Welcome To Drenthe

Drenthe is often referred to as the oldest province in the Netherlands, thanks to its rich history and prehistoric landmarks. It is bordered by Overijssel to the south, Friesland to the west, Groningen to the north, and the German state of Lower Saxony to the east. Besides its historic artifacts, the city offers breathtaking landscapes, and a variety of cultural attractions.

Are you planning to make Drenthe your new home? Or perhaps you already live here but haven’t yet discovered the province’s full potential? We’ve got you covered! Here are eight popular attractions and hidden gems that are sure to make you fall in love with Drenthe all over again.

Wildlands Adventure Zoo

Imagine traveling from the African savanna to the jungles of the Amazon without ever leaving the Netherlands. You can do exactly that at the Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen; a zoo and adventure park in one. Whether you’re visiting with kids or friends, it has something to offer for everyone.

The zoo spans an impressive 22 hectares and is divided into themed areas like the Nortica (Arctic), Serenga (Savanna), and Jungola (Jungle), each offering a unique adventure. And it isn’t just about observing animals; it’s an immersive experience where the environments are just as captivating as the creatures themselves.

Gelateria Villabate

Craving some ice cream? Head to Gelateria Villabate, an Italian ice cream parlor. Unlike many ice cream parlors in the Netherlands that rely on pre-packaged ice cream mixes, Villabate prides itself in creating their fresh authentic Italian flavors in-house. They also offer unique rotating flavors based on the seasons and special occasions. Ever tried a tompouce-flavored gelato on King’s Day? At Gelateria Villabate, you can!

Fruitbedrijf de Marwijkshof

Fruitbedrijf de Marwijkshof is a delightful fruit farm that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. You can buy freshly harvested produce directly from the farm or enjoy a hands-on experience of picking your own fruits and flowers during the harvest season. The farm features a diverse selection, from delicious berries to vibrant sunflowers, all available for self-picking.

This fruit farm not only offers local products but also a variety of activities for everyone. You can visit farm animals, solve puzzles (and receive an ijsje as a small gift afterwards) while navigating the corn maze (it can be tricky, so be sure to register at the front desk beforehand), and pick your own berries.

National Park Drentsche Aa

The Drentsche Aa is also know as the last naturally meandering river in the Netherlands. This narrow winding river has maintained its original course for centuries, making it the best-preserved low river valley landscape in Western Europe.

As you make your way across the Drentsche Aa, you will pass through beautiful landscapes of forests, heaths, sand drifts and hay meadows. History buffs will also enjoy various historic monuments on the route that include prehistoric burial sites called hunebedden, in Dutch and old Saxon farms. The park is quite large, so bringing your bike is a great idea if you want to explore extensively. For a weekend getaway, there are also a few hotels nearby.

‘t Nije Hemelriek

White sandy beaches and blue water are not something often associated with the European part of the Netherlands. But lo and behold, there’s a small bit of paradise hidden in Drenthe: ‘t Nije Hemelriek.

The perfect place to put down your towel and enjoy the sunny days. It’s only a few kilometers removed from Drenthe’s capital, Assen.

Drents Museum

Immerse yourself in history, art, and culture at the Drents Museum in Assen. The museum offers a captivating journey through time with its extensive collections of archaeological treasures, contemporary art, and exhibits that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Drenthe region.

Hunebed Center

Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of the prehistoric burial sites at the Hunebed Center in Borger. This captivating museum is dedicated to the ancient megalithic tombs, known as hunebedden, built over 5,000 years ago. As you wander through the center, you’ll uncover the secrets of these impressive stone structures, learn about the lives of the people who built them, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich archaeological heritage.

Kamp Westerbork

Originally established as a refugee camp for Jews fleeing Nazi persecution in 1939, it later became a transit camp during World War II, where over 100,000 Jews, Roma, and Sinti were deported to extermination camps. Today, the Kamp Westerbork Memorial Center offers visitors a profound insight into this dark period through its comprehensive exhibits, personal stories, and preserved structures. The museum’s dedication to education and remembrance ensures that the voices of those who passed through its gates are never forgotten.

If you want to discover more of what Drenthe has to offer, keep an eye out on our Instagram where we share current and upcoming events in the North.