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Drenthe

Introduction

Exloo in Drenthe

Drenthe is one of the three northern provinces in the Netherlands, together with Groningen and Friesland. It borders to Germany in the east. The capital is Assen and the total population of the province is about 500,000 inhabitants. It is one of the most quiet provinces in the Netherlands and popular with both Dutch and German tourists, especially given the fact that it has some fantastic national parks and great hiking and biking opportunities.

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Geography

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Cities

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Sights and Activities

Dolmen
National Park Drents-Friese Wold
National Park Dwingelderveld (Dutch only)
National beek- en esdorpenlandschap Drentsche Aa (Dutch only)

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Events and Festivals

Koningsdag (King's Day)

In 2013, the Dutch throne was passed on to King Willem-Alexander and what used to be Koninginnedag (Queen's Day) will from 2014 become Koningsdag (King's Day). The date will be changed to the 27th of April, which is the king's birthday. In 2014 however it will be on the 26th of April because the 27th falls on a Sunday. On this day the streets of almost every sizable town in the country come alive with activity.

During the year, there are many events at the TT circuit Assen, with the Grand Prix motorbikes being on of the highlights every year during early summer. The race itself is held on a saturday, but the night before there are huge parties, including a music festival near to the circuit.

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Weather

The weather in Drenthe is comparable to much of the Netherlands, but both summers and winters are slightly cooler/colder compared to regions more to the south. Check the weather at the Netherlands page.

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Getting There

By Plane

Schiphol international airport near Amsterdam is the main hub to and from the Netherlands with hundreds of flights throughout the world. It's about a 2 hour drive from the nearest parts of Drenthe, though it can take up to 4 hours during bad traffic to reach your final destination.

By Train

The main railroad from Utrecht to Groningen crosses Drenthe. Check the Dutch Railways website for more information about schedules and prices to places like Meppel and Assen. More information and integrated door-to-door itinerary advice for all public transport can be obtained for free from 9292OV (Dutch only).