Things to do & places to visit in Drenthe Province, The Netherlands

Drenthe Province #10 destination in The Netherlands 2023. The average rating score is 4.08 based on 7.909 traveler reviews, of 266 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 1:08.

Drenthe Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

57°F - 40°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold and breezy

Feels like

21%

Chance of rain

49.0 millimeters

Amount

15.7 mph

Wind speed

73%

Humidity

13.9

Daylight length

6:37 AM

Sunrise

8:31 PM

Sunset

46%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (32)

Top destinations in Drenthe Province 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Eko-Tours (108 reviews)
- A tour of nature made exciting - Bring warm clothing!
Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Eko-Tours organize an excellent tour of UNESCO Geopark De Hondsrug using electrical offroad vehicles. A lot of the fun of the tour sits in driving the vehicles which are safe, strong and performant. Also the various stops with explanations by guide Ruud are outstanding. Amongst other things we visited a Hunebed (burial monument from the stone age) and the sheep's stable in Exloo. The tour can start with a lunch or end with a BBQ at Fletcher hotel Exloo, the base location of Eko-Tours. Coffee and a biobreak are provided in restaurant along the way. It is really worthwhile to bring pretty warm clothing for a tour in the winter - even at 8 degrees Centigrade we felt fairly chilly. See more..
5.0 IKEAIR (53 reviews)
- It was just an amazing experience up in the air!!
Balloon Rides

Wow…. How could we want more!! It was a great finale for our lovely visit in The Netherlands!! We had the best time up in the air thanks to the spectacular view and amazing pilot Erik. His co-pilot was also very professional Overall experience was just so seamless that it felt like we were part of a romantic movie! See more..
4.5 Drents Museum (639 reviews)
- Great exposition about Pompeii: Perish in Beauty
Monday: Speciality Museums

Currently the fabulous Drentsch Museum has a gripping exposition about how Pompeii and Herculaneaum perished due to the volcano eruption. Very nice artefacts on loan from Italian museums. The exhibition is aptly named “Sterven in Schoonheid” (something like “Perish in Beauty”. Also worthwhile is their simultaneous Neo Rauch exhibition (the German painter also known from the art museum in Zwolle). See more..
4.5 Gevangenisemuseum (The Prison Museum) (320 reviews)
- Good
Speciality Museums

Visited it without too much hope but impressed in a very good way. The bus tour was also very interesting. See more..
4.5 Tt Circuit Assen (189 reviews)
- Great camp site for the TT circiut Assen
Motorcycle Trails

If you are planning a trip to the TT circuit Assen I can reccomend Camping Seinen as the place to stay. Very friendly and well run garden campsite. Very good ameneties. Nice bar and beer hall in a converted barn with great value home cooked food on sale. The site is about 4km from the centre of Assen and 2.5km from the circuit main entrance which works out as a pleasent 40 minute walk. We stayed for the motogp in June and paid E50 for three nights camping per person. See more..
4.5 National park Dwingelderveld (105 reviews)
- Perfect area
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The area is well sustained and there are a lot of marked pathhes. You cab walk for 5-6 hours. As the area is protected for water winning you can find explanation panels on the way. See more..
4.5 Brewery Maallust (97 reviews)
- Great combination with cheese and fries!
Breweries

Maallust is a micro-brewery inside the wheat mill of the former Veenhuizen prison. They are active since 2011 and their popular craft beers have befitting names such as “Zware Jongen”. There is also a tasting room right next to the brewery. You can book tours including tasting of the beers, optionally with cheese from the neighboring artisanal cheese factory. Together with the new artisanal snackbar also next door, quite an attractive destination for a culinary expedition! See more..
4.5 National Park Drentsche Aa (77 reviews)
- Large rural area with great cycling and hiking
National Parks • Parks

The National Park Drentsche Aa was created because it largely escaped from areal redistribution efforts and hence is still a very historical landscape. It has several small rivers, nature areas, small scale farming and even prehistorical funeral monuments built of large boulders. Great area for cycling or hiking! See more..
4.5 De Nieuwe Kolk (77 reviews)
- Movie theater, library and a snack-bar
Monday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Theatre & Performances

Very nice place. They have some movie theater rooms, a snack-bar and a library all in the same place. Cool! See more..
4.5 TT Races (72 reviews)
- Best circuit on the Moto GP calendar.
Auto Racing Tracks

All other circuits that I've visited pale in comparison to the Assen circuit for efficiency, facilities, stands and screens. See more..
4.5 Bezoekerscentrum Dwingelderveld (71 reviews)
- Nice to visit
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nice to visit and have a quick drink before heading further into the National Park. Nice service and friendly staff See more..
4.5 Zoo Bizar (55 reviews)
- Wonderfull! Fantastische mini dierentuin
Spent < 1 hour Zoos

