Places in Drenthe: Every Place Has Its Own Charm

You only truly discover Drenthe once you drive into the province—not from the highway, but via quiet roads winding through villages, heathland, and dolmens. Here, it’s not about rushing, but about peace and quiet—about that feeling of being completely away from it all.

The towns in Drenthe are each unique—no tall buildings or busy streets, but above all nature and historic villages. Places where you can relax and where life feels just a little simpler.

From villages to cities: discover the regions of Drenthe

Drenthe is divided into four regions, each with its own unique attractions. From forests to historic villages, from festivals to quiet areas, it’s all nearby—and it’s precisely this variety that makes exploring the province so enjoyable.

Kop van Drenthe: Assen and the North

In the north of Drenthe lies the Kop van Drenthe. Here you’ll find Assen, the largest town in this region. You can go shopping, visit restaurants and cafes, or explore the Drents Museum. Just outside the city lie villages such as Roden, Norg, and Veenhuizen. The latter is particularly special, as it is a former prison village that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During a walk through Veenhuizen, you can still see and feel the history reflected in the buildings and the atmosphere of the village.

Hondsrug Drenthe: Nature with a Story

The Hondsrug isn’t just any part of Drenthe. It’s a unique UNESCO Geopark featuring dolmens, sand dunes, and ancient villages.

In the heart of this region lies Emmen, a city with a small-town feel. You can go shopping there, relax at an outdoor café, or catch a show at the ATLAS Theater. In the mood for something active? WILDLANDS is highly recommended, especially if you have kids.

Or would you rather get out into nature? Then you don’t have to travel far. You can be in the Valtherbos or on the Bargerveen heath in no time. The nearby villages are also fun to visit.

Borger is home to the largest hunebed in the Netherlands.
Grolloo is known for music. The blues band Cuby + Blizzards used to live here. The house is now a museum, dedicated to the band.
In Exloo, you can go for a walk, ride a bike, or just look around.

Central Drenthe: Villages Where Life Seems to Stand Still

In the heart of the province lie the villages of Westerbork, Orvelte, and Beilen. These towns in Drenthe give you that sense of peace and open space for which the region is so well known.

In Orvelte, it feels as if time has stood still. You can stroll among the old farmhouses and historic sites, such as the blacksmith’s shop or the clog maker’s workshop.
In Beilen, you can enjoy a quiet cup of coffee at the bakery.
In Westerbork, you can stroll through the market or reflect on history at the former concentration camp.

Along the way, you’ll stumble upon beautiful natural areas, such as the Mantingerzand and the heathlands.

Southwest Drenthe: the most beautiful national parks

Do you enjoy the peace and quiet and the sounds of birds? Then the southwest of Drenthe is the place for you. This is where you’ll find the two most beautiful national parks in the Netherlands:

Dwingelderveld National Park—wet heathland and silence.
Drents-Friese Wold – a mix of forest, heathland, and sand.

In these parks, you can stroll along endless trails, through quiet forests, and past views that naturally bring a sense of peace to your mind.

Some charming villages nearby are Diever, Dwingeloo, and Ruinen. Every year, a Shakespeare play is performed in Diever. In Dwingeloo, you can visit the observatory and learn all about space. And Ruinen is surrounded by nature and is a great place for a peaceful walk or bike ride.

Emmen: A City Among the Villages

Emmen is the largest town in Drenthe. It has shops, markets, and cultural attractions, but it still has a small-town feel. On Fridays, the city center comes alive with the largest market in the northern Netherlands. And the best part is that from the center, you can easily bike right out into nature, such as the Bargerveen or Valtherbos. The creative Rensenpark, located in the old zoo, is also worth a visit. In the mood for a night out? Catch a show at the ATLAS Theater!

Why Drenthe Never Ceases to Surprise You

In Drenthe, you’ll find space to live, tranquility to enjoy, and plenty of social activities if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
The towns in Drenthe all have something unique to offer: some are steeped in history or nestled in the heart of nature, while others are bustling with theaters and festivals.
A great place for a weekend getaway, a full vacation, or maybe even a new home.
You don’t have to travel far to get there, and yet it feels like you’re getting away from it all.

Learn more about the towns in Drenthe at drenthe.nl

Frequently Asked Questions About Towns in Drenthe

What are some nice villages to visit in Drenthe?

There are plenty of charming villages to visit in Drenthe.

Orvelte is a village where history comes to life, with old farmhouses, traditional half-timbered buildings, and an atmosphere that feels as if time has stood still.
Grolloo is the place to be for music lovers.
In Dwingeloo, it’s all about the stars and silence, with a real observatory.

Or would you prefer a bit more excitement? Then head to Emmen. It’s a larger town with shops, restaurants, and, of course, Wildlands Adventure Zoo.

Which city is the largest in Drenthe?

It’s Emmen. Even though it doesn’t feel like a city—it actually has a village-like character—it’s not crowded or chaotic, yet it has everything you need. You’ll find shops, museums, and plenty of cozy places to eat.

Is Drenthe a good place to live?

Absolutely. If you’re looking for space, want an affordable home, and love nature, Drenthe is definitely a great place to live. Emmen and Assen are lovely cities where you’ll find everything you need, including shops, restaurants, and nature. And the surrounding villages are quiet and cozy.