Discover Coevorden’s history and landscape

A shallow stream where travellers and traders could cross the marshes once made this place strategically important. That history still resonates in Coevorden today: in the permanent exhibition “Verhalen van Coevorden”, in historic buildings and on walking trails that bring history and landscape together.

Urban history and architectural heritage

The permanent exhibition at Stedelijk Museum Coevorden tells the story of Drenthe’s oldest town. Its themes include the Battle of Ane, Kasteel Coevorden, the construction of the fortress, Coevorden as a garrison town and the recapture of the town. The museum is about a seven-minute walk from Coevorden railway station; check the route before setting out. The original form of Kasteel Coevorden was built before 1200.

The Historische Gebouwenwandeling, also known as the Bouwstijlenwandeling, passes 36 notable buildings in Coevorden. Along the way, it introduces architectural styles including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, the Amsterdam School and the Nieuwe Haagse School. The Katshaarschans offers another perspective on the town’s history: its square earthen rampart is surrounded by a wide moat. The redoubt was built to defend an important route to Coevorden.

The Synagoge-Museum Coevorden combines a place of worship with an adjoining residence; this combination is considered unique in Drenthe. Since 2017, the former synagogue has been set up as a museum telling the story of Jewish life in Drenthe and the surrounding area. The former synagogue complex also includes a mikveh, a ritual bath, and a teacher’s residence. Both were built in 1879 together with the new synagogue. Since summer 2023, the museum has had a stairlift to the upper floor. If this access is important for your visit, check the latest information in advance.

In Zweeloo stands the 13th-century Zweeler Kerk, where weekly services are still held. Vincent van Gogh saw the church during his stay in the area in 1883. The church also houses the Tourist Info, where you can get visitor information and cycling and walking routes for the surrounding area. Museum Thijnhof offers a different focus: it is dedicated to realistic and surrealist art, hosts changing exhibitions and runs workshops.

Walking trails and landscape

The Cultuurpad Coevorden is a circular walking trail of more than 200 kilometres through the entire municipality. It was put together by local residents; it connects the town of Coevorden with the municipality’s villages and explores themes such as history, landscape, monuments, art, nature, buildings and stories. The circular route starts in Zwinderen, but you can also start elsewhere. Check the latest route details before setting out.

For a shorter walk, try Staatsbosbeheer’s 2.3-kilometre green trail in Sleenerzand. It offers the chance to visit the monuments around the Papeloze Kerk. This stone monument was built in the Neolithic period, between 3450 and about 3250 BC, during the Funnelbeaker culture. Two fields containing a total of 47 burial mounds have been found nearby; some of these mounds lie within Celtic fields, also known as Raatakkers. Since 2006, a Hagepredikatie (open-air sermon) has once again been held at the Papeloze Kerk once a year. Check that year’s programme. Another walk from the Papeloze Kerk to ’t Haantje passes partly through woodland and pasture and follows the Oranjekanaal.

The Meppen–Gees walking route passes the Bollema pumping station, enters the Geeserstroom nature area and goes by the Klinkenberg, where a castle stood in the 13th century. Meppen lies among woodland, heathland, drifting sands and juniper bushes. These routes bring natural landscapes and historical traces together, though each route has its own character.

Two longer routes also focus on navigating by stages. The approximately 350-kilometre cycling route “Langs de Grenzen van Drenthe” starts and ends at Kasteel Coevorden; it was officially opened in April 2026. The route is divided into six daily stages, signposted on site and available digitally via Drenthe.nl and the Drenthe Routes app. Along the way, the app offers additional video and audio information from experts. Before setting out, check the current route, signposting and app content.

Windmills, crafts and other experiences

Dalen is home to two windmills built in different years: Molen De Bente dates from 1814 and is one of Drenthe’s oldest windmills; the gallery Dutch windmill Molen Jan Pol, built in 1876, is considered the tallest windmill in the province. Volunteers make it possible for Molen De Bente to operate regularly.

At the Frensenhoes in Meppen, demonstrations of machine woodworking are held, and the sawmill is in operation. At a manual woodworking workshop, you can make a wooden object yourself and take it home for a small fee. Guided tours are available by appointment; confirm both the appointment and workshop availability in advance.

At the Ellert en Brammert open-air museum, volunteers read aloud the legend of Ellert and Brammert in the historic school building. The museum has a large playground and a small petting zoo. It is fully wheelchair accessible, provides wheelchairs at the ticket desk and offers adapted facilities; check the current facilities before your visit. Plopsa Indoor Coevorden lists 18 free attractions and 12 paid attractions. These include The Climbing Mountain, The Vikings' Rollercoaster and The K3-Whirligig. As attractions and admission options may change, check the details before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Stieltjeskanaal, Wezuperbrug, Coevorden, Dalen, Erm, Meppen, Zweeloo, Dalerveen, Wachtum, Wezup, Sleen, Aalden, Dalerpeel, Benneveld, Oosterhesselen, Zwinderen, Noord-Sleen, Gees, Schoonoord.

For the overview of the wider region: Drenthe.