2_4_DiscoverBenelux_Issue20_August_2015_Q10.qxp_Scan Magazine 1 24/07/2015 14:40 Page 46
Discover Benelux & France | Summer Sights & Attractions | Drenthe
Drenthe is a place for grownups to enjoy the nature and history while for kids, Drenthe is a huge playground.
Cycling through Dutch heritage in Drenthe Drenthe is like a secret chamber full of treasures: authentic, pristine and hospitable. The province harbours the most varied landscapes and valuable historical places of the Netherlands. It’s perfect for an unforgettable bicycle tour, during which its rich cultural heritage is right beneath your feet! TEXT: JANINE STERENBORG | PHOTOS: MARKETING DRENTHE
Thousands of bicycle paths lead you through the beautiful landscapes and idyllic villages and take you back in time. Drenthe is a heaven for both those who want to unwind during a relaxing bicycle ride or get the adrenaline going at an ATB track. Yvonne Cornax of Marketing Drenthe, adds: “Besides the many routes, Drenthe is host to various bicycle events, such as the ‘Drentse Fiets4Daagse’ in July, four days of cycling through everything the province has to offer. There’s no event like it in Europe!” Drenthe is one of the three northern provinces of the Netherlands and is mostly covered by a large national park with different, smoothly blending landscapes. This
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nature-rich area can be explored and enjoyed to the utmost by bike. You will find that Drenthe has many small but high quality sights and activities to offer. “Cultural heritage can be found in the streets. Local events are always happening and the tiny villages harbour valuable history. For kids, Drenthe is a big playground, because of the many sandy playgrounds, natural swimming ponds and family-friendly fun parks.” This unique landscape and cultural heritage, resulted in the first Dutch geo-park: the Hondsrug. For tens of thousands of years, Neanderthals and humans lived on this sand ridge. So keep your eyes peeled, as you may find the flint stones they used.
The famous dolmen, a legacy of the Neolithic funnelbeaker culture, are publicly accessible. In the fields you can still see traces of the carriages from mediaeval times. The Hondsrug is also where Drenthe’s only castle is located, which is now a hotel, in the welcoming city of Coevorden. Drenthe even has a famous admirer: Dutch painter vincent van Gogh praised the beautiful landscape when he spent some time in the south east of the province in the late 19th century. In the veenpark and van Gogh Huis you can relive the times of the famous painter. As van Gogh wrote in one of his letters: “I believe the land would endear and convince you.” www.drenthe.nl