Over the past 4 months we have been promoting the 12 Dutch provinces to the
world. And we are glad to say that it has been an experience for us. Slowly
leading this blog to a successful future. And with this blog we are coming to
the end of our province list.
Last but not least is the province of Drenthe. Often forgotten by tourists,
Drenthe is anything but a place worth forgetting. To put it differently,
Drenthe is a blend between new and old. With large spaces of nature and
farmland still intact, it resembles a piece of the old Dutch landscape. A
contrast to this are the circuit races in Assen, which clearly demonstrates
that Drenthe also lives in the present.
Drenthe is located in the north-eastern corner of the Netherlands. Below
the provinces of Friesland and Groningen and above the province of Overijssel.
It also shares its eastern border with Germany.
As said earlier, Assen is host of a racing circuit. And it is one of the
main touristic attractions for foreign tourists, whom all want to see the TT of
Assen and the world championship superbike. Besides the major races, smaller
races are held around the world. If you are interested in this, make sure to
check the site and visit a race during your
stay. It also possible to drive on the track yourself. For more information
about this, sign up and visit this website.
One of the major attractions in Drenthe are its 'hunebedden' or dolmen.
These rocky tombs are scattered throughout the province. A total of 54 still
exist in Drenthe and visiting one during your stay is a must. This can be done
by yourself. Or with some help from the 'hunebedden' museum in Borger.
The forest north of Borger is home to a rather unique experience. At
outdoor center Boomkroonpad it is possible to experience the forest from a
different perspective, from above. The walkways between the trees make it
possible to see the forest as if you were a squirrel. The forest also offers
fun activities for young children. Like building your own forest hut. Of course
it is preferable to take this tour after a couple of days of good weather. The
route and information can be found here. Unfortunately the site is only in Dutch, but the people at the
location should be able to give you the information you need.
The Veenpark shows the history of the bog lands of Drenthe. Once an
important resource for making fire. Today this park shows how life was back in
the days of the bog gathering. The park covers a total of 160 acres and all is
accessible on foot. It is preferable to visit the park on a sunny/dry day, but
there is plenty to do in the buildings if there happens to be a rain shower.
More information can be found on their website, which is available in German and in Dutch.
Quite near the Veenpark is Emmen. Home to one of the larger zoo's in
Holland. Dierenpark Emmen offers a wide selection of exotic animals. There is definitely
something for everyone in this park, which makes it very suited for all ages. More
information can be found on their website. Which unfortunately is only available in Dutch. Any questions can be
asked by contacting them.
Drenthe is also home to a museum dedicated to a Dutch icon, the clogs. In
the international clogs museum shows the process of making clogs and also
displays a large collection of clogs from the Netherlands and other European
countries.
Delicacies
- Boerenwafels (Rusk coated with a mix of eggs and milk, that is baked)
- Kniepertje (A hard thin waffle, often only obtainable around new years
eve)
- Sneiballegie (Gin with a bit of sugar)
- Sausages (Sausages from the area of Drenthe)
