Assen offers different perspectives on history: archaeological collections at the Drents Museum and urban history on a 3.2-kilometre city walk. There are also walking trails in the Asserbos and other routes. You can tailor your stay to focus on culture, woodland or outdoor activities.
Archaeology, urban history and motor racing
The Drents Museum displays unique archaeological collections from cultures around the world. The “Stad der Paleizen” walking route starts at the museum on the Brink. It is 3.2 kilometres long and tells the story of Assen, from the Maria in Campis monastery to the arrival of King Lodewijk Napoleon. The route offers a specific city walk centred on historical themes.
Motorsport history is also part of Assen: in 1955, the 25th Dutch TT was held on a new 7.7-kilometre race track located entirely within Assen. Numerous motorcycle racing events take place at the TT Circuit Assen. Dates vary, so check the latest event dates when planning your trip.
Walking in the Asserbos and beyond
The Asserbos is one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands. Walking through the forest, the route passes the Hertenkamp, two duck ponds and the Stadsboerderij. The Duurzaamheidscentrum is also located in the Asserbos. It has a changing exhibition on sustainability, and themed walks ranging from 1.5 to 15 kilometres start here. Individual routes may change, so it is worth checking the latest route information.
For children, the Duurzaamheidscentrum offers a treasure hunt, a play area and a craft activity. Another walking option follows the water at Baggelhuizerplas and goes through the forest. The different route lengths at the Duurzaamheidscentrum and the nature-rich trail at Baggelhuizerplas offer various ways to spend a day on foot.
Landgoed Valkenstijn covers almost ten hectares. Walking paths wind beneath old trees, along picturesque avenues and hedgerows, and across extensive meadows. Family activities include a pump track and an animal pasture. The forest belonging to Landgoed Overcingel offers a different woodland landscape: it is of the old Drenthe type and is characterised by oak and holly trees.
Cycling and comparing routes
Those wishing to explore Assen by mountain bike can take the MTB route Assen (Baggelhuizen). It is just under nine kilometres long, marked with red MTB signs and rated as a blue route of moderate difficulty. Markings and route conditions may change, so check the information before setting out.
The VVV Assen offers cycling and walking routes, various packages and a wide range of regional products from Drenthe. One package combines a 40-kilometre cycling route through the Drentsche Aa area with a visit to the Drents Museum and lunch. Services offered may change, so it is advisable to check the latest package details.
For a clearly defined city walk, the 3.2-kilometre “Stad der Paleizen” is a specific option. By contrast, the themed walks at the Duurzaamheidscentrum cover a wider range of 1.5 to 15 kilometres. This lets you take the tour length and focus into account when planning your day, without treating the different routes as one continuous route.
Arriving and taking a break in the city centre
From Assen railway station, it is a ten-minute walk to the city centre. The station building stands out for its striking wooden roof; a six-metre-tall wooden dog called Mannes stands in the station forecourt. These distinctive details make arriving a special part of exploring the city.
The Gouverneurstuin lies in the heart of the city centre, where visitors can relax on the lawn. “Het Huisje in de Tuin” is a tea pavilion dating from 1874 that serves a selection of sweets and other snacks. The Drents Archief offers guided tours of its historic building for groups. Groups can also view original documents in the underground depot, including historical maps, diaries and medieval charters.
Discover more destinations: Zeijerveen, Loon.
Go to the main travel overview: Assen.
