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Drenthe
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Explore Drenthe’s prehistoric hunebedden, heathland parks, peat villages, cycling routes and museums across the Netherlands’ spacious north-east.

Drenthe occupies the quiet north-eastern corner of the Netherlands, a largely rural province shaped by sandy heathland, extensive forests, peat landscapes and villages with carefully preserved farmhouses. Its character differs from the densely settled Randstad: distances are more generous, horizons are wider and outdoor experiences are central to the way the province is explored. Assen, the provincial capital, provides museums, cafés and transport connections, while Emmen, Hoogeveen, Meppel and Coevorden each offer a different gateway into the surrounding countryside.
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Drenthe is internationally notable for its hunebedden, prehistoric megalithic tombs built from enormous glacial boulders by the Funnelbeaker culture around 3400–2850 BC. These ancient monuments stand among woods, heath and farmland, with the largest concentrations around Borger and the Hondsrug, the long sandy ridge that runs through the province. The Hunebedcentrum in Borger provides context for the stones, prehistoric communities and early agriculture, while museums and archaeological sites elsewhere reveal how deeply the landscape has been occupied and worked over thousands of years.
The province is especially rewarding for walkers and cyclists. Dwingelderveld National Park contains one of Western Europe’s largest wet heathland areas, with pools, woodland and open expanses managed for their ecological value. Drents-Friese Wold National Park extends across the Drenthe–Friesland border, and the Drenthe side includes forests, shifting sands and broad paths around places such as Diever and Dieverbrug. In the south-east, former peat districts around Emmen and Barger-Compascuum tell a more industrial story, where canals, workers’ settlements and restored peat-cutting landscapes explain the transformation of wetlands into farmland and towns.
Drenthe’s villages are often modest in scale but rich in local texture. Orvelte presents a carefully conserved historic village landscape, while places such as Zuidlaren, Rolde, Anloo and Dwingeloo retain churches, green village spaces and traditional buildings. Assen’s Drents Museum places regional archaeology and art within a larger national context, and the province’s motor-racing identity is concentrated at the TT Circuit Assen. For a more sombre historical visit, the Westerbork Memorial Centre addresses the Nazi transit camp and the persecution and deportation of Dutch Jews during the Second World War.
Food and daily life reflect the province’s agricultural heritage: bread, dairy, local meat, seasonal produce and regional spirits appear in cafés, farm shops, markets and country restaurants. Drenthe is best approached at an unhurried pace, combining a town base with several countryside excursions rather than attempting to cover every district in a single day. Its appeal lies in the strong contrast between prehistoric monuments, engineered peatlands, working towns and protected natural areas, all within a landscape that remains distinctly Dutch yet far less urbanised than the country’s western provinces.

When is the best time to visit Drenthe?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January670
February760
March1060
April1350
May1760
June (best)2070
July (best)2280
August (best)2270
September1970
October1470
November970
December770

Getting to and around Drenthe

How to get there

Drenthe is reached most easily by train from other Dutch cities, with Assen, Beilen, Hoogeveen, Meppel, Emmen and Coevorden among the useful stations depending on your destination. Assen has direct intercity connections towards Groningen and the Randstad, while local trains serve Emmen and the south-eastern towns. Groningen Airport Eelde is just outside Drenthe, near the provincial boundary, and may be a practical regional gateway when suitable flights are available; Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers the widest international connections, followed by a rail journey into the Netherlands. Major roads, including the A28 and A37, provide access by car from the west, north and Germany.

Transportation

Rail is convenient between the principal towns, but many hunebedden, nature reserves and village attractions are dispersed beyond the stations. Buses serve larger settlements and some rural corridors, although service patterns can be less frequent away from main routes. A car is useful for combining several archaeological or countryside sites in one day, while cycling is one of the best ways to experience the province’s largely gentle terrain; extensive cycle paths and signed routes connect villages, forests and heathland. Walking is particularly rewarding in Dwingelderveld, Drents-Friese Wold and the Hondsrug, but check route distances and facilities before setting out.

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Best attractions in Drenthe

Drenthe’s attractions are closely tied to its landscape and long settlement history. The province’s principal archaeological experience is the network of hunebedden, best understood through the Hunebedcentrum at Borger and then explored at associated sites along the Hondsrug. National parks provide a contrasting focus: Dwingelderveld is known for open wet heathland, pools and quiet walking and cycling routes, while the Drenthe side of Drents-Friese Wold combines forest, heath and sandy terrain. The Drents Museum in Assen brings together archaeology, regional history and changing art exhibitions. Open-air heritage is particularly strong at Orvelte, with historic farmhouses and village lanes, and at Veenpark near Barger-Compascuum, where peat-cutting culture and canal settlements are interpreted. Westerbork Memorial Centre offers a place for careful historical reflection, while the TT Circuit Assen represents the province’s modern motor-sport identity. Family-oriented visits can include Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen, though its scale and urban setting differ from the quieter nature reserves. Cycling, walking, horse riding and birdwatching provide the connective thread between these otherwise varied attractions.