Absolutely loved this tiny zoo. We got to pet and hold several animals. Very nice man who told a lot about the animals. We saw a skunk, a snake, a spider and a mammal looking like a hedgehog but not related. He showed us the animals were comfortable with the attention of the people visiting. Animals don't eat when stressed and these animals were having a snack. They have two pot-bellied pigs. We went to pet and rub one and he fell on his side of poor joy. Loved it. See more..
4.5 Ellert en Brammert (53 reviews)
- Great open air museum
Natural History Museums • History Museums

We had a very enjoyable visit to this open air museum. The historic buildings are scattered through the woods making for a very pleasant walk around. There are some animals to see as well. You can enter the buildings and they are mocked up to show how people lived not that long ago. We were given a guide book in English for 1 Euro when we asked, worth it to explain what you're looking at. The inn/cafe halfway round was much better than expected with a quite extensive menu (not in English and as neither our German nor Dutch is up to much we guessed slightly. We had a lovely meal (savoury pancakes, sausage and chips) in a nice setting. Also a play park area for the kids. We visited with a boisterous 9 year old and another family. We all enjoyed the visit more than we expected. See more..
4.5 De Drentse Koe (47 reviews)
- Great Place for younger Kids
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Outdoor and indoor playground with farm theme. Perfect for kids 1 - 12 years. See more..
4.5 Beelden In Gees (31 reviews)
- An absolute must....
Monday: Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Today was our second visit to the Sculpture Garden in Gees. Absolutely stunning. The collection of sculptures and works of art changes every year and only includes the top of Dutch and European artists. The layout of the garden is beautiful and very well maintained and the positioning of the sculptures is really thought through. The variations in the landscaping from wide open views to closed in gardens surprises the visitor at every corner. A delight for photographers (no restrictions in place). Just too good to describe - go and look for yourself. See more..
4.5 Klimpark Outdoor Grolloo (28 reviews)
- Such a great day
Monday: Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Family of 5, with a teenager and 2x 12 year olds. Great day out- spent more time here then expected. Value you money, and very helpful friendly staff in the climbing area. Would recommend- kids said this was the most fun they had had, ever!! (It was a very warm day which also helped) See more..
4.5 Hunebed D45 (27 reviews)
- One of The Largest
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

The Hunebed D45 with its length of 18,5 m is one of the largest graves. The 6 cover stones are still exist though they are not at the right position. The location is very nice as you can walk in and enjoy the beautiful wood. See more..
4.5 Museum de Proefkolonie (25 reviews)
- Interesting 'experiment'
Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums • History Museums

Napoleon verliet Nederland en liet haar in armoede achter. Ga 200 jaar terug in de tijd en beleef het unieke verhaal van generaal Johannes van den Bosch, die met zijn kolonieplan de 'paupers' uit Holland weer een toekomst kon bieden. In het nieuwe Museum De Proefkolonie in Frederiksoord treed je in de voetsporen van de eerste kolonisten en ervaar je hun onvergetelijke verhaal via een multimediale See more..
4.5 Drukkerijmuseum (23 reviews)
- Friendly helpfull staff, all volenteers! Very nice for childeren
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

This small museum is really worth a visit, especially with children ( > 5 years). The museum is all operated by volunteers, mostly retired craftsman from printing companies. They demonstrate the printing machines and techniques and the children can make their own printings and do some graphic artworks as well. The children really enjoyed it and learned a lot about old printing techniques and graphic arts. The staff was helpful, enthusiastic and patient. See more..
4.5 Beeldenpark de Havixhorst (23 reviews)
- Sculpture garden at Havixhorst
Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

In de tuinen van Châteauhotel en -restaurant De Havixhorst, een fraaie 18e eeuwse Havesathe, lommerrijk gelegen tussen De Wijk en Meppel in Zuidwest-Drenthe, is sinds juni 2008 een bijzondere verzameling beelden te zien. Het enige beeldenpark in Nederland met een compact kunsthistorisch overzicht van de Nederlandse figuratieve beeldhouwkunst vanaf het einde van de 19e eeuw tot en met heden. See more..
4.5 Sneak Out Sleen escape room (22 reviews)
- Absolutely recommended!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Sneak Out Sleen, escape room. Located in Sleen near Emmen, Drenthe - The Netherlands. Plata o Plomo Het zijn de late jaren tachtig in Colombia, kartels zijn aan de macht. Waar je ook komt, de invloed van de verschillende kartels is overal voelbaar. Jullie hebben een fantastische vakantie gehad en gaan ter afsluiting nog één avond stappen. De avond is nog jong en plots komt Andres Carvalho binnenstormen, hij is hoofd beveiliging van een van de regerende kartels... Geschikt voor 3 - 6 personen Prijs per groep € 105,- Plata o Plomo the battle Battle Room! Ben je met een groep groter dan 6 personen? In dat geval adviseren wij je Plata o Plomo the battle te boeken. Dat is niet 1 escape room maar het zijn 2 identieke rooms naast elkaar. Twee teams, ieder van 3 - 6 personen, spelen tegelijk tegen elkaar. Welk team zet de snelste tijd neer? In totaal kunnen er 12 mensen tegelijk spelen! Geschikt voor 6 - 12 personen Prijs per groep € 180,- See more..
4.0 Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen (1.968 reviews)
- Full day worth of animal oriented family fun
Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

