� r � � � …The

D� � � d � w

� � e � � � � � n

P� o � � tP� o � � tP� o � � tP� o � � t

� � ξ

D� � e?

D� � � d � w

A showpiece for the North Netherlands The Hondsrug Geopark is a robust and exciting brand. The history and beauty of this region have no equal anywhere in Europe. Our history can clearly be seen in remains from the Ice Age, prehistory and medieval trade routes. We enjoy sharing this with visitors from the whole of Europe. The Hondsrug offers a warm welcome to everyone looking for adventure and new experiences. Business people, government and local residents are working together to create the Geopark. Guides, caterers, foresters and others are all contributing to the project, and it is precisely this broad input, with stories and expeditions, that will have such a strong appeal for tourists. Moreover, it will also bring economic prosperity to the region. Together we shall make the Hondsrug Geopark a showpiece for the North Netherlands.

Tanja Klip-MartinDeputy, Province of Drenthe

� � � � � e

S� � � � wn פ �

� � � � � e

In the year 2000, four European regions – each with its own unique geological, cultural and historic features – came together to form a Geopark network. Today, as part of a UNESCO initiative, there are some 50 Geoparks in Europe and around 85 Geoparks worldwide.

European and World Geopark Network

What is a Geopark?Central to the development of a Geopark is its regional identity, as defined by its geological history, its cultural heritage, its present-day culture and the natural landscape of the region. The story of this regional identity will be brought to life by local residents, businesses, organisations and educational authorities working together to give it a concrete shape. And interestingly, when people know more about their local history, they tend to adopt a more sustainable approach to their own environment. The ultimate aim of a Geopark is to use the regional identity as a source of inspiration for the future, by translating it into sustainable economic regional development. Strengthening tourism is an important starting point for that process.

Geopark NetworkThe first four Geoparks:• Eifel, Germany• Lesbos, Greece• Haute Provence, France• Maestrazgo, Spain

Learn more about Geoparkswww.europeangeoparks.org for information about the European Geopark networkwww.globalgeopark.org for information about the Worldwide Geopark networkwww.geoparkdehondsrug.nlfor information about the Hondsrug Geopark

European and World Geopark Network

The Hondsrug region spans seven local authority areas in the provinces of Drenthe and Groningen, with almost half a million inhabitants. It is a unique geological area with a very special history, a place where the cultural heritage is closely linked to the land. Although the Hondsrug name is well known, people often know nothing about the region’s historical origins and its rich cultural heritage.

OriginsThe Hondsrug was mainly formed during three Ice Ages, the last two being the most important. In the last but one Ice Age, the distinctive boulders so often found in Drenthe were carried here by enormous glaciers well over a kilometre thick. The Hondsrug and the nearby Hunze region were formed during the last part of this Ice Age, about 150,000 years ago. In the period between the last two Ice Ages it was relatively warm and Neanderthal people, rhinoceroses and mammoths lived in the area. Then the last Ice Age brought a new cold period. This time the ice did not extend as far as Drenthe but the extreme cold brought other changes. For example, pingo’s (l akes of ice) were created by underground water forming an ‘ice bubble’ and pushing up a layer of the earth. When the ice melted, the ground settled as a raised circular rim with a lower-lying centre, filled with a pool of water. We call these pools fens. Similarly, many other typical features of today’s landscape are a result of the Ice Ages.

Cultural heritageEarly humans were grateful for the legacy left by the Ice Ages. For instance, the builders of the dolmens (megalithic tombs) used the enormous erratic boulders which remained after the ice withdrew and made them a part of their culture. Indeed the Hondsrug region conceals many traces of the past as silent witnesses of the earlier presence of people and cultures. Examples are the medieval cart tracks on the Balloërveld and the Archaeological Reserve at Kniphorstbos in the Drentsche Aa National Park. The history of fortified towns like Coevorden and Groningen, as well as myths and legends such as that of the giants Ellert and Brammert, are all part of the story of the regional identity through the ages.

