Popular Destination Drenthe: Experience the Unique Landscape of UNESCO Geopark de Hondsrug!

Drenthe radiates peace and space — something you’ll notice immediately upon entering the province. It is home to three national parks and proudly holds a unique title: it's the only province in the Netherlands with a UNESCO-recognized geopark — Geopark de Hondsrug. This is a popular destination in Drenthe and makes hiking and cycling holidays here extremely appealing. Ancient forests alternate with fens, heathlands, drifting sands and marshes. And when you set off into nature, there’s so much to discover — from prehistoric dolmens (hunebedden) to hidden WWII shelters in the woods! Traditional ‘esdorpen’ (village greens) and historic farms define the Drenthe landscape. Want to experience Drenthe’s diverse beauty? Follow one of the many marked cycling routes through forests, farmlands, heath and charming villages. Walking paths — often featuring wooden boardwalks — let you enjoy the natural surroundings at their very best!

Drenthe's National Parks

Planning a holiday in Drenthe and curious about the province’s rich natural treasures? Take the time to explore all three national parks from your holiday home in Drenthe!

Drentsche Aa

The Drentsche Aa is a nature reserve named after the stream that runs through it, branching into a vast network of creeks. It is one of the oldest streams in the Netherlands and has preserved its original path through the centuries. Along the way, you'll see historic farms nestled in the landscape and authentic 'esdorpen'. Tip: walk the boardwalk near Deurze or cycle the Roldertoren route for a scenic tour.

Discover the idyllic Drentsche Aa landscape with wide heathlands dotted with solitary trees, swampy meadows, gentle slopes, and quiet fens. Visit the nearby hunebedden (prehistoric burial chambers) near Diever or learn more about their history in the local museum. If you’re interested in wartime history, don’t miss the hidden resistance shelter in the woods of Doldersum — a dugout used during World War II.

Drents-Friese Wold

Hoping to spot wildlife during your stay in Drenthe? In the Drents-Friese Wold, it wouldn’t be unusual to see a black woodpecker tapping away — or even a crane! Hikers and nature lovers can explore a wide range of marked trails, some including lookout towers. Prefer something different? Try horseback riding on the designated trails through the park.

Dwingelderveld

Dwingelderveld National Park is home to one of the largest heathlands in the Netherlands. Enjoy the silence of nature as you walk past a grazing flock of sheep. The area is full of fens and wide-open views. The heathland includes both dry and wet zones, where rare flora like juniper thrive, alongside wildlife such as adders and proud cranes. A hidden gem you shouldn't miss is the wildlife hide overlooking the Davidsplassen lakes — a peaceful place to spot dragonflies and rare birds. The cycling route through Dwingelderveld takes you past this viewing point. The park is about half forest and half heath, offering the best of both worlds — trees on one side, open fields on the other.

Popular Destination Drenthe: Adventure Park Joytime in Grolloo

Looking for a bit more action? Joytime Adventure Park in Grolloo is a popular destination in Drenthe, offering outdoor activities like climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, and archery! Tackle obstacle courses of varying difficulty in the forest climbing park or relax in a canoe on the Kleine Moere lake.

Want to combine outdoor fun with peaceful nature or a trip to Assen? A holiday home near Grolloo is the perfect base! From here, you can easily visit Camp Westerbork or enjoy a stunning boardwalk hike south of the Amerweg — a scenic wetland trail with a forest horizon. Nature reserve Drentsche Aa is always within friendly biking distance, and by car, the city centre of Assen is just minutes away.

Drouwenerzand Amusement Park

Drouwenerzand is undoubtedly one of the most fun family outings in Drenthe! Your entrance ticket gives you unlimited access to snacks like sandwiches, soup, fries, and ice cream. The park has rides for toddlers, but thrill-seeking teens will also love the adrenaline of attractions like the Freak Out, Para Jump, and Hunebed Coaster.

Cycling Along Ancient Esdorpen

Visiting Assen? Take the opportunity to ride the scenic ‘esdorpen route’. This circular route begins and ends in Assen and takes you past the Drentsche Aa, picturesque village greens, and historic farmhouses. Along the way, enjoy tranquil landscapes and heather-covered hills.

Drenthe’s national parks, expansive farmlands, centuries-old villages, and characteristic farms make it a true cycling paradise. Thanks to the many wooden boardwalks, even young children can easily explore the wild side of Drenthe. Family favourites like Drouwenerzand and Joytime in Grolloo complete the holiday experience! Want to discover Drenthe with the whole family? A holiday home near Assen places you close to the largest park in Drenthe — the Drentsche Aa — and from there, you can easily cycle to Drents-Friese Wold. Prefer exploring Dwingelderveld? Then choose a house near Hoogeveen or Beilen.