Hoogersmilde(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Hoge Mierde, recommend staying at De Heidekroon B&B, a charming countryside guesthouse nestled near the Drentsche Hoogte forest. This family-run property offers spacious rooms with wooden interiors, private gardens, and a children's play area. Guests can enjoy guided traditional windmill tours and local cheese tastings. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Havelse Lake, ideal for nature walks and birdwatching, making it perfect for families seeking authentic Dutch rural experiences.

The town center of Hoge Mierde is the best area for lodging, located near the Town Hall Square and Sint-Janskerk Church. This quiet, historic neighborhood features many former farmhouses converted into cozy B&Bs like Huis 't Woud, complete with private terraces and views of the rolling Drents landscape. Enjoy fresh Poffertjes at a local café in the morning and take evening strolls along the Drentsche Aa River. Its central location ensures easy access to cultural sites and nature trails.

To immerse in local culture, join workshops at the Drents Museum, where you can learn to weave traditional Drents straw baskets or carve wooden masks. Attend the annual Windmolenfeest (Windmill Festival), visiting the century-old Molen de Zwaan windmill to witness grain grinding demonstrations and taste freshly baked rye bread. Locals often wear traditional attire—Drentse truit—during parades, offering a vivid glimpse into regional heritage and community pride.

Near Hoge Mierde, the Drentsche Hoogte National Park is a must-visit, home to the highest point in the Netherlands and expansive heathlands rich in rare birds and flora. Hike the Zandweg Trail to discover ancient burial mounds. In summer, explore Havelse Lake by renting an electric paddleboat, gliding through reed beds where white egrets nest. The park’s undisturbed wilderness offers peaceful escapes and exceptional opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.

Start your day with breakfast at Bakkerij De Vrije Hand, savoring homemade apple pie and coffee. Then visit the Drents Museum to explore prehistoric artifacts. Afternoon relaxation comes at Havelse Lake, where you can picnic and watch waterfowl. Return to town for dinner at Gasthuis van de Zon, featuring hearty dishes like local beef stew with wild mushrooms. End the day on the rooftop terrace of De Heidekroon B&B, gazing at the starlit sky under minimal light pollution—a true Dutch countryside retreat.

Must-try delicacies in Hoge Mierde include Stroopwafels—freshly made on street carts with warm syrup filling; Drentse worst, a smoked sausage served with pickled cabbage; and Rookworst, a smoked pork sausage often enjoyed during local markets. Huis 't Woud serves dark rye bread with butter and honey, crafted from locally sourced grains. These dishes reflect Drents culinary traditions rooted in sustainability and seasonal ingredients.

Top photo spots in Hoge Mierde include the Gothic spire and stained glass windows of Sint-Janskerk Church, especially at golden hour. The floating bridge over Havelse Lake creates stunning reflections. The Molen de Zwaan windmill, surrounded by heather fields, offers classic Dutch pastoral scenes. Additionally, the heathland trails of Drentsche Hoogte National Park, particularly in autumn when the landscape turns crimson, provide breathtaking panoramic shots for photography enthusiasts.

Yes, Hoge Mierde is excellent for cycling, with well-maintained bike paths. Recommended routes include the Havelse Lake Loop (12 km), featuring rest stops and birdwatching platforms. For longer rides, the Drentsche Hoogte Cycling Route (25 km) winds through heathlands and ancient forests, passing prehistoric sites. Rent bikes at Bike & Ride Drenthe, which offers child seats and tandem bicycles. Ideal for families, this route delivers scenic views and a true connection with nature.

Use HopeGoo or HopeGoo to filter for listings tagged "Authentic Dutch Cottage", such as Huis 't Woud, a restored 18th-century farmhouse with exposed beams and stone fireplaces. Many hosts offer personalized local tours, including visits to old churches, windmills, and pottery studios. Request "experience local life" when HopeGoo—most owners will gift homemade jam or hand-drawn maps. Confirm if free bicycle rental is included for added convenience.

Hoge Mierde has a temperate maritime climate: mild winters (3–6°C) and cool summers (15–20°C). Spring and autumn bring frequent rain—pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. Due to its elevation, morning fog is common but clears quickly. Summer (June–August) sees higher tourist traffic; book accommodations early. For quieter visits, consider April or September, when heather blooms and lakes are serene—ideal for photography and peaceful exploration.