NatureCharacteristic of the Hondsrug region is its diverse range of unique natural landscapes. In the south of the region lie peat bogs; on the ridges there are typical woodland areas, while the Hunze region in the east is an unspoiled ancient river valley where today beavers can once again be seen. In the northwestern part lies the Drentsche Aa National Park, recognised as one of the last remaining natural stream valleys of Western Europe.

The Hondsrug GeoparkFor all ages…

150,000 � � s BC

� � � B  ­ r P� p�

D� � n � � � � n

150,000 � � s BC

� � � B  ­ r P� p� � � � B  ­ r P� p� � � � B  ­ r P� p�

I fi � � � � y � � �

� e!

Relaxing Drenthe?I find it really exciting here!

Relaxing Drenthe?I find it really exciting here!

The Hondsrug region

Hondsrug

Rolderrug

The Hondsrug region

� � � � � � � � � � � � n � G� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � n � G� � �

� � ¡ ¢ B£ ¤ ¥ t

T¦ § ̈d 30 © /ª «

Most people only know the Hondsrug from geography lessons. The last book about the area was published back in the 1970’s and little has been heard about the region since then. So in 2010 the initiative was taken in Drenthe to turn the Hondsrug region into a Geopark, and in so doing to breathe new life into the identity of this unique area. In unlocking the local story, the Hondsrug Geopark is focusing on local people, on schools and colleges, and on tourism.

One example is the Hondsrug Academy, where lectures and courses provide an insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of the beautiful Hondsrug region. The countless stories about the people who inhabited this area through the centuries are being retold in relation to the land and its geology. This is being done through guidebooks, maps, a photo archive and film material, and also by organising a Geoweek every year in May.

Opportunities for the regionThe Hondsrug Geopark is the first Geopark in the Netherlands. That will put not just the Hondsrug region but the whole province of Drenthe on the map again. Local residents will become more conscious of the unique status of their region, and people will come from far and wide to visit the Geopark because of its special geological features and the beauty of the varied landscape.

The Hondsrug Geopark will present visitors with the history and cultural heritage of this stunning region in an exciting way. Social media and augmented reality will guide local people and visitors through the past, the present and the future of the region. The experience will encourage visitors to come back again. You can’t see the whole of the Hondsrug Geopark in one day!

The Hondsrug Region

T¦ § ̈d 30 © /ª «

D� � � d � w!D� � � d

Drenthe represents peace and quiet. But that’s about to change! Because visitors arriving at one of the Expedition Gateways in the Hondsrug Geopark will experience not only beautiful local scenery and present-day events but also exciting adventures. These adventures take place in an Ice Age landscape, in historic or prehistoric stories, and in the fascinating world of nature. GeoparkSpots and GeoparkHotSpots will alert visitors to watch a film of an Ice Age landscape on their mobile phone, to become spectators at a historic battle or to watch an animated film of the army of Bommen Berend trekking over the ridges of the Hondsrug in the 17th century. Thousands of years of history will be brought to life through these Expeditions into the past, with each one following its own storyline. Visitors entering an Expedition Gateway will find their senses overwhelmed as they become involved in various periods of the Hondsrug region’s historical development. With themes such as The Ice Age Story, Art on the Hondsrug and War and Peace, the Hondsrug Expeditions will offer an attractive incentive for tourists inside and outside Drenthe to visit the Hondsrug Geopark.

T¦ § ̈d 30 © /ª «

T¦ § ̈d 45 © /ª «

Local people and visitors encountering GeoparkSpots and GeoparkHotSpots during their Expedition will be amazed by short fi lms on their smart-phone.

They will see a dolmen being built on the very spot where they are standing. Or they can download an animation of the ice mountain from which the nearby pool

was created. All done using augmented reality and layar-techniques.Really exciting!

