Aa en Hunze Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Aa en Hunze, Netherlands with our comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Aa en Hunze
- List of Places to Visit in Aa en Hunze
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Aa en Hunze
- Het Drenthepad
- Drenthe Fietsvierdaagse
- Best Things to Do in Aa en Hunze: Activities and Tours
- Horse Riding
- Hot Air Balloon Rides
- Week-Long Itinerary for Aa en Hunze
- Food and Drink Scene of Aa en Hunze
- Where to Stay in Aa en Hunze: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hotels
- What to Buy in Aa en Hunze: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Drentse Aa Honey
- Drentse Turf
- Local Culture and Customs of Aa en Hunze
- Festivals
- Best Time to Visit Aa en Hunze
- Do’s and Don’ts of Aa en Hunze
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Aa en Hunze: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Aa en Hunze
- Where to Go Next from Aa en Hunze: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Groningen
- Delfzijl
- Conclusion
Introduction to Aa en Hunze
Aa en Hunze is a beautiful municipality located in the province of Drenthe, in Northern Netherlands. The municipality was formed by the merger of the former municipalities of Aa and Hunze in 1998. Aa en Hunze is known for its natural beauty, picturesque villages, and beautiful landscapes. It is a popular destination for tourists looking for tranquility and outdoor adventures.
List of Places to Visit in Aa en Hunze
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
If you are interested in the history and culture of Aa en Hunze, there are several museums and historical places that you can visit.
Drents Museum
The Drents Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of Drenthe. The museum has a vast collection of archaeological finds, historic artifacts, and modern art.
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a picturesque village located in the municipality of Aa en Hunze. It is known for its beautiful waterways, rustic bridges, and thatched-roof houses.
Natural Attractions of Aa en Hunze: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Aa en Hunze is known for its natural beauty and offers several outdoor activities and scenic views.
Drentsche Aa National Landscape
The Drentsche Aa National Landscape is a beautiful area of natural beauty. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, heaths, and meadows. You can explore the national landscape on foot, bike, or horseback.
Hunebed D27
Hunebed D27 is the largest and most impressive hunebed of Drenthe. It is a megalithic tomb that is approximately 5,000 years old. It is located in the village of Borger, which is a short drive from Aa en Hunze.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Aa en Hunze
Aa en Hunze is an excellent destination for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. There are several hiking and biking routes that you can explore.
Het Drenthepad
Het Drenthepad is a long-distance hiking trail that covers the entire province of Drenthe. It is a beautiful trail that takes you through forests, heaths, and meadows.
Drenthe Fietsvierdaagse
Drenthe Fietsvierdaagse is a four-day cycling event that takes place every year in July. It is a beautiful event that takes you through the most beautiful places in Drenthe, including Aa en Hunze.
Best Things to Do in Aa en Hunze: Activities and Tours
There are several exciting things to do and tours that you can take in Aa en Hunze.
Horse Riding
Aa en Hunze is an excellent destination for horse riding enthusiasts. There are several companies that offer guided horseback rides through the beautiful landscapes of the municipality.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Hot air balloon rides are a popular activity in Aa en Hunze. You can take a hot air balloon ride and enjoy the stunning views of the national park from above.
Week-Long Itinerary for Aa en Hunze
If you are planning a week-long trip to Aa en Hunze, here is a sample itinerary that you can follow.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Giethoorn village |
| Day 2 | Explore Drentsche Aa National Landscape |
| Day 3 | Visit Drents Museum |
| Day 4 | Horseback riding |
| Day 5 | Hot air balloon ride |
| Day 6 | Visit Hunebed D27 |
| Day 7 | Cycling in the municipality |
Food and Drink Scene of Aa en Hunze
Must-Try Dishes
Aa en Hunze is known for its delicious local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:
Stoofpeertjes
Stoofpeertjes is a traditional Dutch dish that is usually served as a side dish. It is made from slow-cooked pears, sugar, red wine, and cinnamon.
