Sahara, Sand drift area in Ommen, Netherlands.
The Sahara is a sand drift area spanning about 20 hectares with pine forests situated between the villages of Zeesse and Junne, creating natural terrain variations. The landscape displays different stages of sand movement and forest growth side by side.
Baron van Pallandt from the Eerde estate planted pine forests in 1840 to control and stabilize sand movements across the terrain. This planting effort fundamentally shaped the landscape seen today.
Visitors use this place primarily for walking, cycling, and horseback riding, reflecting Dutch traditions of enjoying natural spaces for leisure. The marked trails connect different sections and encourage people to move through the landscape at their own pace.
Parking is available at Eerderveldweg with information panels about trails throughout the area. Dogs must remain leashed during your entire visit.
Recent forestry plans aim to convert around 14 hectares of woodland into active shifting dunes, expanding the sand drift zone. This transformation will shift the balance between forest and open sand areas.
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