Meppel among windmills, canals and city history

The 45-metre-high Meppeler Toren is considered a distinctive landmark in the centre of Meppel. Visitors can regularly climb its 147 steps and enjoy views over the city. Check before your trip when access is possible. Historic traces can also be found by the water and in the streets: old façades, a variety of architectural styles and canals reveal different sides of Meppel.

Historic traces in the city

The signposted Stadswandeling Meppel leads through the historic city centre and features QR codes along the way with additional historical information. Another route focuses on Wilhelminapark: Wilhelminapark-Wandelpark opened to the public on 8 June 1919, and the Wilhelminapark walking route provides information about the features at each point via QR codes. Digital content may change; check before your visit whether the QR information is available.

The protected townscape includes the area around the station and Wilhelminapark, Stationsweg and Zuideinde. In the historic shopping street Meppeler Hoofdstraat, old façades meet a variety of architectural styles. Meppel’s maritime past is evident at Stoombootkade. The canals Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht are laid out there in the same order as in Amsterdam.

The station also tells the story of the city’s development: the historic station building was built in 1865 and officially opened on 1 October 1867, when the Zwolle–Meppel railway line opened. Meppel station serves travellers heading north from the western and southern Netherlands. Check the current timetable when planning your trip.

Museum, printing and windmill history

At Museum Indruk, much of the focus is on historic printing presses and special techniques. Volunteers demonstrate and explain the printing craft, showing how it is kept alive to this day. Workshops and demonstrations round out the programme; check what’s on before your trip.

The Historisch Centrum Meppel on Sluisgracht organises exhibitions, publications and guided city tours. Guides take visitors around Meppel on request and on the first Saturday of every month. Check the latest dates in advance if you would like to join a tour.

In Nijeveen, Korenmolen Sterrenberg tells a distinctive story of windmill history: it was originally built in 1786 in Weener, Germany, in East Frisia. It is described as the only windmill in the Netherlands combining self-sail feathering with self-winding using a characteristic wind rose on the cap. The mill is open to the public; groups can arrange a visit by appointment. As access arrangements may change, it is advisable to check before setting off.

Annual events

Donderdag Meppeldag is a free annual event held on six consecutive Thursdays in July and August. Activities include a children’s flea market, a squares festival with live music, city sightseeing tours, exhibitions, canal concerts and a weekly market. The annual Grachtenfestival takes place on the second weekend of June along Meppel’s canals; the historic fleet is joined by market stalls and sporting activities. Check the latest programmes and dates for both events.

The recurring Puppet International festival presents puppet and object theatre at more than 25 venues throughout Meppel. The programme features more than 250 performances by over 45 national and international artists and ensembles. Check the latest festival edition when planning your visit.

Walking routes and nature experiences

Nijeveen has three short village walking routes of 2, 3.5 and 5 kilometres. If you want to choose a particular distance, check the current signs before setting out. The Route van Geluk is a cycling route in Meppel that passes more than 50 distinctive, welcoming, green and special places; route details may also change.

Nijeveense Plas is a recreational lake with a sandy beach, a sunbathing lawn and a wooden boardwalk. The swimming areas are divided into shallow and deeper sections. Toilets and showers are available to visitors; check seasonal conditions and the current status of the facilities before your visit.

Nearby is De Wieden, a Natura 2000 area and part of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Visitors can canoe, go stand-up paddleboarding and boating, hike and cycle there. You can choose different focuses for your trip: historic routes and city life in Meppel, shorter village walks in Nijeveen or activities in the countryside around De Wieden.

Discover more destinations: De Schiphorst, Meppel, Broekhuizen, Nijeveen, Aa En Hunze, Coevorden, Assen, Borger-Odoorn.

For the wider travel overview: Drenthe.