Drenthe Travel Guide

Plan your travel to Drenthe with our comprehensive guide. Explore the natural and cultural attractions, hiking and biking trails, food and drink scene, accommodation options, and more.


Introduction to Drenthe

Drenthe is a province of the Netherlands, known for its natural beauty, history, and culture. Its name is derived from the word “thrinithia,” which means “three ancient lands.” Drenthe is located in the northern part of the Netherlands, and it is surrounded by the provinces of Friesland, Groningen, Overijssel, and the German states of Lower Saxony and Bremen. With its scenic landscapes, charming towns, and fascinating history, Drenthe is an excellent destination for travelers looking to experience the best of the Netherlands.

List of Places to Visit in Drenthe

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Drents Museum - A museum that showcases the history, art, and culture of Drenthe and the surrounding areas. The museum has an impressive collection of prehistoric artifacts, including the famous bog body of Yde Girl.
  • Kamp Westerbork - A former Nazi transit camp where Jews were held before being transported to concentration camps during World War II. Today, the site serves as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
  • Hunebedden - A series of prehistoric stone structures that were built by the Funnelbeaker culture over 5000 years ago. There are over 50 hunebedden in Drenthe, making it the province with the most hunebedden in the country.

Natural Attractions of Drenthe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dwingelderveld National Park - A vast nature reserve that includes heathlands, forests, and wetlands. The park is home to many species of birds, animals, and plants, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
  • De Wieden National Park - A beautiful wetland area that is home to many rare species of birds, insects, and fish. Visitors can take boat tours or hiking trails to explore the park.
  • Drents-Friese Wold National Park - A forested area that offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park has several observation towers that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Drenthe

Drenthe has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that offer a unique way to explore the province’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Some popular routes include:

  • Pieterpad - The Pieterpad is the longest hiking trail in the Netherlands, stretching 498 kilometers from the town of Pieterburen in the north to the town of Sint-Pietersberg in the south. The trail passes through Drenthe, where hikers can enjoy the scenic landscapes and cultural attractions of the province.
  • Drenthe-Friese Wold Route - This 80-kilometer bike route takes cyclists through the beautiful forested area of Drents-Friese Wold National Park. The route includes several scenic stops, including the Doldersummerveld Heath and the Lende Valley.
  • Veenhuizen Prison Colony Route - This 30-kilometer bike route takes cyclists through the historic prison colony of Veenhuizen. The route includes stops at several historical sites, including the former prison buildings and the Maallust Brewery.

Best Things to Do in Drenthe: Activities and Tours

  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful landscapes of Drenthe.
  • Visit the annual TT Assen motorcycle race, which takes place in late June or early July.
  • Enjoy a traditional Dutch breakfast of bread, cheese, and hagelslag, which are chocolate sprinkles, at a local cafe.
  • Go on a canal tour of the city of Assen.
  • Attend a traditional Dutch festival, such as King’s Day or Sinterklaas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Drenthe

If you have a week to spend in Drenthe, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Assen and explore the city, taking in its cultural attractions, such as the Drents Museum and the historic Assen Cathedral.

Day 2: Take a trip to Kamp Westerbork and learn about the dark history of the Nazi transit camp.

Day 3: Hike or bike through the Dwingelderveld National Park, taking in the natural beauty of the area.

Day 4: Visit the hunebedden and learn about the prehistoric culture that built them.

Day 5: Take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful landscapes of Drenthe.

Day 6: Explore the historic prison colony of Veenhuizen and visit the Maallust Brewery.

Day 7: Depart from Drenthe.

Food and Drink Scene of Drenthe

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot - A traditional Dutch dish made with mashed potatoes and vegetables, often served with sausage or meatballs.
  • Erwtensoep - A hearty pea soup that is popular in winter.
  • Spekpannenkoeken - Dutch pancakes made with bacon and served with syrup.

Local Beverages

  • Dutch beer, such as Grolsch or Heineken.
  • Jenever - A traditional Dutch gin that is often served with beer as a “kopstootje” (“headbutt”).
  • Dutch apple cider - A refreshing drink made with local apples.

