Vacation in Drenthe

If you're planning a vacation in your own country, Drenthe is the ideal destination for those seeking silence, space, and the rich history of the Dutch soil. During a holiday in Drenthe, you can enjoy the vast forests, the mysterious dolmens, and the charming brink villages such as Diever and Dwingeloo. Whether you choose an active hiking holiday, a family-friendly holiday park in Drenthe, or a spontaneous weekend getaway, a holiday home offers the freedom to explore the "Oerprovincie" at your own pace.

Let yourself be inspired by the three national parks, the wild ponies on the heath, and the many cycling paths that wind through the landscape. Thanks to the good accessibility by car, you can easily visit attractions such as Wildlands Adventure Zoo or Kamp Westerbork, allowing you to fully customize your stay in Drenthe.

Discover our holiday homes in the Drenthe forests, check out luxury bungalows near Emmen, or choose a stay in an authentic thatched-roof farmhouse. Start planning your trip with Leisure Time today.

A holiday home in Drenthe gives you the opportunity to stay right in the middle of nature. With your own home, you not only have space for the whole family but also the peace and quiet that you often miss in the city. Many travelers specifically look for a vacation home with a fenced garden in Drenthe for their dog or a detached nature cabin in a small-scale park. In contrast to a hotel, a private cottage offers the freedom to have breakfast in your pajamas in the morning with a view of the squirrels in the garden.

During a nature holiday in Drenthe, there are countless activities for young and old:

• Spotting dolmens: Visit the Hunebedcentrum in Borger and discover the oldest monuments in the Netherlands.

• Cycling and walking: Explore Dwingelderveld National Park or the Drents-Friese Wold via the endless cycling paths.

• Culture and history: Stroll through the museum village of Orvelte or learn about history in the Colonies of Benevolence (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Family outings: For children, a day trip to the Drentse Koe or Kabouterland in Exloo is an unforgettable experience.

For those seeking luxury, a stay in a wellness holiday home in Drenthe with a sauna or hot tub offers the perfect way to fully relax after a day outdoors.

During your search for accommodation in Drenthe, you can choose from various charming regions:

• Dwingeloo & Diever: Located on the edge of the large national parks, ideal for those seeking peace and walkers.

• Emmen & Surroundings: Perfect for families who want to visit Wildlands or stay overnight in a holiday home near the Hondsrug.

• Zuidlaren & Tynaarlo: For those who enjoy the combination of water (Zuidlaardermeer) and cozy brick villages.

• Westerveld: A region full of natural monuments and vast heathlands.

Are you in need of a spontaneous break in nature? There are regularly sharp last-minute Drenthe is offered at Leisure Time. Whether you're looking for a cheap cabin in the woods for a midweek getaway or a luxury bungalow for the autumn holiday, by booking flexibly, you can take advantage of the best locations. Drenthe is also a great option for an affordable weekend getaway within the country, even outside the peak season.

In Drenthe, you can enjoy a different atmosphere in each season:

• Spring (March–May): Nature comes to life and the lambs are in the meadows; perfect for a cycling holiday in Drenthe.

• Summer (June – August): Ideal for picnics on the heath, swimming in the many recreational lakes, and long evenings by the barbecue.

• Autumn (September – November): The forests turn beautifully gold and red. This is the best time for birdwatchers and mushroom walks.

• Winter (December – February): Enjoy the serene peace, a frozen pond, and the coziness of a holiday home with a fireplace.

A road trip to Drenthe is the easiest way to reach all the sights, as the most beautiful nature areas are sometimes a bit further from the train stations.

• Taking bikes: Drenthe is the ultimate cycling province. Don't have your own bike? Everywhere, e-bikes are available for rent.

• Pets: Drenthe is extremely dog-friendly. Do pay attention to the signs in the nature reserves; during the breeding season, dogs often need to be on a leash.

• Spotting wildlife: Get up early or go out with the forest ranger to spot deer or badgers.

What is the most charming village in Drenthe for tourists? 

Drenthe is known for its beautiful brink villages. Dwingeloo is often chosen as one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands due to its unique atmosphere and location by the heath. Also, Diever (known for the Shakespeare performances) and the museum village Orvelte are absolute must-sees for those who love history and coziness.

Where can you best see dolmens in Drenthe? 

Although there are 52 dolmens scattered throughout the province, Borger is the 'dolmen capital. Here you will find the largest dolmen in the Netherlands (D27) and the interactive Hunebedcentrum. The area around Havelte, where two large hunebeds lie at the foot of the Holtingerveld, is also very impressive and easily accessible.

Is Drenthe a good destination for a vacation with the dog? 

Absolutely, Drenthe is perhaps the most dog-friendly province. At leisure time, you can specifically rent a holiday home in Drenthe with a fenced garden. There are countless off-leash areas in the Drenthe forests, such as at Drentshof or certain parts of the Drents-Friese Wold, where your dog can run to their heart's content.

What is the most beautiful nature area in Drenthe? 

Drenthe has three national parks. The Dwingelderveld is the largest wet heathland in Western Europe and offers beautiful vistas. The Drents-Friese Wold is ideal for those who love vast forests and drifting sand, while the Drentsche Aa is perfect for enthusiasts of a small-scale stream and esdorp landscape.

What to do in Drenthe with children? 

Drenthe is a paradise for families. Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen is the biggest attraction. Additionally, the Tree Top Path in Gasselte (walking among the treetops) and the play farm De Drentse Koe in Ruinerwold are very popular. For active kids, a visit to one of the many swimming lakes, such as the 'Iberische Plas' or the Gasselterveld, is highly recommended.

Are the cycling paths in Drenthe suitable for everyone? 

Yes, Drenthe has a finely meshed network of hundreds of kilometers of junctions. The bike paths are generally wide, well-maintained, and almost everywhere flat. This makes it ideal for both families with small children and seniors on an e-bike. Many holiday homes in Drenthe are located directly along these cycling routes.

Is a vacation in Drenthe expensive? 

Drenthe is one of the most affordable vacation provinces in the Netherlands. There is a large selection of affordable holiday homes in the forest and small-scale campsites. The prices in the hospitality industry in the brink villages are often lower than in the Randstad or the well-known coastal towns.

Whether you choose a detached nature house in Diever, a luxury bungalow in a holiday park, or group accommodation for the whole family, at Leisure Time, you'll find the perfect match.

Book your ideal holiday home in Drenthe today and discover the peace and space of the most beautiful nature province in the Netherlands!