Places to See in Drenthe: Don’t Miss These Highlights
Drenthe is a province full of stories, tranquility, and nature. The attractions in Drenthe let you experience that history and atmosphere up close—from ancient dolmens to quiet heathlands and charming villages. Are you going for a hike, soaking up some culture, or just relaxing? These highlights in Drenthe showcase the northern part of the Netherlands at its best.
Hunebeds and Prehistory: Drenthe’s Prehistoric Era
The history of Drenthe began thousands of years ago, and there’s a great deal of evidence of that! The most famous landmarks in Drenthe are therefore the hunebeds. These stone monuments were built by the province’s first inhabitants around 3000 B.C. More than fifty hunebeds are scattered throughout the Drenthe landscape.
The largest hunebed in the Netherlands
In Borger, you’ll find the largest hunebed, originally named D27. At the Hunebedcentrum in Borger, you can learn more about the builders of these stone tombs. Inside, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of the past; outside, you can walk past the hunebeds themselves.
Hiking Through the UNESCO De Hondsrug Geopark
Combine your visit to Borger with a walk or bike ride through the UNESCO Global Geopark De Hondsrug. This unique area tells the story of the ice ages and the first inhabitants of Drenthe. Along the way, you’ll see burial mounds, sand dunes, and old farmhouses.
Read more here about the hunebeds in Drenthe and find out where you can see these prehistoric monuments for yourself.
National Parks: Nature and Tranquility in Drenthe
Drenthe has three national parks: the Dwingelderveld, the Drents-Friese Wold, and the Drentsche Aa. Hiking or biking through these areas is wonderful in every season. The landscape in Drenthe varies from park to park, but the tranquility remains the same. In addition to the three national parks, Drenthe is home to hundreds of small and large forests. These highlights are ideal for nature lovers:
Dwingelderveld National Park
The Dwingelderveld is the largest wet heathland area in Western Europe. Here, you can spend hours walking along boardwalks, through forests, and past ponds. You’ll often see a flock of sheep and their shepherd passing by.
Drents-Friese Wold National Park
The Drents-Friese Wold lies between Appelscha and Diever. Here, forests, dunes, and sand drifts alternate. The trails are clearly marked, so you can easily choose a short or long hike.
Drentsche Aa National Park
The Drentsche Aa is located in eastern Drenthe. In this park, you’ll discover stream valleys, old farms, and picturesque villages. The landscape remains almost exactly the same as it was hundreds of years ago. Peace and quiet? Check.
Bargerveen near Emmen
Bargerveen is a unique raised bog area with boardwalks, lookout points, and a sheepfold in southern Drenthe. It’s a beautiful spot for birdwatching or just to get some fresh air.
Read more here about nature and parks in Drenthe and discover the best places for hiking and biking.
Museums and Heritage: Discover the Stories of Drenthe
Drenthe is full of remarkable museums, of all shapes and sizes. Each museum has its own character and showcases a unique aspect of Drenthe’s culture. Let yourself be surprised and inspired by historical stories and modern art. Here are our top picks for your next visit:
Drents Museum in Assen
At the Drents Museum, you’ll discover archaeology, art, and culture—from the past and present! Here, you can see the famous bog bodies and experience exhibitions of contemporary art.
Prison Museum in Veenhuizen
In Veenhuizen, you can step back in time to the era of the Colonies of Benevolence. This UNESCO World Heritage Site tells the story of a unique 19th-century social experiment. At the Prison Museum, you’ll learn all about the remarkable history of the village of Veenhuizen and its residents.
Van Gogh House Drenthe
In 1883, painter Vincent van Gogh lived and worked in Nieuw-Amsterdam. At the Van Gogh House, you can see where he stayed and how he painted the peatland landscape of Drenthe.
Brands Museum Collection
In Nieuw-Dordrecht, you’ll find Jans Brands’ personal collection: thousands of books, photographs, and artifacts that together tell the story of Drenthe.
Discover more museums in Drenthe and be inspired by art, history, and stories from the province.
Art, theater, and more: experience Drenthe’s culture
In Drenthe, you can fully enjoy art and theater. Culture and nature, history and the contemporary: this province offers the ideal combination.
In Emmen, you’ll find Rensenpark. The site of the old zoo is now a creative hub filled with studios and exhibitions. A theater lover? Then reserve a seat at the ATLAS Theater in Emmen or Theater De Tamboer in Hoogeveen.
In villages like Exloo and Diever, you can visit local galleries where artists showcase their work. In the summer, there are often open studios and small festivals throughout Drenthe.
Towns and Cities: 5 Must-See Places in Drenthe
Drenthe has many villages and towns that are worth visiting. Each place has its own atmosphere and highlights:
- Emmen: a lively city center featuring WILDLANDS, Rensenpark, and cozy restaurants and bars.
- Assen: the capital of Drenthe, home to the Drents Museum and the TT Circuit.
- Borger: home to the largest hunebed in the Netherlands.
- Orvelte: a living historic village with traditional crafts and farms.
- Dwingeloo and Diever: charming villages on the edge of Dwingelderveld National Park.
Special Places in Drenthe
In addition to all the well-known attractions in Drenthe, there are also some lesser-known must-sees. Let these locations surprise you:
- Tree-Top Trail (Drouwen): a walking trail among the treetops.
- Camp Westerbork: an impressive World War II memorial site.
- Gnome Land (Exloo): a fun outing for young children featuring gnomes, trolls, and animals.
- Ellert & Brammert Open-Air Museum (Schoonoord): discover how people used to live in Drenthe.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
The attractions in Drenthe are close together and easily accessible by car or e-bike. From Emmen or Assen, you can drive to most places within 45 minutes. Many locations are free or have a low admission fee.
Tip: Combine a museum visit with a walk or bike ride in nature. That’s the best way to experience Drenthe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attractions in Drenthe
What are the most famous attractions in Drenthe?
The most famous attractions in Drenthe are the hunebeds in Borger, the Drents Museum in Assen, and Dwingelderveld National Park. The Van Gogh House and Kamp Westerbork also attract many visitors.
Where can I find the most beautiful natural areas in Drenthe?
The most beautiful nature areas are the Dwingelderveld, the Drents-Friese Wold, and the Drentsche Aa. In the south, the Bargerveen is highly recommended for hikers and nature lovers.
What can you do with children in Drenthe?
Visit WILDLANDS Zoo in Emmen, Kabouterland in Exloo, or the Boomkroonpad in Drouwen. Or take the kids on a discovery tour through the Ellert & Brammert Open-Air Museum.