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Best landmarks in Drenthe

Drenthe’s most recognisable landmarks are often ancient or landscape-based rather than monumental urban structures. The hunebed near Borger is the largest in the Netherlands and, together with the many megalithic tombs along the Hondsrug, gives the province its defining prehistoric identity. The Hondsrug itself is a significant geological and cultural feature: a long sandy ridge carrying villages, historic routes, fields and archaeological remains above former wetland areas. In Coevorden, the surviving urban form and defensive heritage recall the town’s strategic importance on routes towards the German border, while Assen’s provincial government buildings and city institutions express its nineteenth-century rise as an administrative capital. The restrained village architecture of Orvelte, including traditional farm buildings and open lanes, is a landmark of Drenthe’s agricultural past. At Hooghalen, the Westerbork Memorial Centre and the remains and markers of the former camp create a place of national historical significance. Elsewhere, canal alignments, peat workers’ settlements and the open heathland of Dwingelderveld make the transformed and protected landscape itself part of the province’s visual identity.

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Explore Drenthe on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Drenthe

Dining in Drenthe reflects a rural province where agricultural produce, dairy, bread, meat, game and seasonal vegetables are more important than a single signature cuisine. Assen, Emmen, Meppel and Hoogeveen offer the broadest choice of restaurants, cafés and international food, while village pubs, farm restaurants and rural inns provide settings closer to the countryside. Local produce may appear through cheeses, preserves, potatoes, apples, asparagus when in season and products from nearby farms; menus also draw on wider Dutch traditions such as pancakes, pea soup and fried or smoked fish. In the former peat districts, cafés and restaurants are often connected to canal villages and heritage attractions, whereas around the national parks dining options are more dispersed. Farmers’ shops and occasional local markets are useful for bread, cheese, meat, honey and regional drinks. Dutch coffee culture is easy to find in town-centre cafés, and visitors should expect straightforward, seasonal cooking rather than a narrowly defined provincial menu.

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Best bars in Drenthe

Evening life in Drenthe is concentrated in Assen, Emmen, Meppel, Hoogeveen and Coevorden, with smaller towns and villages relying mainly on traditional pubs, cafés and restaurants. The usual rhythm is relaxed: people meet for beer, coffee, simple food or conversation, while larger towns provide more late-evening options and occasional live music. Assen’s student, cultural and motor-sport connections give it the broadest urban choice, although it does not resemble Amsterdam or Rotterdam for clubbing. Around the countryside, historic inns and village cafés are more common than dedicated nightclubs, and some venues may be quiet outside weekends or major events. Local breweries and Dutch beer lists can be found alongside familiar international brands, while alcohol-free options are widely available. The TT Circuit can bring a markedly busier atmosphere to Assen during major race weekends, but event dates and venue arrangements vary, so visitors should check current information rather than assume a permanent festival scene.

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Best nightclubs in Drenthe

Evening life in Drenthe is concentrated in Assen, Emmen, Meppel, Hoogeveen and Coevorden, with smaller towns and villages relying mainly on traditional pubs, cafés and restaurants. The usual rhythm is relaxed: people meet for beer, coffee, simple food or conversation, while larger towns provide more late-evening options and occasional live music. Assen’s student, cultural and motor-sport connections give it the broadest urban choice, although it does not resemble Amsterdam or Rotterdam for clubbing. Around the countryside, historic inns and village cafés are more common than dedicated nightclubs, and some venues may be quiet outside weekends or major events. Local breweries and Dutch beer lists can be found alongside familiar international brands, while alcohol-free options are widely available. The TT Circuit can bring a markedly busier atmosphere to Assen during major race weekends, but event dates and venue arrangements vary, so visitors should check current information rather than assume a permanent festival scene.

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Best shops in Drenthe

Shopping in Drenthe is centred on the high streets of Assen, Emmen, Meppel, Hoogeveen and Coevorden, where national retailers sit alongside cafés and a smaller number of independent shops. The provincial buying experience becomes more distinctive in market towns and villages, particularly through farm shops, bakeries, delicatessens, garden centres and craft outlets. Visitors can look for regional cheeses, honey, preserves, bread, seasonal fruit, local beer and spirits as practical souvenirs, while galleries and studios offer ceramics, textiles, paintings and handmade objects inspired by the surrounding landscape. Heritage villages and museum sites often sell books about archaeology, peat working, nature and local history, making them more useful than generic gift shops for understanding Drenthe. Weekly markets and seasonal fairs vary by town and date, so current local listings are advisable. Rural retail is dispersed and opening arrangements can be limited outside the larger centres; combining a farm shop or craft visit with a cycling or driving route is usually more rewarding than expecting a single concentrated shopping district.

