Things to do in Drenthe: 10 original tips

Drenthe is the perfect place to truly unwind. There’s plenty of nature, charming villages, and lots of culture. Curious about what to do in Drenthe? It’s a great destination for a day out, a weekend getaway, or a longer holiday. From walking among dolmens to spending a day in nature or strolling through lively markets.

Emmen is centrally located and a good place to start your visit. From here, you can easily travel to other beautiful spots in the province. Emmen itself also has plenty to offer, such as shopping, dining out, or visiting Wildlands or the Rensenpark.

Plan your visit to Emmen and discover what the region has to offer. Want more tips on things to do in Drenthe? Check the activities page with all fun outings in Drenthe.

A province full of stories, nature, and experiences

Drenthe may seem calm, but it’s definitely not boring. The province is full of possibilities. You can cycle through forests and past dolmens, explore old villages, visit museums, or enjoy active outings with children.

Where else can you combine a walk through a national park with an afternoon among wild animals or an evening at the theatre? From prehistory to modern art and from farmland to adventure parks—everything comes together in Drenthe.

Whether you’re coming for culture, history, nature, or fun: let yourself be surprised by the versatility of Drenthe.

Activities in Drenthe

Drenthe is not only beautiful to look at, but also fun to explore. From adventurous outdoor activities to fascinating museums and family outings—you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your day.

Below you’ll find several highlights by theme

Into nature: walking & cycling

In Drenthe, you can walk straight into the landscape. From your hotel, holiday home, or campsite, you’re just a few steps away from the woods or the heath. You’ll find forests, sand drifts, ponds, and boardwalk paths.

• Bargerveen (near Zwartemeer): a remarkable nature area, one of the last active peat bogs in the Netherlands. Walk across wooden boardwalks through a landscape that’s almost impossible to find elsewhere. Along the way, you can spot birds, enjoy the vast silence, and experience the unique atmosphere of the area.
• Emmerdennen & Valtherbos: perfect places for families or a peaceful forest walk, with gnome trails, ancient dolmens, and winding wooded paths.
• Drenthe has three national parks:
  • Drentsche Aa: a landscape with streams, old farms, and villages.
  • Dwingelderveld: the largest wet heathland in Western Europe.
  • Drents-Friese Wold: a varied landscape of forest and dunes with cycling routes
    

Cyclists can fully enjoy the region: the entire landscape is covered with convenient cycling junction routes. Drenthe is made for the outdoors.

Soak up culture & discover heritage

Drenthe has a long and remarkable history that can still be seen everywhere. From dolmens to centuries-old villages and impressive museums—the past comes to life here.

• Dolmens – You’ll find more than 50 scattered across Drenthe, with the most famous in Borger (D27). Others are located in Emmerdennen (D45) and near Emmen (D43).
• Hunebed Centre Borger – Travel 5,000 years back in time, walk through a reconstructed Stone Age village, and learn how the first inhabitants lived here.
• Drents Museum (Assen) – This museum is known for its exhibitions and peat bog discoveries, such as the bog bodies. It continues to surprise with both major and local stories.
• Colonies of Benevolence – UNESCO World Heritage in Frederiksoord and Veenhuizen, where you can discover how poor people once lived in the countryside.

Tourist attractions for the whole family

Want to go all out on a day trip? In Drenthe, there are plenty of places to make memories together, whether you’re with friends, children, or family.

• WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen – Not your average zoo. Travel from savannah to jungle in a single day, with animals, attractions, and shows.
• ATLAS Theater – Enjoy performances for all ages, from cabaret to musicals. Tip: combine it with a visit to WILDLANDS.
• Shopping and markets in Emmen – You can shop and wander here. In the town centre, you’ll find charming boutiques, terraces, markets, and pop-up events.

Things to do in Drenthe: Emmen as a starting point

A great starting point for your visit to Drenthe is Emmen. This lively town is located in the southeast of the province and is easily accessible by car and public transport. From the centre, you can explore nature, culture, and fun family activities.

From the centre, cycling and walking routes begin. Whether you want a short family route or a full-day trip across the Hondsrug—everything starts in Emmen.

You’ll also find great hotels, cafés, shops, and museums here. This way, you can combine nature with comfort. Curious what else Emmen has to offer? Check Things to do in Emmen for more tips.