In Borger, the largest of Drenthe’s 54 surviving megalithic tombs stands right next to the Hunebedcentrum. The centre presents the region’s prehistory through these tombs. In the adjoining Oertijdpark, visitors can see how prehistoric people lived on their farms; the tour takes them through 150,000 years of Drenthe’s history. Insights into earlier ways of life thus complement the exploration of these stone burial sites.
Prehistory, Art and Remembrance
The Drents Museum also focuses on archaeology, art and history. It offers a journey of discovery through 15 galleries, featuring highlights such as the Girl of Yde, the world’s oldest boat and paintings by Van Gogh. The displays may be updated; check the latest exhibition details before your visit.
The Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork tells a different part of history. It commemorates the deportation of more than 100,000 Jewish people, as well as Roma and Sinti, during the Second World War; 102,000 never returned. A memorial made of 102,000 stones stands on the former roll-call square. Each stone represents a deported person who never returned. Original barracks and the camp commandant’s house remain on the site. The Nationaal Monument Westerbork also includes the remains of the old railway line, with its bent rails.
The Colonies of Benevolence tell another chapter of history. Johannes van den Bosch founded them in 1818 so that poor families, beggars and homeless people could live in colonies, each with their own home and a plot of land to farm. The Drenthe villages of Frederiksoord, Wilhelminaoord and Veenhuizen have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2021.
The heritage village of Orvelte also brings historic architecture to life, with thatched Saxon farmhouses and other rustic buildings. The village is freely accessible year-round; some farms also welcome visitors inside. Local offerings include regional products, souvenirs and traditional Dutch sweets such as Polkabrokken and Ulevellen. Access arrangements and offerings may change; check them before your visit.
The Van Gogh Huis Drenthe is the only publicly accessible building preserved in its original state in which Vincent van Gogh actually lived, ate and slept. At the Van Gogh Huis in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord, visitors can paint like Van Gogh in a workshop. Several cycling and walking routes through landscapes that inspired Van Gogh are also available at the Van Gogh Huis Drenthe; two of the three cycling routes start there. Workshop and route offerings may change, so it is advisable to check in advance.
Bog Landscapes and Protected Nature
Drenthe brings together a variety of landscapes. After the Veluwe, the Drents-Friese Wold is the Netherlands’ second-largest contiguous woodland and heathland area. Drentsche Aa National Park encompasses Western Europe’s best-preserved landscape of streams and esdorpen (traditional villages with communal fields); the Drentsche Aa has meandered through the landscape there since time immemorial. Drenthe is home to three national parks and fourteen Natura 2000 sites in total.
Fochteloërveen is a Natura 2000 raised bog area on the border between Drenthe and Friesland. Cranes and white-tailed eagles nest there, and the extremely rare Veenhooibeestje (cranberry fritillary) is also found there. The area near Veenhuizen is also home to rare plants, reptiles and amphibians. It is easily accessible to cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users; from the Kolonieveld observation tower, you can enjoy views across the area. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and access conditions may change due to conservation work. Check in advance.
Bargerveen covers around 2,100 hectares and preserves a remnant of the former Bourtange Moor. This Natura 2000 site includes rare raised bog grasslands; it is also an important roosting site for tundra bean geese nationwide. Wildlife presence may vary depending on the season.
Routes and Experiences Along the Way
For a longer cycling trip, Rondje Drenthe follows the provincial border: this long-distance cycle route is about 320 kilometres long and divided into six sections. It includes a loop to Col du VAM and 29 Kiekplaotsen, with information about special places along the route. The route guide may be updated; check the latest route information. As an alternative to cycling around the region, the 324-kilometre Drenthepad crosses all of Drenthe on foot in 18 stages. The similar distances represent different ways to travel: a cycling route along the border and a walking trail through the province.
At VAM-Berg, there is a cycling course with three climbs and a descent. There are also ten kilometres of challenging mountain bike trails and two kilometres of walking paths. The Blinkerd information centre offers a place to rest and views across the Drenthe landscape. Maintenance and temporary restrictions may affect route conditions; check the latest information before your visit.
Family safaris and guided day trips are offered in the Geopark De Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark. An expert guide explains traces and signs of the Hondsrug landscape’s history. Check availability before travelling. At WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen, the Jungola themed area features an adventure trail through the Vlindertempel, home to hundreds of exotic butterflies; there is also a boat trip on the Rimbula River through the tropical area. Check the latest access conditions before your visit.
The TT Circuit Assen also combines a distinctive experience with history: since 1925, the circuit has had official permission to use the name TT permanently. Free guided tours for groups of ten or more are offered on weekdays; booking depends on volunteer guides being available. Check that this requirement is met before travelling. The circuit also offers track days for drivers; dates and participation requirements depend on the programme.
Discover more destinations: Midden-Drenthe, Coevorden, Emmen, Aa En Hunze, Assen, Borger-Odoorn, Hoogeveen, Meppel, Noordenveld, Tynaarlo, Westerveld, De Wolden.
For the main travel overview: Netherlands.