Peperkoek
Peperkoek is a spiced gingerbread cake that is popular in the Netherlands. It is usually served as a snack or a dessert.
Local Beverages
Aa en Hunze is known for its local beer and wine. Here are some local beverages that you should try:
Gueuze Beer
Gueuze beer is a type of lambic beer that is brewed in the region around Brussels. It is a tart and refreshing beer that is perfect for hot summer days.
Dutch Gin
Dutch gin, also known as jenever, is a traditional Dutch spirit that is made from malted barley, rye, and juniper berries. It has a smooth, herbaceous flavor and is perfect for sipping.
Where to Stay in Aa en Hunze: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are several accommodation options in Aa en Hunze, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.
Hotels
Some of the best hotels in Aa en Hunze include:
Hotel Buxus
Hotel Buxus is a beautiful hotel located in the village of Gasselte. It is known for its stylish rooms and excellent service.
Hotel de Vriezerbrug
Hotel de Vriezerbrug is a beautiful hotel located in the village of Tynaarlo. It offers spacious rooms, beautiful views, and excellent facilities.
What to Buy in Aa en Hunze: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you are looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home, there are several options in Aa en Hunze.
Drentse Aa Honey
Drentse Aa Honey is a delicious local honey that is made from the nectar of flowers in the Drentse Aa National Landscape.
Drentse Turf
Drentse Turf is a traditional Dutch sweet made from puff pastry, marzipan, and almond paste. It is named after the marshy landscapes of the province of Drenthe.
Local Culture and Customs of Aa en Hunze
Aa en Hunze has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its charming villages and traditional festivals.
Festivals
Some of the most popular festivals in Aa en Hunze include:
Bloemencorso Eelde
Bloemencorso Eelde is a beautiful flower parade that takes place in the village of Eelde every year in August. It features beautiful floats decorated with thousands of flowers.
TT Festival Assen
TT Festival Assen is a popular event that takes place every year in June. It is a celebration of motorcycle culture and features live music, street performances, and a motorcycle race.
Best Time to Visit Aa en Hunze
The best time to visit Aa en Hunze is between April and October. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without getting too cold.
Do’s and Don’ts of Aa en Hunze
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Tidy up after yourself in public spaces.
- Be polite to locals.
Don’t:
- Litter in public spaces.
- Be loud and disruptive in residential areas.
- Ignore local rules and regulations.
Safety and Health
Safety in Aa en Hunze
Aa en Hunze is a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always best to take precautions and avoid walking alone in unlit areas at night.
Health in Aa en Hunze
Aa en Hunze has a good healthcare system, and you can easily find medical assistance if needed.
Getting to Aa en Hunze: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Aa en Hunze
The two nearest airports to Aa en Hunze are Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Groningen Airport Eelde.
Bus Stations Near Aa en Hunze
You can reach Aa en Hunze by bus from several cities in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen.
Other Options
You can also reach Aa en Hunze by car. The municipality is well-connected to the Dutch highway network.
How to Get Around in Aa en Hunze
The best way to explore Aa en Hunze is on foot, by bike or by car. There are several bike rental companies, and it is a great way to explore the beautiful landscapes of the municipality.
Where to Go Next from Aa en Hunze: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have some extra time in the Netherlands, there are several nearby destinations that you can visit from Aa en Hunze.
Groningen
Groningen is a beautiful city located a short drive from Aa en Hunze. It is known for its beautiful architecture, lively nightlife, and excellent museums.
Delfzijl
Delfzijl is a charming seaside town located in the province of Groningen. It is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque harbor, and historic lighthouse.
Conclusion
Aa en Hunze is a beautiful destination in the northern Netherlands that offers stunning natural beauty, picturesque villages, and exciting outdoor adventures. With our comprehensive travel guide, you can plan a memorable trip to Aa en Hunze and explore all that this beautiful region has to offer.
