{"id":4149,"date":"2026-02-09T13:56:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T12:56:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/?post_type=tips&#038;p=4149"},"modified":"2026-02-09T13:56:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T12:56:47","slug":"things-to-do-in-drenthe-10-original-tips","status":"publish","type":"tips","link":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/tips-en\/things-to-do-in-drenthe-10-original-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Drenthe: 10 original tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"pane pane--white\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row g-4 g-lg-8 g-xl-15 justify-content-center\">\n                                                <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h1><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Things to do in Drenthe: 10 original tips<\/span><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drenthe is the perfect place to truly unwind. There\u2019s plenty of nature, charming villages, and lots of culture. Curious about what to do in Drenthe? It\u2019s 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.    <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">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.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Plan your visit to Emmen and discover what the region has to offer. Want more tips on things to do in Drenthe? Check  <\/span> the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drenthe.nl\/evenementen-activiteiten\/activiteiten\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">activities page<\/a> with all fun outings in Drenthe. <\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A province full of stories, nature, and experiences<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drenthe may seem calm, but it\u2019s 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.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">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\u2014everything comes together in Drenthe. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Whether you\u2019re coming for culture, history, nature, or fun: let yourself be surprised by the versatility of Drenthe.<\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Activities in Drenthe<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drenthe is not only beautiful to look at, but also fun to explore. From adventurous outdoor activities to fascinating museums and family outings\u2014you\u2019ll find plenty of ways to fill your day. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Below you\u2019ll find several highlights by theme<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Into nature: walking &amp; cycling<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">In Drenthe, you can walk straight into the landscape. From your hotel, holiday home, or campsite, you\u2019re just a few steps away from the woods or the heath. You\u2019ll find forests, sand drifts, ponds, and boardwalk paths.  <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">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\u2019s almost impossible to find elsewhere. Along the way, you can spot birds, enjoy the vast silence, and experience the unique atmosphere of the area.  <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Emmerdennen &amp; Valtherbos: perfect places for families or a peaceful forest walk, with gnome trails, ancient dolmens, and winding wooded paths. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drenthe has three national parks:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drentsche Aa: a landscape with streams, old farms, and villages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Dwingelderveld: the largest wet heathland in Western Europe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drents-Friese Wold: a varied landscape of forest and dunes with cycling routes<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Cyclists can fully enjoy the region: the entire landscape is covered with convenient cycling junction routes. Drenthe is made for the outdoors.  <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Soak up culture &amp; discover heritage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drenthe has a long and remarkable history that can still be seen everywhere. From dolmens to centuries-old villages and impressive museums\u2014the past comes to life here. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dolmens<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> \u2013 You\u2019ll find more than 50 scattered across Drenthe, with the most famous in Borger (D27). Others are located in Emmerdennen (D45) and near Emmen (D43). <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\">Hunebed Centre Borger \u2013 Travel 5,000 years back in time, walk through a reconstructed Stone Age village, and learn how the first inhabitants lived here.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Drents Museum (Assen)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> \u2013 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. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\">Colonies of Benevolence \u2013 UNESCO World Heritage in Frederiksoord and Veenhuizen, where you can discover how poor people once lived in the countryside. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tourist attractions for the whole family<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Want to go all out on a day trip? In Drenthe, there are plenty of places to make memories together, whether you\u2019re with friends, children, or family. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> \u2013 Not your average zoo. Travel from savannah to jungle in a single day, with animals, attractions, and shows. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ATLAS Theater<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> \u2013 Enjoy performances for all ages, from cabaret to musicals. Tip: combine it with a visit to WILDLANDS. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shopping and markets in Emmen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> \u2013 You can shop and wander here. In the town centre, you\u2019ll find charming boutiques, terraces, markets, and pop-up events. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Things to do in Drenthe: Emmen as a starting point<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">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.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">From the centre, cycling and walking routes begin. Whether you want a short family route or a full-day trip across the Hondsrug\u2014everything starts in Emmen. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">You\u2019ll also find great hotels, caf\u00e9s, shops, and museums here. This way, you can combine nature with comfort.  <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Curious what else Emmen has to offer? Check <\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/tips-en\/things-to-do-in-emmen\/\">Things to do in Emmen<\/a> for more tips.<\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"pane pane--tertiary\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row g-4 g-lg-8 g-xl-15 justify-content-center\">\n                                                <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/assets\/img\/blocks-title.svg\" class=\"text-figure me-1 me-lg-2 mt-n1\" width=\"24\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\" \/> <span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequently asked questions about things to do in Drenthe<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What are the most beautiful nature areas in Drenthe?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drenthe has three beautiful national parks.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Dwingelderveld National Park: known for its vast heathlands and sheep herds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The Drents-Friese Wold: ideal for walking and cycling routes through forest and dunes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The Bargerveen: a unique peat bog, one of the last in the Netherlands.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">If you love nature, peace, and walking, these are perfect places to explore.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is there to do in Drenthe with children?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">There are many fun outings in Drenthe for families with children.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen is an adventurous zoo with animals, attractions, and shows.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The Hunebed Centre in Borger introduces children to prehistory in a playful way.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The gnome trail in the Valtherbos is great for young children who enjoy walking and exploring in the woods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">These activities in Drenthe make it an ideal destination for a family outing or weekend trip.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is a nice cycling route in the Emmen area?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The Hondsrug Route is a great option: you cycle past forests, dolmens, and villages. Along the way, you can rest at pause points while enjoying local products.Want to discover more cycling routes? Then check    <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drenthe.nl\/fietsen-wandelen\/fietsen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cycling Routes Drenthe.<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is there to do in Drenthe in bad weather?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Even when it rains, there\u2019s plenty to do in Drenthe. Visit the Drents Museum in Assen, go swimming at  <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gemeente.emmen.nl\/aquarena\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Zwembad Aquarena<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> in Emmen, or play an exciting escape room together.  <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/atlas-theater-emmen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">ATLAS Theater<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> also offers performances all year round for young and old. Perfect for a fun indoor activity. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is there to do in Drenthe for a weekend trip?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drenthe is ideal for a weekend getaway. Combine nature with culture: walk through a national park, visit a museum, and end the day at a cozy restaurant. Stay in a charming B&amp;B or at a holiday park surrounded by greenery. From towns like Emmen or Assen, it\u2019s easy to plan several fun activities throughout the weekend.   <\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1086,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"class_list":["post-4149","tips","type-tips","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Things to do in Drenthe: 10 original tips - Ontdek Emmen<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover Drenthe: from dolmens and national parks to WILDLANDS and culture in Emmen. 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