Westerbork combines a long church history with paper art and a signposted hike, whose 15 kilometres provide a clear focus for outdoor activity. Culture takes centre stage at the Stefanuskerk and the Museum van Papierknipkunst, while the Padenbos and the Westerbork–Zwiggelte hike offer opportunities to connect with nature. This allows you to plan your trip around the interests that matter most to you.

Church History and Paper Art

The Stefanuskerk has stood for more than 800 years; the present-day Gothic church dates from the early 15th century. These details reflect different historical perspectives: the church’s long history and the date of the current building. The organ, too, tells a story that reaches beyond Westerbork. It was built in 1726 for the church in Beetgum and moved to Westerbork in 1862 by organ builder Petrus van Oeckelen. At the Stefanuskerk, you can therefore explore both the history of the building and the eventful history of its instrument.

The Museum van Papierknipkunst displays original Dutch and international paper art on a wide range of subjects. Visitors can also make paper art themselves. The museum offers two different ways to engage: you can view the exhibited works or try your hand at paper art. If you are looking for a cultural focus for your trip, the church and museum offer two clearly distinct themes.

Padenbos and Hiking

Hertenkamp Westerbork has been located on the edge of the centuries-old Padenbos since 1962. The Padenbos is home to squirrels, bats, owls, wood mice and numerous bird species. The forest’s wildlife thus includes various mammals and birds, giving Westerbork’s nature theme a specific connection to this woodland.

The signposted Westerbork–Zwiggelte hike starts in the centre of Westerbork and is 15 kilometres long. It passes through the ancient valley of the Westerborkerstroom stream. The length makes the hike a distinct activity to include in your day’s plans; the stream valley also offers a special connection to the landscape. The Padenbos, with its wildlife, and the hike through the valley therefore represent two different nature experiences.

Other Activities and Getting There

The Survivalrun Westerbork takes you over 48 obstacles through the countryside around Westerbork. The number of obstacles may vary by edition. The town is also a starting point for cycling trips: Westerbork is one of the starting locations for the Drentse Fiets4Daagse. If the event suits the purpose of your trip, check the dates for your planned stay.

If you arrive by train, you can get off in Beilen and take bus route 22 to Westerbork. The same Qbuzz route also runs from Assen and Emmen to Westerbork. Check the current timetable before setting off so you can plan your journey around the service.

Attractions and Dining

Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork is located about 15 kilometres outside Westerbork and is closely connected with the town. If you would like to include it in your trip, take its distance into account as a separate planning point. This makes clear the distinction between the town and the remembrance centre located outside it.

In addition to its regular menu, Restaurant en Museum de Ar serves traditional dishes from Drenthe. This adds a regional dining option to the cultural and landscape themes. If your main focus is Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork, take its location outside the town into account as a separate planning point.

Discover more destinations: Wijster, Beilen, Orvelte, Hooghalen, Drijber, Elp, Ruinerwold, Smilde.

For the overview of the wider area: Midden-Drenthe.