Eastern Drenthe, tucked in the northeastern corner of the Netherlands, offers a blend of prehistoric mystery, rolling landscapes and perfectly preserved villages. While the province is easy to miss on a typical Dutch itinerary, its open fields, dense woods and low-lying hamlets provide a tranquil backdrop for a short getaway. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply craving a change of pace, the area around Borger, Assen and Orvelte can be explored comfortably in a long weekend.
Most visitors start their adventure at the Hunebedcentrum in Borger, the national hub for the country’s famous hunebedden—Neolithic burial chambers built by the Funnel Beaker culture over 5,000 years ago. The centre not only explains the cultural context of these monuments but also serves as the gateway to the region’s biggest stone marvel: D27.
The colossal D27 dolmen near Borger
Just a short walk from the visitor centre lies D27 the largest dolmen still standing in the Netherlands. Stretching more than 22 metres (74 feet) in length, the structure predates Stonehenge and is estimated to be around five millennia old. Its most striking feature is the massive capstone that crowns the tomb, weighing roughly 20 tons—the heaviest ever recorded on a Dutch hunebed. This stone marvel has witnessed millennia of change, yet its inner chamber remains sealed, preserving a mystery that still intrigues archaeologists.
The first documented excavation of a Dutch dolmen took place at D27 in 1685, making it a landmark in the history of archaeological practice. Despite centuries of study, large sections of the site have never been disturbed, and the burial chamber still holds secrets that contemporary researchers hope to uncover. Standing beside these towering boulders, visitors often feel the weight of history and may understand why locals dub D27 the “king of the Dutch dolmens.”
Beyond the stones: hiking, boulders and the Hondsrug ridge
Surrounding the dolmen, the forest grounds are dotted with a curious assortment of zwerfstenen—glacial erratics that travelled from Scandinavia during the last ice ages. Each boulder bears a label indicating its original location in Sweden or Norway, offering a tactile reminder of the region’s geological past. Nearby, the Prehistoric Park invites families to step into a hands-on Neolithic playground where volunteers in period costume demonstrate ancient crafts and children can explore reconstructed dwellings.
Just a few kilometres away, the Hondsrug ridge stretches for 70 kilometres across the province. Recognised by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, this sand-and-clay formation is the only glacial ridge of its kind in Europe. A network of walking and cycling paths follows its crest, providing sweeping views over wheat fields, peat bogs and the occasional historic farmstead. The visitor centre next to the Hunebedcentrum offers detailed exhibits on the ridge’s formation, while the nearby De Nabershof working farm near Emmen lets travellers glimpse traditional agricultural techniques.
Orvelte and Assen: timeless villages and modern culture
A short drive south from Assen brings you to Orvelte a car-free village that feels like a living open-air museum. Thatched farmhouses line narrow cobblestone lanes, and a horse-drawn “bus” shuttles visitors from the parking area to the heart of the settlement. The village is famous for its apple pie, often hailed as the best in Drenthe, and for a collection of niche museums showcasing everything from model cars to rare sheep breeds. From December 18 to 20 the whole settlement transforms into a festive Christmas village, adding twinkling lights and seasonal market stalls.
Assen, the provincial capital, balances historic charm with contemporary amenities. Its main cultural institution, the Drents Museum made headlines in 2025 when a robbery resulted in the temporary loss of several priceless gold artifacts; most have since been recovered. Today the museum hosts a rotating special exhibition on Angkor, Cambodia, alongside permanent displays of Neolithic finds, period rooms, and works by Van Gogh. The museum’s layout—spanning several interconnected buildings—offers a comfortable mix of education and entertainment for all ages.
When hunger strikes, the region’s culinary scene delivers hearty, locally sourced fare. Most attractions have modest cafés serving sandwiches and “broodje kroket,” while Assen’s restaurants and the village hotel Rikus in nearby Eext provide multi-course meals that showcase regional produce. Portions are generous, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering over wine or a locally brewed beer.
Getting around eastern Drenthe is easiest with a car, as many sites are spread out and public transport is limited. Summer weekends can bring crowds, especially at popular walking trails and the Hunebedcentrum, so planning your visits early in the day helps retain the sense of quiet that makes this part of the Netherlands special. With its blend of ancient monuments, glacial landscapes and timeless villages, eastern Drenthe proves to be a perfect setting for a memorable weekend escape.
