Drenthe

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are popular cities and villages in Drenthe?

  Assen, Coevorden, Meppel and Emmen are among the most popular cities to visit in the province of Drenthe. Assen is the provincial capital of Drenthe and is nestled amid a beautiful natural landscape. When you visit the city, don’t forget to have a look at the attractive inland port. Coevorden is a beautiful historic fortified city with plenty of gorgeous shops and a fantastic old center. Meppel is a compact historic city with characteristic streets, canals and squares. Emmen is well worth visiting, too, with its lovely center, beautiful city park and welcoming terraces.

• What are fun outdoor activities in Drenthe?

  One of the most popular areas for outdoor activities in the province of Drenthe is National Park Dwingelderveld. It is the largest single wet heathland region in western Europe and boasts a surprising natural variation, from forest to sloping heathlands with small lakes and ponds. National Park Drentsche Aa is the best preserved landscape in western Europe. This prehistoric landscape features heathlands and vast forests with little lakes that still look like they did thousands of years ago. In the Hondsrug nature reserve, several cycling and hiking routes start at Buitencentrum Boomkroonpad. If you want to experience the forest from a completely different perspective, go for a walk on the Boomkroonpad, which leads high up through the tree canopies.

• What are great attractions and museums to visit in Drenthe?

  The province of Drenthe boasts a variety of museums and attractions. Go on a trip around the world at Wildlands Emmen, for instance. This zoo has put a lot of effort into creating different habitats and landscapes. One moment you’ll be sailing through the jungle while coming face to face with polar bears the next. Drouwenerzand Attractiepark is a great small-scale amusement park that is especially fun for families with children. There is plenty of playground equipment, attractions that are great but not too exciting, and more adventurous attractions like the XLR8, Para Jump, and Freak Out. When you visit Drenthe, you cannot leave without having seen the hunebeds and Hunebedcentrum. Travel back in time and experience how people lived thousands of years ago. Drents Museum in Assen features art with international allure. In addition to an imposing permanent collection including artists and landscapes from Drenthe, it often organizes attractive temporary exhibitions. The Gevangenismuseum or prison museum in Veenhuizen tells stories of poverty, crime and punishment. Go for a ride on the boevenbus or criminal bus, check out the bed cages and the cupola prison, and listen to stories about punishment in the past and today.