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

In IJzendoorn, the standout boutique option is Hotel De Hoge Heuvel, a charming blend of traditional Dutch farm architecture and modern comfort. Nestled in the heart of Drenthe Province, it overlooks the serene Walden Forest and wetlands, offering panoramic views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Each room features locally sourced wood finishes, underfloor heating, and a cozy reading nook. The on-site restaurant serves creative dishes using regional ingredients like wild mushrooms and rye bread. Guests can also rent bicycles to explore nearby trails such as the Asmala Trail, making it ideal for travelers seeking authentic rural Dutch experiences.

The city center of IJzendoorn is the prime location for accommodations, offering easy access to cultural sites and local life. It’s within walking distance of the Gemeentehuis IJzendoorn and the Drents Museum branch, perfect for travelers who enjoy quiet, authentic surroundings. The historic Oudstedelijk Woonwijk district preserves 18th-century stone houses and cobbled streets, creating a nostalgic atmosphere at night. Numerous family-run guesthouses, like B&B De Koele Stilte, offer personalized service and homemade breakfasts, providing an immersive way to experience Drents culture and daily rhythms.

One must-try experience in IJzendoorn is the annual Drentse Traditiefeest, held every summer. Locals don traditional 19th-century costumes, performing folk dances and showcasing crafts like hand-woven straw hats and pottery firing techniques. Visitors can join ancient farming workshops, learning how to plow with wooden sledges, connecting with the region's agricultural heritage. The IJzendoornse Kerk hosts classical concerts regularly, combining its Gothic architecture with live performances, creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere. These events highlight IJzendoorn’s deep-rooted lowland culture and harmonious relationship with nature.

For families, Familiehotel De Vlierhof stands out as a top choice—a dedicated family resort with spacious suites, a children’s playground, and an outdoor pool. Located near green trails, it offers guided nature walks, a mini-farm where kids can feed goats and chickens, and year-round adventure programs. All rooms include baby cots and child-sized cutlery. Daily breakfast includes fresh baked goods, local jam, and organic milk. The hotel also runs stargazing nights, thanks to IJzendoorn’s minimal light pollution—perfect for spotting the Milky Way and enjoying celestial stories under the open sky.

Winter in IJzendoorn is magical, defined by snow-covered landscapes and warm community spirit. Head to Ijzendoornse Meer Lake, where the frozen surface becomes a natural ice rink surrounded by illuminated wooden huts serving hot chocolate and gingerbread. Hotels like Hotel de Molen offer “Winter Warmth Packages,” including fireplace suites, wool blankets, and local cuisine dinners. Weekly candlelit historical tours guide visitors through old alleys, sharing tales of village origins. Winter is also ideal for experiencing traditional wood carving, with artisans displaying their craft at weekend markets—each piece a testament to Drents heritage.

Couples should consider De Zonneweg B&B, a secluded boutique stay nestled among trees. Its glass-walled suites feature starlight skylights and private hot tubs, while cozy fireplaces and handmade chocolates set a romantic mood. The B&B offers customized candlelit dinners using ingredients from nearby farms. Guests can enjoy guided bike rides along the Veenweg trail, passing a 17th-century windmill. With its emphasis on intimacy and nature, this retreat blends Dutch serenity with timeless romance, making it perfect for reconnecting amid the peaceful beauty of Drenthe.

Don’t miss ‘Rookvlees’ (smoked beef) and ‘Drentse Poffertjes’ (Drents-style mini pancakes). The former uses locally raised beef, slow-smoked over oak wood, served with pickled cabbage for a rich, savory bite. The latter, made from fermented batter, is crispy outside and soft inside, dusted with powdered sugar and butter—best enjoyed at street stalls. At the Markthal IJzendoorn, sample Hemel en Aarde cheese, a creamy local variety with herbal notes. De Gouden Klok restaurant features seasonal tasting menus, such as spring wild garlic lamb or autumn truffle mashed potatoes, each dish rooted in Drents terroir and culinary tradition.

IJzendoorn boasts pristine natural landscapes. Visit Walden Forest, one of Europe’s few untouched peat bog ecosystems, home to rare birds like herons and eagles. Rent an electric paddle boat to glide across the tranquil lakes, spotting water lilies and dragonflies. Another highlight is the Drents Lichtpark, featuring eco-trails and birdwatching towers, with nighttime lights simulating constellations. The Asmala Trail, a 12-kilometer loop, winds through ancient oaks and wild lavender fields—ideal for photography and mindfulness. These sites showcase IJzendoorn’s role as a sanctuary of biodiversity and natural wonder.

Yes, IJzendoorn has reliable public transit. The Bus 34 connects the town to Enschede and the border of Gelderland, running hourly with a 30-minute journey. Trains from Enschede Central Station reach IJzendoorn Station in about 45 minutes, ideal for travelers from other Dutch cities. The town also offers multiple bike-sharing stations covering key attractions. For drivers, the A35 highway provides quick access, with free parking near the city center. We recommend downloading the OV-chipkaart e-ticket for seamless transfers between bus and train, enhancing travel efficiency.

Shopping in IJzendoorn is a cultural journey. Visit Marketplace IJzendoorn, where 20+ local artisans sell handmade wool scarves, ceramic planters, and wood carvings, all crafted from regional materials. The Drents traditional tote bags, dyed with indigo, feature ancestral symbols and make excellent souvenirs. The Souvenir Shop IJzendoorn offers limited-edition peat amber jewelry, each piece extracted from local bogs and uniquely textured. On weekends, the market hosts live art fairs, where painters and folk musicians perform—turning purchases into lasting memories of Drents heritage.