Ansen Travel Guide

Discover the charming village of Ansen in Drenthe, Northern Netherlands. Learn about the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Ansen Travel Guide: Explore the Hidden Gem of Northern Netherlands

Welcome to Ansen, a picturesque village located in Drenthe, Northern Netherlands. This hidden gem of Benelux offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive travel guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Ansen, including the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Ansen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ansen is proud of its rich history and cultural heritage, which is evident in its museums and historical places. A visit to these attractions will provide you with a glimpse of the village’s past and present. Some of the must-visit places are:

  • The Drents Museum: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Drenthe and its surrounding regions in a dynamic way.

  • The Hunebed Centre: An archaeological museum that features the largest dolmen in the Netherlands, providing insights into the life of the ancient people who built them.

  • The Vlinderparadijs Papiliorama: A tropical butterfly garden that will enchant visitors with its beautiful butterflies and exotic plants.

Natural Attractions of Ansen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ansen is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and offers visitors an array of outdoor activities. Whether you want to hike, bike, canoe, or simply enjoy nature’s beauty, Ansen has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit:

  • The Dwingelderveld National Park: A natural reserve that boasts of heaths, forests, and grassland. Perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

  • The Holtingerveld: A nature reserve that includes heathland, forest, and sand dunes, offers visitors hiking and biking trails and scenic views.

  • The Oosterzand: A nature reserve that has been preserved for its unique flora and fauna. Perfect for birdwatching and hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ansen

For hiking and biking enthusiasts, Ansen has some of the most scenic and beautiful routes in the Netherlands. The routes offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Ansen and its surrounding areas. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes:

  • The Dwingelderveld National Park route: A 14 km long hiking trail that takes you through the heart of the National Park and its scenic landscape.

  • The Ansen route: A 23 km long biking route that takes you through the charming countryside and picturesque villages surrounding Ansen.

  • The Tynaarlo route: A 20 km long biking route that takes you through beautiful forests, heathlands, and meadows.

Best Things to Do in Ansen: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Ansen offers visitors a unique and authentic Dutch experience. Here are some of the best things to do in Ansen:

  • Visit Ansen’s weekly farmer’s market: A traditional market where you can find local produce and handmade crafts.

  • Enjoy a boat tour on the Drentsche Aa: A scenic tour that takes you through breathtaking landscapes and the pristine waters of the Drentsche Aa River.

  • Take part in a pottery workshop: A fun and interactive workshop that teaches visitors how to create authentic Dutch pottery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ansen

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip to Ansen:

Day 1: Arrival in Ansen and explore the village’s historical sites and museums.

Day 2: Hiking or Biking in the Dwingelderveld National Park

Day 3: Visit the Hunebed Centre and Vlinderparadijs Papiliorama

Day 4: Take a boat tour on the Drentsche Aa

Day 5: Experience pottery workshop

Day 6: Biking in the Tynaarlo route

Day 7: Departure from Ansen

Food and Drink Scene of Ansen

Ansen is not only famous for its natural beauty and historical significance but also for its delicious food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stamppot: A traditional Dutch dish made of mashed potatoes and vegetables.

  • Drenthe’s Goed: A unique cheese that is produced only in Drenthe.

  • Pepernoten: Delicious Dutch bite-size cookies that are perfect for snacking.

Local Beverages

  • Jenever: A traditional Dutch gin that has been distilled for over 300 years.

  • Beerenburg: A unique Dutch spirit that is made from various herbs and spices, known for its strong taste.

  • Drents bier: A beer that is brewed in Drenthe and is known for its unique taste and aroma.

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

Ansen has a wide range of accommodation options to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • De Nijverheid: A charming hotel located in the heart of Ansen

  • Huize te Lieveren: A stylish and modern hotel located in a renovated country estate outside Ansen

  • De Herberg van Anderen: A cozy bed and breakfast located in the nearby village of Anderen

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

A trip to Ansen is incomplete without a souvenir to bring back home. Here are some of the must-buy items:

  • Drenthe’s Goed cheese

  • Dutch wooden clogs

  • Dutch pottery

Local Culture and Customs of Ansen

Ansen has a unique and authentic Dutch culture that can be experienced through its festivals, traditions, and customs. Here are some of the most popular customs and traditions:

  • King’s Day: A national holiday in the Netherlands where people celebrate the birth of the king by dressing in orange and participating in various festivities.

  • Sinterklaas: A Dutch Christmas tradition that involves the arrival of Sinterklaas and his helpers in Ansen.

  • Carnaval: A festive season leading up to Easter that involves dressing up in fancy costumes and participating in parades and dance parties.

Best Time to Visit Ansen

The best time to visit Ansen is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is pleasant, and the natural landscapes are at their best. However, avoid the peak tourist season of July and August to enjoy the village’s beauty without the crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ansen

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

  • Be polite and friendly to the locals.

  • Enjoy the natural beauty of Ansen.

Don’t:

  • Leave litter or waste in the natural reserves.

  • Be loud and disruptive, especially during quiet hours

  • Disturb the wildlife

Safety and Health

Safety in Ansen

Ansen is a safe place to visit. However, visitors should follow basic safety precautions to ensure a comfortable and stress-free trip, including:

  • Keep valuable items safe.

  • Follow traffic rules.

  • Avoid wandering alone at night.

Health in Ansen

Visitors to Ansen are advised to follow basic hygiene practices to maintain good health, including:

  • Drink bottled water

  • Wash hands with soap and water regularly

  • Wear sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor activities

Getting to Ansen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ansen is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Ansen

The nearest airports to Ansen are:

  • Groningen Airport Eelde: 21 km away

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: 161 km away

Bus Stations Near Ansen

The nearest bus stations to Ansen are:

  • Assen Interchange: 12 km away

  • Beilen Interchange: 9 km away

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Ansen by train and then take a bus or taxi to the village.

How to Get Around in Ansen

The best way to get around Ansen is by biking or hiking. Bikes can be rented from various locations in the village. Taxis and buses are also available but may be more expensive.

Where to Go Next from Ansen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ansen’s location makes it a perfect starting point for nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some of the best options:

  • Assen: The capital city of Drenthe, located 13 km away from Ansen

  • Groningen: The largest city in the north of the Netherlands, located 32 km away from Ansen

  • Giethoorn: A picturesque village in Overijssel, located 60 km away from Ansen

Conclusion

Ansen is more than just a hidden gem of Northern Netherlands. It’s a village that offers visitors a unique and authentic Dutch experience with its rich history, natural beauty, outdoor activities, and charming villages. So why wait? Plan your trip to Ansen, and discover the hidden beauty of Northern Netherlands.