O¬ � ® ̄� � ° ± � � � …

, the Hondsrug Expeditions will offer an attractive incentive for tourists inside and outside Drenthe

was created. All done using augmented reality and

T¦ § ̈d 45 © /ª « T¦ § ̈d 45 © /ª « T¦ § ̈d 45 © /ª « T¦ § ̈d 45 © /ª « T¦ § ̈d 45 © /ª « T¦ § ̈d 45 © /ª « T¦ § ̈d 45 © /ª «

Local residents and organisations can make a valuable contribution to creating a significant and sustainable future for the Hondsrug Geopark. For instance they can get involved in the Hondsrug Academy, become a guide or participate in one of the many activities which will be organised.You can find more information onwww.geoparkdehondsrug.eu/hondsrugacademie

Businesses in the Honsdsrug region The Hondsrug Geopark has much to offer local businesses. The project will provide a wide range of promotional materials and products which you can use. Examples are dozens of film clips, thousands of photos, routes, new maps of the region, displays, a guide service, books, flags, and many other products and activities. Businesses can put together their own exciting packages and use the promotional materials. Almost everything can be downloaded from www.geoparkdehondsrug.eu

Local people in the Hondsrug regionLocal people in the Local people in the

Local residents and organisations can make a valuable Local residents and organisations can make a valuable contribution to creating a significant and sustainable future contribution to creating a significant and sustainable future for the Hondsrug Geopark. For instance they can get involved for the Hondsrug Geopark. For instance they can get involved in the Hondsrug Academy, become a guide or participate in in the Hondsrug Academy, become a guide or participate in in the Hondsrug Academy, become a guide or participate in in the Hondsrug Academy, become a guide or participate in one of the many activities which will be organised.

www.geoparkdehondsrug.eu/hondsrugacademiewww.geoparkdehondsrug.eu/hondsrugacademie

The Hondsrug Geopark has much to offer local businesses. The Hondsrug Geopark has much to offer local businesses. The project will provide a wide range of promotional The project will provide a wide range of promotional

Local residents and organisations can make a valuable Local residents and organisations can make a valuable Local residents and organisations can make a valuable

Local people in the Local people in the Local people in the

Local residents and organisations can make a valuable

The Hondsrug Geopark is a Drents Plateau project and is led by Cathrien Posthumus and Harrie Wolters. The project office is located in Borger and staffed by a steering group with administrative responsibility and a supporting project group. The project will last until 31 December 2013. The Hondsrug Geopark project is made possible by the partners of the project and SNN (Samenwerkingsverband Noord Nederland). All the project partners are shown in this brochure.

ContactWould you like to know more? Then please contact the project office, Cathrien Posthumus or Harrie Wolters.Cathrien PosthumusBronnegerstraat 12, 9531 tg Borger, the Netherlandst +31 (0)6 22 55 12 81c.posthumus@geoparkdehondsrug.nlHarrie WoltersBronnegerstraat 12, 9531 tg Borger, the Netherlandst +31 (0)6 42 22 81 81h.wolters@geoparkdehondsrug.nl

www.geoparkdehondsrug.eu

Organisation of the Hondsrug Geopark Project

erfgoed en ruimtelijke kwaliteit

Colophon

©2011 The Hondsrug Geopark

Text Marjolein Scherphuis (Het Noorden Communiceert)

English textAlun Harvey

EditorsHarrie WoltersCathrien Posthumus

DesignIris de Haan, Arjen Snijder(Het Noorden Communiceert)

PrintingKoninklijke van Gorcum

PhotographyJannes van Echten, Nicolle Efdee, Sonja v.d. Meer, Rianne Post, Arjen Snijder, Joop v.d. Merbel, Karin Broekhuijsen, Drents Archief

This project was made possible by the European Union, European Fund for Regional Development, the Ministry of ELI, the Mondriaan Foundation and the SNN Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland, koers noord

This brochure is printed on paper from sustainable sources (Multiart silk 200 grs)

� r � � � …The