Discover Westerbork: Culture, Nature and Hiking

Westerbork combines a long church history and paper art with nature and outdoor activities. The Stefanuskerk, the Museum van Papierknipkunst and the signposted hike to Zwiggelte each offer a distinct focus. Other topics include Padenbos, regional dishes and sporting events. You can shape your trip around whether you want to focus on culture, nature or active pursuits.

Stefanuskerk and Paper Art

The Stefanuskerk has stood for more than 800 years. The present church is a Gothic building from the early 15th century. Its organ was built in 1726 for the church in Beetgum and moved to Westerbork in 1862 by the organ builder Petrus van Oeckelen. These dates relate to different parts of the church’s history: the age of the church, the construction of the present Gothic church and the history of the organ are separate historical milestones. The building and the instrument therefore do not date from the same period.

The Museum van Papierknipkunst presents original Dutch and international paper art on a wide range of themes; visitors can also make paper art themselves. The cultural highlights differ: the Stefanuskerk focuses on the history of the building and its organ, while the museum offers the opportunity to view and create paper art.

Padenbos and the Hike to Zwiggelte

Hertenkamp Westerbork has been located on the edge of the centuries-old Padenbos since 1962. The forest is home to squirrels, bats, owls, wood mice and numerous bird species. The forest wildlife gives this nature experience a different character from the riverside landscape along the Westerbork–Zwiggelte hike.

The signposted Westerbork–Zwiggelte hike starts in the centre of Westerbork and is 15 kilometres long. It passes through the ancient valley of the Westerborkerstroom stream. Its length helps you estimate how much time to allow for the route when planning your day.

Sporting Events and Regional Cuisine

Westerbork is one of the starting locations for the Drentse Fiets4Daagse. The Survivalrun Westerbork passes through nature around the town and features 48 obstacles; the number may vary by edition. These are two different sporting attractions: Westerbork as a starting location for the cycling event, and a race with obstacles in natural surroundings.

Restaurant en Museum de Ar serves traditional Drenthe dishes in addition to its regular menu.

Getting There and Other Travel Connections

If you travel by train, you can get off at Beilen and take bus route 22 to Westerbork from there. The same Qbuzz route also runs from Assen and Emmen to Westerbork. Check the departure times for your travel date before planning your connection.

Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork is closely associated with the town, but is located about 15 kilometres outside Westerbork.

Discover more destinations: Orvelte, Smilde, Beilen, Elp, Balinge, Spier, Wijster, Witteveen

For the wider travel guide: Midden-Drenthe.