Berenvel

Welcome to Landgoed De Berenkuil!

We're glad you're here. In this Berenvel you'll find everything you need for a pleasant and relaxed stay at our campsite.

We'll explain how driving in and out works, how to gain access to the swimming pool and indoor playground, and what to do in case of emergencies. You'll also read where to turn for medical questions, how to solve a power failure yourself, and how to easily order snacks and sandwiches through our app.

We'll also inform you about our smoke- and car-free policy, our house rules around quiet hours, visitors, dogs and barbecuing, and give you tips about wifi, charging your electric car, and the sandy beach at the play pond.

In short: it's all in here. So you can relax and enjoy your holiday at De Berenkuil. Have a wonderful time!

The Berenkuil app

Our own Berenkuil app keeps you informed of everything happening at the campsite during your stay. Here you'll find current opening hours, the activity programme, the latest news, and you can easily order snacks and sandwiches. You'll also find practical information such as the details of your reservation and the option to register your licence plate for the barrier.

Search for 'De Berenkuil' in the App Store or Google Play Store, or go to berenkuil.nl/app.

Arrival and departure

Licence plate registration and the barrier

De Berenkuil uses licence plate recognition at the main entrance. We recommend registering your licence plate in the Berenkuil app (My Account) before you arrive. The barrier will then automatically recognise you and open as soon as you stop in front of it.

Haven't registered your licence plate or is something not working? Then park at P5 and report to reception. We'll be happy to help.

Arrival times

Cottage guests always park at P5 first and collect the key and access wristbands at reception. The barrier will then open and you can drive to your cottage.

Departure times

Would you like more time to pack? Ask at reception about the options for a late check-out.

Access wristbands Tippedoki and swimming pool

On arrival you'll receive access wristbands at reception for our indoor playground Tippedoki and the swimming pool. Without a wristband you cannot visit these facilities. We charge a €5 deposit per wristband. The wristbands are linked to your reservation and remain valid until 11:00 on the day of departure.

Return the wristbands to reception when you leave, and you'll get your deposit back. If you lose a wristband, you can get a new one for €5. Passing wristbands on to other guests is not permitted.

De Berenkuil is car-free

De Berenkuil is a car-free campsite. This means you may only drive your car onto the grounds on your arrival and departure day. On the day of arrival, we ask you to park your car at one of the parking areas near the main entrance as soon as possible after unloading. On the day of departure you can collect your car again to pack up.

Outside arrival and departure days it is not possible to drive onto the grounds, not even when it's raining or your children are sleeping. For transporting groceries and luggage in between, free luggage carts are available at the main entrance.

Safety and emergencies

AED

In case of cardiac arrest, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can save lives. The AED is located directly to the left of the reception entrance in the green cabinet. In an emergency, open the cabinet using PIN code 9444. The AED gives spoken instructions, follow them as soon as you reach the victim. Always call 112 immediately and then, if necessary and possible, our reception: +31 (0)592-501242.

In emergencies

In emergencies such as fire, medical emergencies or serious incidents, always call 112 first. Then contact our reception directly: +31 (0)592-501242. We are reachable day and night to help you further.

Out-of-hours doctor's service

Do you need medical help outside office hours (between 17:00 and 08:00) or at the weekend, but it's not an acute emergency? Contact the central out-of-hours doctor's service in Assen: +31 (0)88-0504030. The doctor's service is about 15 minutes' drive from De Berenkuil. Route: at Rolde, take the N33 towards Assen, take the Assen exit and then follow the signs to the hospital (Europaweg-Zuid 1, Assen).

Not sure what to do? Feel free to call reception first: +31 (0)592-501242.

General practitioner

Do you need medical care during your stay on weekdays between 08:00 and 17:00? Then you can go to Huisartsenpraktijk Rolde. This practice has several GPs and is just under 10 minutes' drive from the campsite. Make an appointment in advance by phone using the numbers on huisartsenpraktijkrolde.nl. Address: Zuides 50, 9451 KD Rolde. In case of urgent need during the day, you can always call; make it clear that it's an emergency.

