Assen(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For first-time visitors, staying in the city center of Assen is ideal, offering easy access to major attractions like Asser Stadium and De Veste fortress. The area around Grote Markt provides charming local cafes, shops, and a lively atmosphere.

Alternatively, consider Hotel de Heem or Hotel De Grote Molen, both located just outside the city center but within walking distance to nature trails and cultural sites. These hotels blend traditional Dutch architecture with modern comfort, making them perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and convenience. Staying here also puts you close to the Drents Museum and the scenic Bosch en Duin nature reserve, enhancing your experience of Drenthe Province's rich heritage and landscapes.

Hotel De Veste in Assen offers the most stunning views of the historic city walls. Housed within the restored 16th-century De Veste fortress complex, this boutique hotel features rooms with panoramic views overlooking the ancient ramparts and moat.

The hotel’s architecture preserves original stone walls and Gothic arches, creating a unique atmosphere where history meets comfort. Guests can enjoy breakfast on the terrace with sweeping vistas of the fortified skyline. Located in the heart of Assen, it's also steps away from Grote Markt and the Drents Museum, making it an ideal base for exploring both the city's past and its vibrant present.

To experience authentic Dutch rural life near Assen, stay at De Hoogte Farmstay, a working farm that offers hands-on activities like milking cows, harvesting vegetables, and crafting traditional Dutch cheese. The farm is located in the heart of Drenthe Province, surrounded by open fields and meadows.

Join seasonal events such as the Drentse Winterfeesten, a cultural festival featuring folk dancing, local crafts, and regional cuisine. Also visit the Bosch en Duin Nature Reserve to explore prehistoric Hunebedden burial mounds—monuments dating back over 5,000 years. These immersive experiences connect travelers directly with the region’s agricultural roots and ancient heritage, offering a true taste of northern Netherlands’ quiet charm.

Near Assen, the Bosch en Duin Nature Reserve offers over 40 km of scenic cycling paths through forests, wetlands, and open heathlands. Riders can stop at Hunebed D29, a prehistoric stone tomb dating back 5,000 years, adding a historical dimension to the ride.

Another top choice is De Wolden, one of Drenthe Province’s largest forested areas, with well-marked trails suitable for all skill levels. Along the way, cyclists can spot native birds, wildflowers, and peaceful streams. Many hotels, including Hotel De Grote Molen, offer free bike rentals, making it easy to plan a full-day adventure. These routes provide a perfect blend of nature, history, and active exploration.

In Assen, Hotel De Veste features themed rooms inspired by regional heritage, such as the "Hunebed Room," which draws on prehistoric Hunebedden burial mounds. The room showcases stone-textured walls, bronze lighting fixtures, and wall murals depicting ancient rituals.

Drents Museum Hotel offers the "Medieval Drenthe" suite, furnished with historically accurate replicas from the 15th century, including knight armor displays and antique maps. A built-in audio system plays reconstructed medieval music. Meanwhile, Hotel de Heem’s "Farm Life Suite" replicates a 19th-century Dutch farmhouse with handcrafted wooden furniture and woven rugs. These immersive rooms allow guests to sleep within the story of Drenthe’s rich cultural past.

In Assen, try authentic Drentse cuisine such as Stamppot met worst (mashed potatoes with smoked sausage) and Drentse appelkruim (apple crumble). Local restaurants like De Oude Kerk reinvent these dishes with modern flair, pairing them with locally brewed Drentse bier.

Visit the weekly Grote Markt farmers’ market every Saturday, where vendors sell fresh dairy, homemade jam, grilled meats, and regional specialties. For a deeper dive, join a Farm-to-Table cooking class at De Hoogte Farm, where you’ll learn to make cheese, bread, and traditional desserts using ingredients harvested on-site. These experiences connect food with the land, offering a genuine taste of Drenthe’s culinary soul.