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Drenthe essentials

Currency and Payment
Drenthe uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of the Netherlands. Debit and credit cards, contactless payments and mobile wallets are widely accepted in hotels, museums, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants, although some smaller rural businesses or market stalls may have more limited facilities. Carrying a modest amount of cash is sensible for occasional unmanned farm stalls, local events or small vendors. Dutch payment terminals may ask whether you want to pay in euros or another currency; choosing euros generally avoids an unnecessary dynamic currency conversion.
Safety
Drenthe is generally a calm destination, but normal precautions apply in railway stations, busy events and crowded visitor areas. Outdoor hazards deserve more attention than serious crime: cyclists should expect mixed-use paths, walkers should watch for uneven woodland surfaces and open-heath routes can offer little shelter in poor weather. Follow signs and marked paths in protected landscapes, particularly where nesting birds or vulnerable habitats are present. Drivers should take care on narrow rural roads, around cyclists and at unmarked cycle crossings, while visitors exploring after dark should remember that village and forest roads may have limited lighting.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency anywhere in Drenthe, call 112 for police, fire and ambulance services; the number works throughout the Netherlands and operators can handle urgent calls involving international visitors. Give the exact location, especially on a cycle route, in woodland or on heathland, and use a nearby road, numbered junction or landmark if available. For non-urgent police matters, the Netherlands uses 0900 8844. In outdoor incidents, emergency services coordinate the appropriate assistance, so avoid moving an injured person unnecessarily unless there is immediate danger and keep a phone charged when travelling through rural areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Keep to marked paths and boardwalks in nature reserves, close gates behind you and never climb on hunebed stones or remove archaeological material. On cycle paths, stay to the appropriate side, signal clearly and be aware that faster cyclists may approach from behind. Ask before photographing people at markets, farms or memorial sites, and maintain a respectful, quiet manner at the Westerbork Memorial Centre. Tipping is discretionary rather than an obligation, though rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is common. In restaurants and cafés, waiting to be seated may be expected rather than choosing a table immediately.
Local Tips
Plan a route around the landscape instead of relying solely on town centres: a day might combine Borger’s hunebed heritage with Hondsrug cycling, or Dwingeloo with Dwingelderveld’s heathland. Smaller villages often have limited evening dining and shopping, so check practical arrangements before leaving a larger town. The Drents Museum is a useful introduction to regional archaeology and culture, while Veenpark explains the very different history of the peat districts. Spring and late summer bring distinctive heathland colour, but every season has advantages; autumn woodland and winter’s low-angle light can be especially atmospheric for walkers.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHallo[Ha-lo]
GoodbyeTot ziens[Tot zeens]
YesJa[Ya]
NoNee[Nay]
Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft[Al-stu-bleeft]
Thank youDank u[Dahnk oo]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[Sor-ree]
How are you?Hoe gaat het?[Hoo gaat het]
Fine. And you?Goed. En jij?[Hoot. En yay]
Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?[Spraykt oo En-gels]
I don't understandIk begrijp het niet[Ik be-graip het neet]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart willen zien, alstublieft[Ik zow grach de me-nu-kaart wil-len zeen, al-stu-bleeft]
I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees[Ik eet ghen vlay-s]
Cheers!Proost![Prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft[Ik zow grach wil-len be-ta-len, al-stu-bleeft]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help]
Go away!Ga weg![Gah vek]
Call the Police!Bel de politie![Bel de po-li-tsee]
Call a doctor!Bel een dokter![Bel een dok-ter]
I'm lostIk ben verdwaald[Ik ben fer-dwaald]
I'm illIk ben ziek[Ik ben zeek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag ... willen kopen[Ik zow grach ... wil-len ko-pen]
I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar[Ik kike a-lay-en mar]
How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?[Hoo-vayl kost het]
That's too expensiveDat is te duur[Dat is te dur]
Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?[Kunt oo de prays ver-lah-gen]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hoe laat is het?[Hoo laat is het]
It's one o'clockHet is één uur[Het is eyn oor]
Half past (10)Half elf[Half elf]
MorningOchtend[Okh-tend]
AfternoonMiddag[Mid-dahg]
EveningAvond[A-vond]
YesterdayGisteren[Gis-te-ren]
TodayVandaag[Van-dahg]
TomorrowMorgen[Mor-ghen]
1Eén[Eyn]
2Twee[Tway]
3Drie[Dree]
4Vier[Veer]
5Vijf[Vayf]
6Zes[Zes]
7Zeven[Zay-ven]
8Acht[Aht]
9Negen[Nay-ghen]
10Tien[Teen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Waar is een ...?[Vaar is een ...?]
What's the address?Wat is het adres?[Wat is het a-dres?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u het me laten zien (op de kaart)?[Kunt oo het me la-ten zeen (op de kaart)?]
When's the next (bus)?Wanneer komt de volgende (bus)?[Van-der komt de vol-gen-de (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ...)[Een kaart-ye (naer ...)]