Dentist

Do you need dental care during your stay? Then you can go to Dental Clinics Rolde, about 10 minutes' drive from the campsite (Adolph van Ansenlaan 3a, 9451 GP Rolde). Always make a telephone appointment first via +31 (0)592-242429, also in urgent cases. More information: dentalclinics.nl/rolde.

Night watch

To make sure everyone can sleep peacefully, a night watch is present at De Berenkuil at night. If you're bothered by noise or notice anything unusual, feel free to speak to the night watch. In urgent situations you can also call reception directly at night: +31 (0)592-501242.

Need to report something quickly?

Do you see something on the grounds that isn't right, such as broken lighting, sanitary facilities that don't work, or defective playground equipment? Or are you bothered by noise, smoke or litter? Simply report it via WhatsApp (+31 (0)592-501242). Between 08:00 and 22:00 we read your message immediately. Outside these hours, we'll respond as soon as possible. You can of course also call or drop by reception.

Facilities

Swimming pool

Our outdoor swimming pool consists of a main pool, a toddler pool ("the Badderberg") and a spray park. You can see the opening hours in the app.

Important to know:

• There is no supervision at our swimming pool. Swimming is at your own risk. For children: parents and carers are always responsible for supervising their own children.
• Never let children who cannot swim or do not yet have a swimming certificate enter the water without direct supervision by an adult.
• The main pool is a maximum of 1.40 metres deep. Diving is not permitted.
• At the entrance to the swimming pool you'll find the full house rules in Dutch, German and English. Read these with your family before entering the water.

Pool cover: Our swimming pool has a cover that retains warmth. During cooler or quieter periods we like to keep the cover in place as long as possible. Would you still like to swim while the cover is on? Let reception know and we'll remove it for you.

Play pond: pure nature

Our play pond is actually a natural clay basin filled with iron-rich groundwater. This iron-rich water allows plants such as reeds to thrive. These plants form a natural filter, keeping the water clean and healthy. The iron also produces a rusty substance in the water. The water in the play pond is refreshed daily through a circulation system: fresh water flows in via the wooden house at the front, and flows out again via the small house behind the Berenburcht.

The play pond is safe to swim and play in. We do ask parents to always have young children wear swim nappies while playing in the water. You can check the current water quality of our play pond on zwemwater.nl.

Bommelhoes — reserve a table

It is necessary to reserve a table at our pancake restaurant Bommelhoes. You can reserve via WhatsApp, by phone (+31 (0)592-501242), at the reception desk or at the Bommelhoes itself. The Bommelhoes is also open outside the camping season. For all information, see bommelhoes.nl.

Order food via the app

To avoid long queues, you can easily order sandwiches and snacks through the Berenkuil app. You place your order, pay directly in the app and choose the time you want to collect your order. Snacks are always collected at the take-away buffet. Sandwiches are collected at the spot where the special sandwich flag is flying outside — depending on how busy it is, this is at the shop, the take-away buffet or reception. For snacks, it's wise to order in good time on busy days to avoid disappointment.

Super de Beer closed?

Is our campsite shop Super de Beer closed and you still need something urgently? Just drop by reception. We'll walk to the shop with you or fetch the desired product for you. That way we make sure you're always helped!

Wifi at De Berenkuil

Free wifi is available throughout the campsite. You can easily connect without a password. Our wifi is suitable for basic use such as browsing websites, checking email or streaming video (for example YouTube or Netflix). Unfortunately we can't guarantee that applications such as online gaming, video calling or intensive remote working will always work well. Due to the natural surroundings (many trees and vegetation) and busy periods on the grounds, the signal can sometimes be weaker or less stable. We ask for your understanding, as we usually can't solve this directly.

