Relaxing, active, and surprisingly close by: that’s a vacation in Drenthe
Want to get away for a bit without leaving the country? Then a vacation in Drenthe is a great idea. Here you’ll find peace and quiet, nature, and fun things to do. From hiking through the Bargerveen to soaking up culture in Emmen or biking past dolmens—it’s all possible.
Emmen is the perfect starting point for your vacation. You’ll be right in the middle of nature, with plenty to do nearby. And everything is within easy reach of each other.
Why choose a vacation in Drenthe?
Drenthe is spacious, green, and laid-back. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, culture, or just relaxing, here you can enjoy your vacation your way.
- You can walk or bike right into nature
- There’s a wide variety of lodging options to choose from
- You can combine relaxation with fun outings and cultural experiences
From Emmen, you’re just a short trip away from nature reserves like the Bargerveen, the Emmerdennen, or the Valtherbos. And at the end of the day? You can enjoy a drink on a patio or catch a show at the ATLAS Theater. That’s what makes a vacation in Drenthe so varied.
What can you do during your vacation in Drenthe?
Drenthe is a green province where you can truly relax, but there’s also a surprising amount to do. Here, you can enjoy nature and an active day out
Hiking and biking in nature
During your vacation in Drenthe, you’ll naturally want to enjoy the great outdoors. Fortunately, there are hundreds of kilometers of hiking and biking trails here.
- Cycle past dolmens and through old esdorp villages
- Hike along the Hondsrug and learn about the history of the landscape
- Enjoy the tranquility of the Bargerveen or Valtherbos
- Start your day with a sunrise walk along the Grote Rietplas
Soak up the culture and experience history
You’ll also find plenty of cultural heritage in Drenthe. Traces of the past are visible everywhere.
- Visit the Hunebed Center in Borger
- Discover the story of the Colonies of Benevolence (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Visit the Drents Museum in Assen
- Explore Van Gogh sites, historic church villages, and farms
A day trip to Emmen and the surrounding area
A vacation in Emmen is also fun if you’re traveling with kids or friends.
- Go on an adventure at WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo
- See a show at the ATLAS Theater
- Visit the lively butterfly markets, festivals, and events in the city center
- Go shopping, grab lunch, or just take a leisurely stroll through the city
Everything is close together, so it’s easy to combine them.
Where will you stay during your vacation in Drenthe?
Everyone enjoys their vacation in their own way. Fortunately, there are plenty of different lodging options to choose from in Drenthe.
- Nature cabins in the middle of the forest, often with a hot tub or wood-burning stove
- Campgrounds, ranging from small and basic to those with a swimming pool and entertainment
- Vacation parks with playgrounds, restaurants, and bike rentals
- Hotels & B&Bs in the city center or right in the heart of nature
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacations in Drenthe
What makes Drenthe such a great place for a peaceful vacation?
Drenthe is the perfect place to unwind. Here, you can spend hours hiking or biking away from the crowds. Forests, heathlands, and quiet ponds are within walking or biking distance of many accommodations. Especially in nature reserves like the Bargerveen, the Drentsche Aa, or the Dwingelderveld, you’ll immediately feel the peace and quiet. That’s exactly what makes a vacation in Drenthe so relaxing.
Is Emmen a good place for your vacation in Drenthe?
Absolutely. Emmen is centrally located in the southeastern part of Drenthe and is easily accessible. From downtown, you can be in the woods within ten minutes. At the same time, you’ll find everything you need here: supermarkets, restaurants, shops, and attractions like WILDLANDS and the ATLAS Theater. Many cycling and hiking trails also start in or around Emmen.
What types of accommodations are available in Drenthe?
Drenthe has something for everyone:
- Nature cabins in the woods or by a small lake
- Campgrounds with basic amenities or, conversely, luxury amenities
- Vacation resorts with all the trimmings, perfect if you love comfort
- Hotels in and outside the city center
- B&Bs surrounded by nature or right in the city center
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or with friends, there are plenty of options to choose from. During your vacation in Drenthe, you’ll always be staying close to nature and fun day trips. Check out the accommodations page for more tips.
What can you do in Drenthe with kids?
Drenthe is ideal for a family vacation. Children can climb, play, and explore here. For example, visit:
- WILDLANDS Emmen: A large zoo featuring a jungle, savanna, and the Arctic
- De Hondsrug: Cycle past dolmens and have a picnic along the way
- Markets or festivals: Check out fun kids’ activities in downtown Emmen
- Drents Museum: There’s often a special exhibition for children here
What are some nice places to go hiking in Drenthe?
- Dwingelderveld National Park: Vast heathland, ponds, and tranquility
- Valtherbos near Emmen: Featuring dolmens and wide hiking trails
- Bargerveen: Rare raised bog with a panoramic tower
- Drentsch Aa: A winding route through a centuries-old stream valley dotted with villages
- The Hondsrug: UNESCO Geopark with boulders, forests, and es grounds
Here, you can take a walk surrounded by nature, with beautiful views and stories to enjoy. Choose from one of the short or long trails.
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