The Drenthe of the past

Fancy a day of cycling through the best-preserved stream and esdorp landscape in Western Europe? Then head to Drenthe. And enjoy the historic atmosphere and tranquility.

The Drentsche Aa
In the Drentsche Aa National Stream and Esdorp Landscape, you'll cycle through a backdrop of grasslands, copses, hedgerows, heathlands, and eskers. Historical? Yes, because the landscape has barely changed in 150 years. The Drentsche Aa still meanders through the landscape in its original form. While almost every other area in the Netherlands was being redeveloped, here people embraced the landscape as it was. It feels like driving through a Drenthe open-air museum.

Saxon farms
Not only does the landscape breathe the atmosphere of times gone by, you'll also see old Saxon farms, such as in the charming village of Gasteren en Anderen. The route also takes you through the Gieten-Borger Forestry, a wonderfully peaceful spot. In Gasselte, you can admire the striking white Church of Our Lady, which originally dates from the mid-thirteenth century. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, lunch, or dinner at Restaurant de Wiemel.