Electric charging

At the main car park near the entrance you'll find four charging stations with a total of eight charging points for electric cars. The rate is €0.45 per kWh, with no start fee and no hourly rate. You pay through the charging provider's app or contactless with a charging card.

Washing and drying

Washing costs €6.20 (detergent included) and drying costs €3.00. You can pay easily contactless with your bank card. First choose an available washing machine or dryer, prepare it by selecting a programme, and then follow the payment instructions on the machines. A wash programme takes around 60 minutes on average and drying about 25 minutes. The laundry facilities are in our laundry room to the right of reception and at the Bosrand and Bessenhoek sanitary buildings (in the dishwashing area).

To make sure everyone can use the machines, you may, after the programme has finished, carefully remove another guest's laundry from the machine and place it in an available laundry basket or bag. Problems with using the machines or paying? Report it at reception, we'll be happy to help.

Luggage carts

At the main entrance (towards the large car park) you'll find our luggage carts. You can use these free of charge to easily transport groceries, luggage or other items within the campsite grounds. Sometimes all the carts may be in use; we ask for your understanding. After use, please return the cart to the same collection point at the main entrance so that other guests can use it too. The carts may not be used outside the campsite grounds.

House rules

Quiet hours

We attach great importance to a peaceful night for all our guests. From 22:30 we ask for complete silence at the campsite. This means that from that moment on, only whispering should be audible. Take into account sounds outside and inside your camping unit; conversations, music or other sounds from inside can also be heard by your neighbours.

Because we're in the middle of nature without surrounding background noise, sound travels far. Your enjoyable evening can unintentionally disturb dozens of other families. Be aware of this so that everyone can enjoy a good night's sleep.

Are you bothered by noise after 22:30? Feel free to report it to our night watch or at reception.

De Berenkuil is smoke-free

As a family campsite, it's important to us that children can play and enjoy themselves in a healthy and safe environment. That's why, since 2019, we have made all communal areas at De Berenkuil smoke-free. This applies to the terrace, the area around the Berenhol, around all sanitary buildings, the open-air theatre, all playgrounds, the swimming pool, the play pond and the Berenbos. This smoking ban also applies to e-cigarettes and vapes. You may still smoke at your own pitch, provided this doesn't bother others.

Give pedestrians the right of way

Because De Berenkuil is car-free, many guests use bicycles on the campsite. We're fine with that, as long as you always take pedestrians and playing children into account. Keep your speed low (walking pace) and be aware that pedestrians may not hear you coming. Make this clear to your children too. We ask for extra attention especially around busy spots like the main playground, the terrace and the sanitary buildings. Accidents happen in a split second!

Electric scooters and hoverboards

Electric vehicles such as hoverboards, electric scooters, electric skateboards and electric mopeds are not allowed on our park for the safety of our guests and staff. Electric bicycles are allowed, provided you always adjust your speed to the situation and take playing children and pedestrians into account.

Party tents not allowed

Party tents (event shelters and day tents) are not allowed at De Berenkuil. These types of tents don't fit the natural look and feel of De Berenkuil. We make no exceptions to this. A nice and permitted alternative is a tarp; this fits well with the atmosphere of De Berenkuil. If you have accidentally set up a party tent or variant, we'll kindly ask you to take it down.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome at De Berenkuil, provided they are always on a lead. Dogs must be walked outside the grounds. If an accident does happen on the campsite grounds, clean it up immediately. Poop bags are available free of charge at reception, and used bags can be disposed of in one of the bins available.

Please note: the fields Middenstreek, Bosrand, Kwikstaart, 't Tippie and Vink are dog-free fields. Dogs are also not allowed at the swimming pool, the play pond, the Berenbos and in the shop.

Barbecue

Barbecuing is allowed at De Berenkuil unless otherwise indicated. During prolonged drought or increased fire risk, we may temporarily impose a barbecue ban. We clearly announce this via the app, Berenpret and posters on the grounds. Open fire, such as campfires, fire bowls or torches, is always prohibited on our grounds. You can barbecue with gas, electric and charcoal barbecues, provided you are always careful and consider the safety of yourself and those around you. It is advisable to keep a bucket of water or sand to hand.

