Eext is well suited to a stay focused on village history and archaeological remains. The Dorpsmuseum De Kluis, the preserved village greens, historic farms and Hunebedden D12 and D14 offer different ways to explore the area’s cultural heritage. The wooded surroundings add opportunities for cycling and hiking. If you’re looking for accommodation in Eext, you can start by considering which of these themes you’d most like to shape your stay.
Hunebedden: different sizes and points of interest
D12 is a visible archaeological national monument and was originally a small hunebed. From Eext, the route follows Venakkers road and then a sandy track to the monument. This route is a practical point to consider when planning your visit.
Hunebed D14 is located at Eexterhalte. This stone burial monument belongs to the Funnel Beaker culture and dates to between 3400 and 3050 BC. At 18 metres long, D14 is one of the largest hunebedden in the Netherlands. A car park makes it easier to get there by car.
Compared directly, D12 was originally small, while D14, at 18 metres long, is one of the largest hunebedden in the Netherlands. D14 is also identified as a burial monument and has a stated date; for D12, the route from Eext via Venakkers and the sandy track is a useful point of reference.
Village museum and historic streetscapes
The Dorpsmuseum De Kluis tells the story of the village through archaeological finds. It also displays tools from former local trades, including tools from a wheelwright’s workshop and a blacksmith’s forge. A visit to the museum thus focuses on village history and former trades, while the hunebedden bring archaeological monuments to the fore.
The museum is open from June to September on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.; visits can also be arranged by appointment. Check the seasonal opening hours before your visit if you’re planning to go to the museum.
Seven village greens planted with oak trees have been preserved in Eext. On Zuiderbrink, one of the larger village greens in Drenthe, stands a shepherd’s hut dating from 1642. Several hall-house farms also stand along Gieterstraat and Kerkstraat; some were built entirely or in part in the 18th or 19th century. Together, these places offer a glimpse of different aspects of Eext’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The former railway station building is also among the village’s historic structures. It dates from around 1925; influences of the Amsterdam School are particularly visible in the window frames. Since 1969, the building has been used as the main building of a campsite.
Cycling and hiking in the surrounding area
The wooded surroundings of Eext are ideal for cycling and hiking. Outdoor activities complement visits to historic places and the museum. If you’d like to visit the Dorpsmuseum, also take its seasonal opening hours into account.
Discover more destinations: Gieterveen, Nooitgedacht, Rolde, Vredenheim, Grolloo, Annen, Gasselternijveen, Gieten.
For the broader travel overview: Aa En Hunze.
