{"id":8842,"date":"2025-12-08T11:45:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T10:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/tips\/things-to-do-in-drenthe\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T15:22:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T14:22:23","slug":"things-to-do-in-drenthe","status":"publish","type":"tips","link":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/tips-en\/things-to-do-in-drenthe\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Drenthe"},"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. It offers plenty of nature, charming villages, and plenty of culture. What\u2019s there to do in Drenthe? It\u2019s a great place for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation. From hiking among the hunebeds to spending a day in nature or strolling through the charming markets.    <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Emmen is centrally located and is a great place to start your visit. From here, you can easily travel to other beautiful spots in the province. There\u2019s also plenty to do in Emmen itself, such as shopping, dining out, or visiting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/activities\/wildlands-adventure-zoo-emmen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">WILDLANDS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> or 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 what to do in Drenthe? Check out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/tips-en\/activities-in-drenthe\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">activities page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> for all the fun things to do in 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\">A province full of stories, nature, and experiences<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Drenthe may be quiet, but it\u2019s certainly not boring. This province is bursting with possibilities. You can bike through forests and past dolmens, explore old villages, visit museums, or go on active outings with the kids.  <\/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>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\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                            <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>Here&#8217;s what you can do in Drenthe<\/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&#8217;ll find a few highlights for each theme.<\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h3><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>Out in Nature: Hiking &#038; Biking<\/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\"><strong>Bargerveen (near Zwartemeer)<\/strong> <strong> \u2014<\/strong> a unique natural area, namely one of the last active raised bogs in the Netherlands. Here, you can walk along wooden boardwalks through a landscape you\u2019ll hardly find anywhere else. Along the way, you can spot birds, enjoy the vast silence, and experience the unique atmosphere of this area.  <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>Emmerdennen &#038; Valtherbos<\/strong> <strong>\u2014<\/strong> perfect spots for families or a peaceful walk in the woods, featuring gnome trails, ancient dolmens, and winding forest 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\"><strong>Drentsche Aa<\/strong> <strong>\u2014<\/strong> a landscape of streams, old farms, and villages.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>Dwingelderveld<\/strong> <strong>\u2014<\/strong> the largest wet heathland area in Western Europe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>Drents-Friese Wold<\/strong> <strong>\u2014<\/strong> a varied landscape of forests and dunes with bike trails.<\/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                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h3><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>Soak Up the Culture &#038; Discover the Heritage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Drenthe has a long and remarkable history that can still be seen everywhere. From hunebeds to centuries-old villages and impressive museums\u2014the past comes to life here.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>Hunebeds<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong> \u2013<\/strong> There are more than 50 scattered throughout Drenthe, with the best-known one in Borger (D27). Other well-known ones are located near Emmen (D45) and Valthe (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\"><strong>Drents Museum (Assen)<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>\u2013<\/strong> This museum is known for its exhibitions and finds from the peat bogs, such as the bog bodies. It never fails to surprise visitors with both grand 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                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\n                        <div class=\"pane__text\">\n                            <h3><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>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\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/activities\/wildlands-adventure-zoo-emmen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> \u2013 Not your average zoo. Here, you\u2019ll travel from the savanna to the jungle in a single day, with animals, attractions, and shows.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/activiteiten\/atlas-theater-emmen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">ATLAS Theater<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> \u2013 Here you can enjoy performances for all ages, from cabaret to musicals. Tip: combine this with a visit to WILDLANDS.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/shopping-markets\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shopping and Markets in Emmen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> \u2013 You can shop and browse here. In the city center, you\u2019ll find charming boutiques, outdoor cafes, markets, and pop-up events.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\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                            <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>Things to Do in Drenthe by Season<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Which tip is the most fun really depends on the season. Here&#8217;s how to choose: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>Fall\u2014<\/strong> the forests are changing colors, and the trails are quieter than in the summer. This is the season to visit the Emmerdennen, the Valtherbos, and the national parks. During fall break, there are extra activities for children on the schedule.  <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>Winter\u2014<\/strong> indoor activities include museums, theater, and swimming. A clear winter day on the Dwingelderveld heath is truly the most peaceful moment of the year. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>Spring\u2014<\/strong> the flocks of sheep head out onto the heath, and the junction routes are once again bustling with cyclists.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"><strong>Summer\u2014<\/strong> time for some water fun. The Grote Rietplas near Emmen is the perfect spot for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and swimming. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">The events calendar lists exactly what\u2019s happening during the weeks you\u2019ll be here. It\u2019s constantly updated with exhibitions, markets, festivals, and performances in Emmen and the surrounding area. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">View the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/agenda\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">events calendar for Emmen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">.<\/span><\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"pane py-0 overflow-hidden\">\n    <div class=\"container px-0 px-lg-2\">\n                    <div class=\"swiper swiper--images\">\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                            <span class=\"badge badge--author\">Chantal Eelen<\/span>                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1432\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Charmotionsfotografiechantaleelen-7-1-1432x1066.jpg\" class=\"image\" alt=\"Sfeerbeeld Herfstwandeling\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Charmotionsfotografiechantaleelen-7-1-1432x1066.jpg 1432w, https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Charmotionsfotografiechantaleelen-7-1-70x53.jpg 70w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1432px) 100vw, 1432px\" \/>                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1432\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Winter-Drenthe-Beeldbank-1432x1066.jpg\" class=\"image\" alt=\"Sfeerbeeld Winter\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                            <span class=\"badge badge--author\">Marcel Jurian de Jong<\/span>                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1432\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bargerveen-Hondsrug-Beeldbank-1432x1066.jpg\" class=\"image\" alt=\"Sfeerbeeld Scha\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n                            <span class=\"badge badge--author\">Chantal Eelen<\/span>                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1432\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ChantalEelenCharmotions20260525OntdekEmmen-28-1432x1066.jpg\" class=\"image\" alt=\"Sfeerbeeld varen op de Rietplas\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\">\n                    <svg class=\"icon icon--20 icon--arrow\">\n                        <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/build\/img\/symbols.63376f1c939fe8229a47.svg#arrow-right\"><\/use>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"swiper-button-next\">\n                    <svg class=\"icon icon--20 icon--arrow\">\n                        <use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/wp-content\/themes\/ontdek-emmen\/build\/img\/symbols.63376f1c939fe8229a47.svg#arrow-right\"><\/use>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\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                            <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>Things to do in Drenthe: Emmen as a starting point<\/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\">Here you&#8217;ll also find great hotels, caf\u00e9s, shops, museums, and an outdoor pool. It&#8217;s the perfect way to combine nature with comfort. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Curious about what else Emmen has to offer? Check out<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/tips\/wat-te-doen-in-emmen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Things to Do in Emmen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\"> for more tips.<\/span><\/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 to do in Drenthe with kids?<\/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\">WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen is an adventurous zoo with animals, attractions, and shows.<\/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 highly recommended: you\u2019ll cycle past forests, dolmens, and villages. Along the way, you can take a break at rest stops while enjoying local specialties. Want to discover more cycling routes? Then check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/routes\/fietsroutes-drenthe\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">Cycling Routes in Drenthe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">.<\/span><\/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 the Aquarena Pool in Emmen, or play an exciting escape room together. You can also visit the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/activiteiten\/atlas-theater-emmen\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">ATLAS Theater <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300\">hosts performances for all ages year-round. Perfect for a fun indoor activity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What to do in Drenthe for a weekend getaway?<\/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&#038;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-8842","tips","type-tips","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tips\/8842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tips"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/tips"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}