Visitors and overnight guests

Visitors are warmly welcome at De Berenkuil. We kindly ask you to take your neighbours into account, so that everyone can enjoy peace and quiet. Therefore keep visits quiet and modest. Visitors must always report to reception first on arrival and may stay at the campsite until 22:00 at the latest. As a guest, you are responsible for the behaviour and departure of your visitors.

Rates for visitors and overnight guests:

Let your visitors know the applicable rate in advance and that they should report to reception first.

Practical on the grounds

Turnstile to walking area

To the right of the Bartelshof field there's a passage to a walking area that also belongs to De Berenkuil. There's a turnstile here. You can always leave the campsite via this turnstile; you can only enter the campsite between 07:00 and 20:30. If you leave the campsite outside these hours, walk along the cycle path next to the campsite back to our main entrance. To enter the campsite, press the black button to unlock the turnstile. One press allows one person to enter.

Cleaning of sanitary buildings

Our four sanitary buildings are thoroughly cleaned several times a day. We deliberately do this at times when it's relatively quiet: between 05:30–08:30, 13:30–16:30 and 18:00–20:00. During these cleaning times, parts of a building may temporarily be less accessible or closed off entirely. A complete cleaning round per building takes around 45 minutes. You can always use one of the other sanitary buildings.

Maintenance of sandy beach and lawns

To keep the sandy beach at the play pond clean and attractive, we maintain it daily during the high season with a tractor and rotary tiller or chain harrow. We usually do this between 19:00 and 20:00, when many children are at Berenpret and the play pond is quieter. Bear in mind that you may experience some brief disturbance.

We also mow the grass on the campsite regularly, so that camping fields remain accessible and tidy. During changeovers, on arrival and departure days, we mow vacated pitches directly as much as possible, and in between we also maintain larger lawns. You may also experience brief disturbance here; we count on your understanding.

Solving a power failure yourself

Each camping pitch at De Berenkuil has 10 amps, which is equivalent to a maximum of 2300 watts. Normally this is enough for your needs. However, it can happen that too many appliances are on at the same time and the fuse for your pitch trips. Fortunately, you can often easily solve this yourself.

The fuses for several camping pitches are housed together in special electrical cabinets, always near your pitch. If you no longer have power, first check whether the switch in this cabinet is in the down position; your pitch number is clearly indicated next to the switch. Flip it back up after first switching off or unplugging some appliances in your camping unit. If you don't, the fuse will probably trip again.

Is your switch up but you still have no power? Then also check the fuses in your camping unit and whether your power cable is properly connected.

Not sure? Ask your neighbours whether they're also without power, to rule out a larger outage. Can't figure it out or unsure about safety? Feel free to contact reception; we'll be happy to help.

Setting up your camping unit

Especially if you're on a field or have direct neighbours on the left and right, it's important to set up your camping unit correctly, so that everyone can fully enjoy their own pitch.

Step 1: Find the centre of your pitch

The number of your camping pitch is on the electricity box. Often there's also an arrow indicating which side (left or right) your pitch is on. For boxes without an arrow, the pitch is usually directly in front of the box.

If you have direct neighbouring pitches on the left and/or right, it's especially important to position your camping unit in the centre, so that everyone has enough space. So always keep a minimum of one metre, and preferably one and a half metres, distance from the box.

Step 2: Place your camping unit towards the back

Place your camping unit as far back on your pitch as possible. By doing so, you make optimal use of your space, keep the view free and prevent your neighbours from being inconvenienced by your placement. If you stand too far forward, your neighbours may do the same and everyone will have less space.

In short:

• Determine the centre of the pitch
• Keep a minimum of 1 metre distance from the post
• Place your camping unit as far back as possible

Any doubts? Feel free to contact reception. We're happy to help further or send someone over to take a look.