Meppel’s history is particularly vivid along its canals. The Stoombootkade preserves an important part of the city’s maritime past. Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht lie there in the same order as the canals of the same names in Amsterdam. Meppeler Hoofdstraat offers a different view of the historic cityscape: the old shopping street is characterised by historic façades and a variety of architectural styles.

Discover the cityscape and walking routes

The protected cityscape includes the station area with Wilhelminapark, as well as Stationsweg and Zuideinde. Wilhelminapark-Wandelpark opened to the public on 8 June 1919. Another prominent landmark is the 45-metre-high Meppeler Toren. Visitors can regularly climb its 147 steps and enjoy the view over Meppel. Check in advance when climbing is possible.

The signposted Stadswandeling Meppel leads through the historic city centre and features QR codes along the way with additional historical information. The Wilhelminapark walking route also uses QR codes: at each point, they provide information about the respective sites. As digital access may change, it is worth checking the latest route information before setting out. Nijeveen also has three short village walking routes. They are 2, 3.5 and 5 kilometres long; check the current signage before your walk.

Printing and mill history

The Historisch Centrum Meppel on Sluisgracht organises exhibitions, publications and guided city tours. Guides take visitors around Meppel on request and on the first Saturday of every month. If you are planning a tour, check the current dates in advance. Museum Indruk offers workshops and demonstrations about the printing trade. Volunteers demonstrate and explain historic printing presses and special techniques, and show how the craft is still kept alive today. Check the current programme before your visit.

In Nijeveen stands Korenmolen Sterrenberg, originally built in 1786 in Weener, Germany, in East Frisia. It is considered the only mill in the Netherlands to combine self-reefing sails with self-winding via a distinctive weather vane on the cap. The mill is open to the public; groups can arrange a visit by appointment. Check the current access arrangements before travelling.

Events throughout the year

Donderdag Meppeldag is a free annual event held in July and August: it takes place on six consecutive Thursdays. Recurring activities include a children’s flea market, a square festival with live music, city tours, exhibitions, canal concerts and a weekly market. If you are planning a trip for the event, check the current annual programme.

The annual Grachtenfestival takes place on the second weekend of June along Meppel’s canals. The programme includes a historic fleet, market stalls and sports activities; check the current dates when planning your trip. Puppet International is a recurring festival of puppet and object theatre. It features more than 250 performances by over 45 national and international artists and ensembles at more than 25 venues throughout Meppel. Before visiting, check what is planned for the current edition.

Nature and recreation

De Wieden lies nearby. It is a Natura 2000 site and part of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Visitors can go canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, boating, walking and cycling there. The Reest is another natural feature, meandering through a centuries-old stream valley along the border between Overijssel and Drenthe. These two natural areas offer different perspectives: De Wieden is a protected area with a wide range of activities, while the Reest is a landscape whose course follows the provincial border.

Nijeveense Plas is a recreational lake with a sandy beach, sunbathing lawn and wooden boardwalk. Separate shallow and deep swimming areas are also available. Toilets and showers are provided for visitors; check the condition of the facilities and seasonal conditions before your visit.

Arriving by train

Meppel station is a railway stop for travellers heading north from the west and south of the Netherlands. The historic station building also tells the story of the railway: it was built in 1865 and officially opened on 1 October 1867, when the Zwolle–Meppel railway line opened.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: De Schiphorst, Meppel, Broekhuizen, Nijeveen, Tynaarlo, Westerveld, Assen, Aa En Hunze.

Go to the main travel overview: Drenthe.