Where to Stay in Drenthe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Drenthe has many accommodation options for travelers of all budgets. Some popular choices include:

  • Hotel de Bonte Wever - A four-star hotel in the city of Assen, with amenities such as a swimming pool, sauna, and fitness center.
  • Hostel De Stoere Tante - A cozy hostel in the town of Ruinerwold, with a communal kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
  • Bed and Breakfast De Vijf Suites - A charming guesthouse in the town of Assen, with comfortable rooms and a garden for guests to enjoy.

What to Buy in Drenthe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hunebedden souvenirs - There are many shops in Drenthe that sell souvenirs related to the province’s prehistoric heritage, including replicas of hunebedden.
  • Dutch cheese - Drenthe is known for its cheese, and visitors can bring home some of the local varieties, such as Drenthe kaas or Friese nagelkaas.
  • Dutch tulip bulbs - The Netherlands is famous for its tulips, and visitors can bring home some of the bulbs to grow in their own gardens.

Local Culture and Customs of Drenthe

  • The people of Drenthe are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and visitors are often greeted with warmth and hospitality.
  • Dutch is the official language of Drenthe, but many people also speak English.
  • Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Drenthe, and visitors are encouraged to rent bikes and explore the province’s scenic routes.

Best Time to Visit Drenthe

The best time to visit Drenthe is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful. However, the spring months of March to May are also a good time to visit, when the tulips are in bloom and the landscapes are coming back to life after winter.

Do’s and Don’ts of Drenthe

Do:

  • Do try traditional Dutch foods and drinks, such as stamppot and Jenever.
  • Do rent a bike and explore the beautiful landscapes of Drenthe.
  • Do visit the hunebedden and learn about the province’s prehistoric heritage.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural landscapes of Drenthe.
  • Don’t ignore the province’s cycling rules and regulations.
  • Don’t forget to try the local cheeses and apple cider.

Safety and Health

Safety in Drenthe

Drenthe is a safe and peaceful province, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, visitors should still take standard safety precautions, such as keeping an eye on their belongings and avoiding unsafe areas at night.

Health in Drenthe

Drenthe has a high standard of healthcare, with excellent hospitals and medical facilities. Visitors from the EU and many other countries are covered by the Dutch national health insurance, but it is recommended to purchase travel insurance for emergencies.

Getting to Drenthe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Drenthe

The closest international airports to Drenthe are Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and Eelde Airport (GRQ), which is located in the province.

Bus Stations Near Drenthe

There are several bus stations in Drenthe, including the Assen bus station and the Emmen bus station. Buses also run to and from other major cities in the Netherlands.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Drenthe by train, with several stations in the province, including the Assen train station and the Emmen train station.

How to Get Around in Drenthe

Drenthe is a small province that is easily navigated by foot, bike, or public transportation. Visitors can rent bikes from several locations in the province, and buses and trains connect many of the major towns and attractions.

Where to Go Next from Drenthe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Groningen - A vibrant university city with a lively cultural scene and beautiful architecture.
  • Leeuwarden - The capital of the neighboring province of Friesland, known for its rich history and beautiful canals.
  • Germany - Drenthe is located near the border with Germany, and visitors can explore many charming towns and attractions across the border.

Conclusion

Drenthe is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, with a rich history, natural beauty, and friendly locals. Whether you are interested in prehistoric artifacts, outdoor adventures, or traditional Dutch cuisine, there is something for everyone in Drenthe. Plan your trip today, and discover the beauty and charm of this unique province.

Map of Drenthe Map of Drenthe Emmen is Drenthe's largest city, but is not quite filled with sights or historic buildings Emmen is Drenthe's largest city, but is not quite filled with sights or historic buildings A28 (E232) A28 (E232) A32 A32 A37 (E233) A37 (E233) N33 N33 N34 N34 N48 N48 The monument of the Strafhuis where Anne Frank was placed The monument of the Strafhuis where Anne Frank was placed ''De Onlanden'', a nature reserve in the northern part of Drenthe ''De Onlanden'', a nature reserve in the northern part of Drenthe


    Aa en Hunze
    Ansen
    Assen
    Coevorden
    Meppel
    Tynaarlo