Assen: Forests, Architectural Heritage and Motorsport

Assen combines walks through old forests with architectural and museum history, as well as a strong motorsport tradition. If you’re looking for a hotel in Assen, your travel plans can help shape your stay around activities such as walks, historic sites, collections or events at the TT Circuit.

Forest trails and nature experiences

On the outskirts of Assen lies the Asserbos, one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands. Numerous walking trails pass ponds and winding streams, weave among centuries-old oaks and lead to special historic sites. The Asserbos is also home to a city farm, a bird island, a wildlife park and a water playground. The Duurzaamheidscentrum in the forest offers exhibitions, children’s craft activities, walking trails and a water-based barefoot trail. One sustainability exhibition changes regularly; other activities and the selection of sustainable materials may also change.

Themed walks starting at the Duurzaamheidscentrum range from 1.5 to 15 kilometres. Another option is the signposted Stad der Paleizen city walk. It is 3.2 kilometres long, passes historic sites and distinctive buildings, and starts at the entrance to the Drents Museum. The two options differ in their stated lengths and thematic focus. Check the latest route information before setting out.

The Arboretum Assen features more than 650 different wild tree and shrub species from America, Asia and Europe. The Baggelhuizen recreation area also offers opportunities to enjoy nature and leisure activities: it covers 125 hectares of waterside and woodland landscapes, with meadows, beaches and nature trails. Visitors can swim in the Baggelhuizerplas, while the trails across the wider area are suitable for mountain biking or exploring on foot. Check the latest bathing conditions before swimming.

Museums, archives and architectural history

The Drents Museum has a diverse collection of archaeology, art and history. A journey of discovery through fifteen galleries takes you to highlights from its own collection, including the Girl of Yde, the oldest boat in the world and paintings by Van Gogh. The museum’s Brasserie Pingo serves a Drenthe speciality and lunch; check what is currently available before your visit.

The Drents Archief library contains more than 10,000 titles on the history, villages and residents of Drenthe, as well as art, archaeology and folklore from within and beyond the province. At the Digilounge, you can carry out research free of charge and without a reservation; you can also see the original Bartje statue there. CAMPIS exhibitions are free to visit. As visitor services may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest access information in advance.

The Historische Collectie Regiment Stoottroepen Prins Bernhard is located at the Johan Willem Friso barracks in Assen and is commonly known as the Stoottroepenmuseum. Its subject matter ranges from the formation of the Stoottroepen from the resistance during the Second World War to the Stoters’ current deployments as part of the Air Mobile Brigade.

The city’s buildings also tell different chapters of its history. The Jozefkerk is a Rijksmonument and a so-called Waterstaatskerk. Its impressive tower, symmetrical style, cross vaults and Van Dam organ define its architecture. It also serves as a cultural centre: concerts, talks and other events that are open to the wider community are held regularly.

The Gouvernementsgebouw on the Brink was built in 1887 in the Neo-Gothic style and is a Rijksmonument. It has been part of the Drents Museum since 1976. The Drostenhuis in Assen was built between 1774 and 1778. The Abdijkerk, also known as the Kloosterkerk, was once part of the Mariënkamp convent. The Landgoed Overcingel estate includes a five-hectare English landscape garden surrounding its stately residence. The Gouverneurstuin was once the garden of Petrus Hofstede, Governor of Drenthe from 1814 to 1831. Events and activities take place there during the summer months; the programme may vary from year to year. The tea house is also seasonal and opens during the summer months. Check before visiting to see whether it is open.

Cycling and motorsport

For cyclists, the Fietsroute Rondje Assen is a 38-kilometre loop along cycle paths on the outskirts of the city. Its landscapes range from peat extraction areas in the old bogs west and north of the city to elevated arable fields and enclosed stream valleys, as well as heathland with juniper, wet grasslands and the old Asserbos. The completed section of the De Groene As cycle route through Assen is six kilometres long. It follows the eastern bank of the Havenkanaal to the municipal boundary near Tynaarlo. Another regional cycling route from Assen is 40 kilometres long and passes characteristic sites in the Nationaal Park Drentsche Aa. Routes may change, so check the latest route information before your ride.

Motorsport has been held at the TT Circuit Assen since 1925; the circuit is home to the MotoGP Dutch TT. In addition to the Dutch TT, it hosts World Superbike, JACK's Racing Day and various track days. The public Tour de TT experience route is aimed at motorcyclists and TT enthusiasts and draws on the history of TT motorsport. The TT Monument in Assen offers its own tribute to this theme: it depicts a rider doing a wheelie on a racing motorcycle, facing the circuit, and symbolises the long-standing, inseparable bond between Assen and the TT Circuit.

Local information and flavours

VVV Assen answers questions about Assen and offers cycling and walking routes, various packages and Drentse Streekproducten. Local specialities include the Stadsproeverijtje from Assen, a selection of sweet or savoury treats that is suitable for drinks or a picnic. As products and services may change, check their current availability in advance. You can then plan your days around the nature trails, culture and motorsport that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Assen, Loon, Zeijerveen, Tynaarlo, Emmen, Aa En Hunze, Coevorden, Hoogeveen.

For the broader travel overview: Drenthe.