War II, an oil field was discovered beneath the peat near Schoonebeek in Drenthe and the nearby German town of Twist. What seemed like a modest find turned out to be the largest oil field in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe.

From 1947 onwards, the first pumpjacks began their steady, nodding motion to extract the thick, heavy oil. For decades, the oil field was a key source of income for the region. Schoonebeek and its surroundings were able to rebuild after the war thanks to this economic boost.

Today, the iconic pumpjacks remain as industrial heritage, scattered throughout the open peat landscape. Stop by the monument in Schoonebeek or visit the Erdöl-Erdgas-Museum in Twist. You’ll pass both on this route.

You’ll also cycle through the beautiful Bargerveen, one of the last large raised bog areas in the Netherlands. Here, you can experience the landscape as it once covered much of Drenthe. The Veenloopcentrum offers insight into the formation and historical use of peat. Not far from there, the sheepfold is home to a large flock of Schoonebeker heath sheep that roam in and out daily. A genuine slice of local culture and nature.