The Wildlands Zoo in Emmen is a great combination of present day entertainment with a large amount of real and interesting animals. To start with the latter, there are Asian Elephants (quite a few), Lions, Rhinoceros, Zebra's, Gnus, Seals, Icebears, Pinguins, Meerkats, Buffoons, Camels, Donkeys, Ostriches, Owls and quite a few more animals in attractive natural style surroundings. Then there are a couple of climate controlled highly attractively decorated jungle environment domes, with plenty birds, butterflies, monkeys and other animals. In the Jungola dome there is even an enjoyable boat ride. Then there is a big indoor playground and an outdoor rollercoaster. Many scenic food outlets (food trucks and others) and a couple of nice shops. All together a full day of family fun - also interesting for teenagers and young adults! Enough parking is available at a cost of in the order of ten euros per day. See more..
4.0 Kamp Westerbork (552 reviews)
- Very nice place to visit.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

We went here while on a 3 day short stay in the area. Very informative place to walk around and see how bad Germany was in WWII. Also, if you go here, make sure you go to the museum and pick up a map of the place. They even have one in English. The walk from the museum to the camp is 2.5 km. See more..
4.0 Hunebed Centre (329 reviews)
- Entertaining
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

The Hunebedcentrum in the village of Borger on the Drenthe Hondsrug takes you on a journey into prehistory. Meet your ancestors in the Hunebed Centre The new exhibition in the Hunebed Centre takes you back to the time of your earliest ancestors: the hunebed builders who lived here 5,000 years ago. Interactive games, dioramas and informative displays tell the stories of these prehistoric people. Outside you can visit the largest hunebed in the Netherlands, and in the Prehistoric Park you will come face to face with these ancient people. Face to face with your ancient ancestors Experience the lives of the prehistoric hunebed builders for yourself in the new exhibition at the Hunebed Centre in Borger. See the largest hunebed in the Netherlands with its massive stones, weighing up to 20 tons each. In the Gateway to the Hondsrug UNESCO Geopark you can find out how these enormous stones were brought here in the ice ages, and how people later adapted the landscape See more..
4.0 Drouwenerzand Attractiepark (165 reviews)
- Great fun for the kids
Amusement & Theme Parks

Het bijzondere van Drouwenerzand Attractiepark is dat de entree altijd inclusief vers fruit, belegde broodjes, verse dagsoep, frites, diverse snacks, koffie, thee, limonade én softijs is. De attracties zijn geschikt voor kinderen van 3 tot ongeveer 14 jaar; van rustig deinend tot stoer 'over de kop'! See more..
4.0 Hunebed D27 (145 reviews)
- Largest Hunebed
Historic Sites

Great, large Hunebed worth a visit. Even though the visitor center was closed due to Covid there is still plenty enough to see to spend about half an hour here. See more..
4.0 Veenpark (139 reviews)
- A great Open Air Museum
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

This museum gives a great view in the life of people in the peat colony. The houses give a good impression in life over the last 150 years. What makes the museum very vivid is that it is not just objects in showcases. Step into a bakery and buy cookies, bead, pastry. Step into a grocery and buy sweets, See a blacksmith at work. If you are tired of walking take the boat, or the small steamtrain. I have visited the veenpark 3 times now: the first time 40 years ago, then the second time about 28 years ago, and finally last week! As this is a great museum with lots of things to see, I expect I will be back in future years.... See more..
4.0 Kabouterland (95 reviews)
- There's gnome place like it!
Monday: Zoos • Game & Entertainment Centers

What a lovely 'little' attraction! Brilliant entertainment for little ones! Plenty to explore, do and see. Climbing frames, swings, slides etc throughout. Monkeys, meerkats, budgies, turtles and more animals around the park too. Cafe on-site is efficient, reasonable and friendly.....we strongly recommend the rotwoorst (sausages)! See more..
4.0 Hunebed D54 bij Havelte (57 reviews)
- dutch history in a beautiful surrounding
Historic Sites

Nice to visit the graves of the farmer people in the Netherlands, 3.500 years ago. In a beautiful scenery. See more..
4.0 Museum Valse Kunst (55 reviews)
- Surprising and interestinf visit
Monday: Art Museums

For only 8 Euros, one can learn a lot about fake art. Ask the museum for a guided tour, that really helps. See more..