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

In Hoogeveen, the top family-friendly option is Hotel De Vliegende Huis, a charming boutique hotel housed in a restored 18th-century windmill with spacious family rooms and kid-friendly amenities. Located on the shores of Lake IJssel, it offers easy access to nature trails, a children’s farm, and the Dutch Rural Museum. The hotel provides free bicycles for exploring the surrounding Veluwe Valley and hosts seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and autumn harvest festivals. Families can also enjoy guided nature walks and hands-on workshops in traditional Dutch crafts such as cheese-making and weaving.

The city center of Hoogeveen is ideal for hotel stays, offering proximity to key landmarks like the Town Hall Square and St. John's Church. This vibrant district features cozy cafés, antique shops, and weekly farmers’ markets. Many accommodations, such as De Gouden Klok, are housed in historic 19th-century brick buildings that blend heritage charm with modern comfort. Guests can easily walk to the IJsselmeer Greenway for morning jogs or evening strolls. The area also hosts seasonal events like candlelight concerts and village fairs, providing authentic insight into northern Dutch community life.

Must-try cultural experiences in Hoogeveen include visiting the weekly artisan market at Market Square, where local craftsmen sell handmade pottery, wooden carvings, and wool textiles passed down through generations. Don’t miss the traditional cheese-making workshop at Old Mill Museum (Molen van de Oude Molen), where visitors learn to craft classic Gouda cheese from fresh local milk. For dinner, head to Herberg de Herd, a rustic farm-to-table restaurant serving dishes centered around IJsselmeer fish, paired with locally brewed wheat beer. These authentic encounters offer deep insight into the rural heritage of Overijssel province.

The most photogenic spots in Hoogeveen include the De Vliegende Huis Windmill, a striking red-brick 18th-century windmill standing proudly by Lake IJssel, its reflection shimmering in the water. The St. John’s Church Tower, with its pointed spire and stained-glass windows, creates a breathtaking silhouette at sunrise. For idyllic countryside shots, visit Hogeland Farm, where golden wheat fields stretch endlessly under wide skies, dotted with grazing cattle. The Old Bridge Park with its century-old oak trees and wooden benches is another favorite for romantic or vintage-style portraits.

For couples seeking romance, Hotel De Zonnewijzer stands out as a hidden gem. Nestled in a restored farmstead, each room features a private terrace and garden view overlooking Lake IJssel. The hotel offers bespoke candlelit dinners at the Starlight Pavilion, complete with live piano music. Couples can book a private paddleboat tour along the lake at sunset, gliding through reed beds and catching the sky’s fiery hues. Back at the hotel, unwind in a private hot tub surrounded by pine trees, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of northern Overijssel.

To experience genuine Dutch countryside life, stay at a working farmstay like De Veldwijk B&B, where hosts guide guests through daily chores such as milking cows, feeding chickens, and harvesting vegetables. Participate in a traditional straw-weaving class using locally sourced reeds to create baskets and decorative items. Visit the farmers’ market to buy fresh eggs, homemade jam, and raw honey. Evenings often feature storytelling sessions around a fireplace, sharing family histories of land stewardship across three generations—offering profound insight into sustainable farming traditions in Overijssel.

Nature lovers should explore the IJsselmeer Loop Trail, a 12-kilometer scenic route circling Lake IJssel, featuring birdwatching platforms and historical signage detailing old windmills and abandoned farms. Another must-visit is the Veluwe Forest Pathway, a network of woodland trails winding through pine and oak forests, linking small villages and hidden ruins. Starting at De Vliegende Huis Windmill Park, the path is well-marked with rest shelters and maps. Bring binoculars—spring brings wildflowers, while autumn reveals stunning foliage. The trail is also bike-friendly, making it ideal for families or groups.

Must-try dishes in Hoogeveen include IJsselmeer Fish Soup, made with fresh perch and pike caught from the lake, simmered with onions and cream for a rich, savory flavor. Try Bitterballen, deep-fried meat croquettes served with mustard sauce. Sample a windmill cheese platter featuring local Gouda and Emsland cheese, paired with fig jam and walnuts. Don’t miss the whole-grain rye bread from De Molenaar Bakery, known for its dense texture and natural taste—perfect with house-made butter. These flavors are best enjoyed at De Marktzaal café or during the weekend farmers’ market.

Yes, most hotels in Hoogeveen provide complimentary bicycle rentals. Hotels like Hotel De Vliegende Huis and De Gouden Klok offer mountain bikes and city cruisers for guest use throughout the day. Each rental includes a free map and route guide highlighting paths to the IJsselmeer Greenway, Windmill Village, and Veluwe Valley. Bikes come equipped with locks and helmets for safety. Cycling is the best way to explore the region—ideal for early-morning rides along the lakeside or afternoon trips through sun-drenched fields and orchards.

Winter in Hoogeveen comes alive with festive charm. From December to February, the Market Square transforms into a Christmas Lights Festival, adorned with warm glow lights and decorated stalls selling mulled wine and gingerbread. Visitors can enjoy sleigh rides through snow-dusted meadows and participate in ice skating on the frozen surface of Lake IJssel. At the Old Mill Museum, join a winter craft workshop making candles and gingerbread cookies. Many hotels offer a Winter Cozy Package including hot soup dinners, fleece blankets, and a fireside gathering, capturing the heartwarming spirit of northern Dutch winters.