Panorama of forest area in Drentsche Aa in Drenthe by Jan van der Vlies

The Strubben-Kniphorstbosch in Drenthe

De Strubben-Kniphorstbosch (often written as Strubben-Kniphorstbosch) is a beautiful nature reserve of about 377 hectares, located between the villages of Anloo and Schipborg in the province of Drenthe, the Netherlands. It is part of the Nationaal Beek- en Esdorpenlandschap Drentsche Aa and is managed by Staatsbosbeheer. This area is unique for its rich history and varied landscape, and it is the only archaeological reserve in the Netherlands. It is an ideal destination for hikers, nature lovers and history buffs.
The forest originated in the second half of the 19th century as an estate with straight lanes and 'tree acres', but grew into a diverse forest with deciduous and coniferous woodland.

The area has over 5,000 years of habitation. Prehistoric peoples lived, hunted and buried their dead here, leaving traces such as burial mounds, settlements and dolmens. In the Middle Ages, the Galgenberg was used as a gallows place for executions. Until 2006, it was a military training area of the Ministry of Defence, after which it was transferred to the Forestry Commission and protected as a nature and archaeological area. In 2000, it was designated as the largest archaeological monument in the Netherlands.

The area offers a varied landscape: dense oak and beech forests, open heathlands, parabola dunes (remnants of old sand drifts) and transitions to ash land. You will find typical Drenthe elements such as cart tracks, strub forest and meadows along the Drentsche Aa. The gnarled oaks form iconic silhouettes, and the area is rich in flora and fauna, including birds, insects and wildflowers.

- Archaeological highlights: More than 100 burial mounds from all prehistoric periods, including the imposing Galgenberg. There are two dolmens (prehistoric megalithic tombs) and remains of settlements.