Assen: City of Drenthe
Assen, located in the northern Dutch province of Drenthe, offers a calm and green escape for visitors looking to explore both culture and nature. The city is best known for its scenic surroundings and laid-back atmosphere, making it a favourite for those who enjoy relaxed urban experiences with easy access to countryside walks and cycling trails. With well-maintained streets, public parks, and charming cafés, Assen is a lovely place to unwind while still enjoying the amenities of a modern Dutch city.
One of the main draws in Assen is the renowned Drents Museum, which houses impressive archaeological finds and rotating art exhibitions. Its standout architecture and engaging displays make it one of the top museums in the country. The city centre itself is compact and easy to explore on foot, with pleasant streets lined with shops, historic buildings, and canals. Whether you’re stopping by for a few hours or staying longer, it’s an accessible city with a friendly local vibe.
Beyond the city centre, Assen is also a gateway to the surrounding nature reserves of Drenthe. The nearby Asserbos forest offers walking and cycling paths through ancient woodland, while a short drive or bike ride will bring you to peaceful heathlands and prehistoric sites like hunebedden (megalithic tombs). Whether you’re interested in culture, outdoor activities, or simply taking it slow, Assen is a rewarding destination in the northern Netherlands.
Table of Contents
- History of Assen
- Best things to do and See in Assen
- Assen – Drents Museum
- Assen – TT Circuit Assen
- Assen – Asserbos
- Assen – Kamp Westerbork
- Assen – Deurzerdiep River Walk
- Assen – Duurzaamheidscentrum
- Assen – City Canal and Historic Centre
- Assen – Baggelhuizen Recreational Lake
- Assen – Hunebed D15
- Assen – Ballooërveld Heathland
- 10 Best Day Trips from Assen
- Where to Stay in Assen
- Best Time to Visit Assen
- How to get to Assen
History of Assen
Assen in the Middle Ages
Assen’s origins trace back to the foundation of a small Cistercian nunnery known as Maria in Campis in the 13th century. This religious institution played a central role in the area’s early development, with the surrounding settlement gradually expanding as it supported the monastery. While Assen remained a modest rural community during the medieval period, its position near trade routes ensured slow but steady growth, centred on agriculture and religious life.
Assen in the Early Modern Period
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Assen began to develop administrative significance as the governing body of Drenthe became more centralised. By the late 1700s, Assen was named the official capital of the province, a move that encouraged the construction of government buildings and improved infrastructure. This elevated status helped transition the town from a monastic and agrarian community into a regional hub for administration and commerce, setting the foundation for its later urbanisation.
Assen in the 19th and 20th Centuries
The 19th century brought substantial changes to Assen with the construction of roads, canals, and eventually railways that connected it to the broader Netherlands. These developments transformed the city into a more accessible and attractive location for trade, governance, and settlement. The Drents Museum, established in the 1800s, also signalled a growing cultural identity. In the 20th century, Assen gained international recognition thanks to the TT Circuit Assen, which began hosting motorcycle races in 1925. Post-war growth further modernised the city, blending its historical roots with a contemporary outlook that continues today.
Visiting Assen for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Assen on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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Best things to do and See in Assen
1. Assen – Drents Museum
The Drents Museum is the cultural heart of Assen and one of the most prominent museums in the Netherlands. Its exhibitions explore archaeology, art, and regional history, with past highlights including bog bodies, Van Gogh works, and prehistoric artefacts. The building itself is a mix of classical architecture and modern design, making it an engaging experience before you even step inside.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, adult entry costs around €15, with discounts available for children and students. The museum is located in the city centre and is easy to reach on foot.
2. Assen – TT Circuit Assen
TT Circuit Assen is internationally famous for hosting the annual Dutch TT motorcycle race, drawing fans from across the world. Even outside race days, the circuit offers guided tours and sometimes track days or other motorsport events. The museum on site also gives insight into the history of the track and its iconic status in MotoGP.
Opening hours vary depending on the event calendar. General admission for races and special events ranges from €20 to €100+, depending on seating and access. The track is located just south of Assen, about 5 km from the centre.
3. Assen – Asserbos
Asserbos is one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands and sits right on the edge of the city. It offers tranquil walking and cycling routes under tall beech and oak trees, a large deer park, and a natural playground for children. It’s a local favourite for jogging, picnicking, or simply getting some fresh air away from the city streets.
Access to Asserbos is free and it’s open all year round. Paths are well-marked, and the area is family- and dog-friendly, making it a perfect green escape without leaving town.
4. Assen – Kamp Westerbork
About 10 km east of Assen lies Kamp Westerbork, a former transit camp used during World War II. Today it’s a poignant memorial and museum complex that tells the stories of the thousands of Jews, Roma, and resistance members who were deported from here. The site includes reconstructed buildings, educational exhibits, and a moving open-air monument.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is approximately €10 for adults. It’s reachable by car or bus from Assen and provides a sobering but important historical perspective.
5. Assen – Deurzerdiep River Walk
Just outside the city, the Deurzerdiep is a scenic waterway that winds through Drenthe’s rural landscape. The area is laced with walking and cycling trails, offering peaceful countryside views, birdlife, and picnic spots. It’s an excellent way to experience the region’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace.
There is no admission fee, and the trails are open year-round. The starting points for various routes are easily accessible by bike from the Assen city centre.
6. Assen – Duurzaamheidscentrum
The Duurzaamheidscentrum (Sustainability Centre) in the middle of Asserbos is an educational venue focused on ecology and sustainable living. It’s family-friendly, offering interactive exhibits, a small animal park, and a café with organic offerings. It’s especially popular with local schools and families looking for a meaningful outing.
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and free to enter, it’s a short walk from the centre of Assen and provides both entertainment and insight into local environmental initiatives.
7. Assen – City Canal and Historic Centre
A walk around Assen’s canal and historic core offers a gentle way to take in the city’s charm. With its old villas, water reflections, and tidy bridges, this area is ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Stop at a canal-side café or browse independent boutiques and galleries tucked into restored heritage buildings.
This self-guided experience is free and flexible, and the compact size of Assen makes it easy to explore on foot without needing transport or tickets.
8. Assen – Baggelhuizen Recreational Lake
Baggelhuizen is a popular local recreation area with a large man-made lake, sandy beach, and grassy banks perfect for sunbathing or casual swimming. During summer, it’s a family-friendly hangout spot with designated swimming areas, a kids’ playground, and walking paths around the water.
The area is free to access year-round, though it’s busiest during warm weekends. It’s located about 4 km from central Assen and is reachable by bike or car.
9. Assen – Hunebed D15
Drenthe is known for its hunebedden, prehistoric megalithic tombs. Just under 10 km from Assen, Hunebed D15 near Loon is one of the most accessible and atmospheric. Set in a quiet forest clearing, this ancient stone structure offers a fascinating glimpse into Neolithic life, with interpretive panels providing background.
There’s no entry fee, and the site is open at all hours. Parking is available nearby, and it’s a short walk through woodland to reach the stones.
10. Assen – Ballooërveld Heathland
The Ballooërveld is an expansive heath just east of Assen, known for its wide-open landscapes and seasonal purple heather blooms. It’s ideal for hiking, biking, and spotting wildlife like Highland cattle and birds of prey. On misty mornings or summer evenings, the views here are particularly striking.
Access is free and the area is open year-round. Well-marked trails lead from nearby parking lots or can be reached via bike from Assen’s outskirts.