History of Drenthe

The Funnelbeaker Culture and the Hunebedden

From approximately 3400 to 2850 BC, farming communities of the Funnelbeaker culture built megalithic tombs from glacial boulders across what is now Drenthe. The hunebedden were collective burial monuments, constructed with upright stones supporting massive capstones and often covered by earth. Their presence demonstrates that prehistoric communities were settled, organised and capable of moving substantial materials. Drenthe contains the greatest concentration of these monuments in the Netherlands, particularly along the Hondsrug and around Borger. They remain the province’s most distinctive archaeological legacy and an enduring reminder that its seemingly quiet landscape has a very deep human history.

Roman-Era Borders and Early Medieval Drenthe

Drenthe lay beyond the heavily urbanised core of the Roman Netherlands, although Roman goods and influences reached the region through trade and contact. The sandy uplands continued to support dispersed farming communities rather than large Roman towns. In the early medieval period, settlement patterns, Christianity and political authority gradually changed. Much of Drenthe became connected to the bishopric of Utrecht, whose influence developed over centuries through churches, landholding and administration. Villages grew around farms, greens and ecclesiastical foundations, creating elements of the settlement pattern still visible in parts of the province today.

Medieval Villages, Landholding and the Bishopric of Utrecht

During the Middle Ages, Drenthe was a relatively sparsely populated frontier of the bishopric of Utrecht, governed through local communities and regional strongholds. Village brink settlements, common grazing rights and cultivated fields on the sandy plateaux formed an agricultural system adapted to poor soils. Coevorden became particularly important because its position controlled routes towards the north and east, and its fortified role brought Drenthe into wider political conflicts. Medieval churches, village layouts and the relationship between arable fields, heathland and common land preserve traces of this long period of local agricultural organisation.

Peat Cutting and the Transformation of the Lowlands

From the early modern period into the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, peat extraction reshaped the south-eastern and central parts of Drenthe. Peat served as a major domestic fuel, while canals were dug to drain the bogs and transport the harvested material. Workers’ settlements developed along these waterways, and former peatlands were gradually converted into farmland or woodland. Barger-Compascuum’s Veenpark presents this history through reconstructed buildings, waterways and working landscapes. The legacy is also visible in the straight canals and planned settlements of the former peat districts, which contrast sharply with the older sandy villages and heathlands.

Assen and the Making of a Provincial Capital

Assen grew from a small settlement associated with the Cistercian Maria in Campis convent, founded in the thirteenth century, into the administrative centre of Drenthe. Its importance increased after the provincial government moved there in the early nineteenth century, when the Netherlands was being reorganised as a modern state. Public buildings, institutions and improved roads strengthened Assen’s role as the province’s political and cultural capital. The city’s later museums, schools and transport links reflect this transformation from a religious and local settlement into a centre serving a predominantly rural province.

Westerbork and the Second World War

The Westerbork camp site near Hooghalen was established by the Dutch government in 1939 to accommodate Jewish refugees from Germany and Austria. During the German occupation it became a transit camp from which more than 100,000 Jews, as well as Roma and Sinti, were deported to concentration and extermination camps in eastern Europe. The camp’s location in an otherwise rural part of Drenthe is central to understanding the concealment and administrative organisation of persecution. The Westerbork Memorial Centre and the marked former camp site preserve this history through exhibitions, reconstructed elements and personal testimony.

Postwar Mobility, Heritage and Outdoor Tourism

After 1945, Drenthe experienced agricultural modernisation, expanded road and rail connections and the growth of regional towns such as Emmen and Assen. At the same time, awareness of the province’s archaeological and ecological value encouraged the protection of heathlands, forests, peat remnants and village landscapes. National parks, cycle routes, museums and heritage sites became important parts of the local economy without erasing Drenthe’s farming and industrial traditions. The TT Circuit Assen, opened in 1955 and subsequently redeveloped, added a modern motor-sport identity to a province otherwise strongly associated with prehistoric monuments and open countryside.

Drenthe in Photos

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