On the edge of Assen, an exploration begins that brings landscape and urban history together: the Asserbos, one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands. Numerous walking trails pass ponds, winding streams, centuries-old oaks and special historic sites. At the same time, signposted walking routes focus on the city’s distinctive buildings and historic sites. This way, you can experience different sides of the destination in Assen: forest trails, architecture and culture.

Forest trails and green discoveries

The Asserbos is home to a city farm, a bird island, a wildlife park and a water playground. The Duurzaamheidscentrum in the forest offers exhibitions, walking trails, a water-based barefoot path and craft activities for children. Other offerings include a changing sustainability exhibition, craft activities using sustainable materials and other activities; the programme may change.

Themed walks ranging from 1.5 to 15 kilometres start at the Duurzaamheidscentrum. The signposted Stad der Paleizen city walk is 3.2 kilometres long. It passes historic sites and distinctive buildings and starts at the entrance to the Drents Museum. You can explore the city walk as a route in its own right, while the themed walks from the Duurzaamheidscentrum offer a wider range of distances. Check the latest route information before setting out.

The Arboretum Assen also offers a distinctive nature experience: it features more than 650 different species of wild trees and shrubs from America, Asia and Europe. Its wide range of regions of origin offers a different way to discover plant diversity than walking among the old oaks and waterways of the Asserbos.

Architecture and history in the city

The Jozefkerk is a Rijksmonument (national heritage monument) and a so-called Waterstaatskerk (a church built under the supervision of the Department of Public Works). Its distinctive features include an imposing tower, a symmetrical style, cross vaults and a Van-Dam organ. The church also serves as a cultural centre: concerts, lectures and other events that are open to the wider community are regularly held there. The programme may change.

The Gouvernementsgebouw, a neo-Gothic Rijksmonument built in 1887, stands on the Brink. The building has been part of the Drents Museum since 1976. Other buildings also reflect earlier chapters of the city’s history: the Drostenhuis was built between 1774 and 1778. The Abdijkerk, also known as the Kloosterkerk, was once part of the Mariënkamp convent.

The Gouverneurstuin commemorates Petrus Hofstede, who served as Governor of Drenthe from 1814 to 1831; the garden once belonged to him. Various events and activities take place there during the summer months, and a tea house is open. As offerings are seasonal, it is worth checking the latest dates and tea house opening hours before your visit.

Museums and collections

The Historische Collectie Regiment Stoottroepen Prins Bernhard is located in the Johan Willem Friso Barracks in Assen and is colloquially known as the Stoottroepen Museum. Its history ranges from the formation of the Stoottroepen out of the resistance during the Second World War to the present-day deployments of the Stoters as part of the Air Mobile Brigade. This span of time connects its historical origins with the present day.

The Drents Museum has a diverse collection of archaeology, art and history. An exploration leads through fifteen galleries, each with its own collection highlights, including the Girl of Yde, the oldest boat in the world and paintings by Van Gogh. Exhibitions may change. The museum’s Brasserie Pingo serves a Drenthe speciality and lunch; check current availability before your trip.

Cycling and motorsport

Cycling routes also vary in length and scenery. The completed Assen section of the De Groene As fast cycle route is six kilometres long, follows the eastern bank of the Havenkanaal and runs to the municipal boundary near Tynaarlo. The 38-kilometre Rondje Assen follows cycle paths on the outskirts of the city. The route passes through peat-cutting landscapes in former peatlands west and north of the city, along high arable fields, through enclosed stream valleys, over heathland with juniper, past very wet grasslands and through the old Asserbos. This offers a choice between a shorter riverside stretch and a longer circular route through varied landscapes. Route details may change.

Motorsport is also part of Assen’s history: motorsport has been held at the TT Circuit Assen since 1925, and the circuit is home to the MotoGP Dutch TT. Alongside the Dutch TT, it hosts World Superbike, JACK’s Racing Day and various track days. As the event programme may change, check the latest dates before travelling to a race or event. The TT Monument in Assen symbolically expresses the connection between the city and the circuit: it depicts a motorcycle racer doing a wheelie, facing the circuit.

Discover more destinations: Assen, Loon, Zeijerveen, Midden-Drenthe, Aa En Hunze, Tynaarlo, De Wolden and Hoogeveen.

For the overview of the wider region: Drenthe.