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

In Muntinge, top eco-friendly stays include Het Woudhuis, a timber-framed lodge powered by solar energy and built with reclaimed wood. It features compost toilets, zero-plastic amenities, and a rooftop herb garden supplying fresh ingredients for on-site meals. Nearby, De Hoge Heide B&B runs a full circular economy model: rainwater harvesting, on-site composting, and partnerships with local organic farms. Both properties offer guests an "Eco-Track" card to monitor their carbon footprint during stay, with offsets funded through rewilding projects in the Drents Heide nature reserve. Their commitment extends beyond sustainability—they host monthly workshops on sustainable living, including DIY natural cleaning products and wild-foraging walks. These hotels exemplify how rural Dutch hospitality can harmonize with nature.

Additionally, all accommodations participate in the Drents Green Stay Initiative, ensuring every guest contributes directly to habitat restoration through a small nightly donation. This integration of conservation into lodging makes Muntinge a pioneering destination for responsible travel.

The best area for nature lovers in Muntinge is the southern forest fringe near De Hoge Heide Nature Park. This region hosts several secluded eco-lodges nestled within ancient pine and birch groves, offering direct access to over 20 km of marked hiking and cycling trails. The surrounding Drents Heide is one of the Netherlands’ last remaining heathland ecosystems, home to rare birds like the black grouse and nightjar. Early morning fog often blankets the landscape, creating ethereal photo opportunities. Many lodges provide guided dawn birdwatching tours and evening stargazing sessions using portable telescopes. Guests can also join weekly nature stewardship walks, helping remove invasive species or plant native shrubs. This immersive connection with the wild makes it ideal for those seeking solitude, ecological insight, and authentic Dutch countryside experiences.

While staying in Muntinge, immerse yourself in unique local traditions such as attending the weekly Drents Handwerksmarkt, where artisans sell handwoven wool blankets, clay pottery, and carved wooden toys made using century-old techniques. Visit the Heidemuseum to explore reconstructed Iron Age huts and learn about prehistoric farming practices that shaped the region. Participate in a "Drents Koken" cooking class, where you’ll prepare traditional dishes like poffertjes with wild herbs and sour rye bread baked in clay ovens. At night, some hotels host oral storytelling evenings under the stars, sharing legends of the 'Heidewacht' — ghostly figures said to guard the moors. These authentic, community-driven experiences offer deep insight into the resilient spirit and rich heritage of northeastern Netherlands.

For couples seeking romance, Het Sterk Water—a restored 19th-century mill turned boutique retreat—is unmatched. Its glass-roofed bedroom offers panoramic views of the moonlit lake, while private outdoor hot tubs and candlelit dinners on the lakeside terrace create intimate moments. Each suite includes a personalized love map guiding couples to hidden spots like the Lovers' Path through the woods and a secluded star-gazing platform. Hosts arrange bespoke experiences such as a moonlit paddleboat dinner or a forest meditation session at twilight. Some packages even include a custom portrait painted from your stay photos. With its emphasis on privacy, natural beauty, and poetic details, Het Sterk Water transforms a simple getaway into a timeless love story set against the quiet grandeur of Dutch heathland.

Yes, nearly all hotels in Muntinge provide free bicycle rentals, perfect for exploring the region’s extensive greenways. Properties like De Hoge Heide B&B and Het Woudhuis offer mountain bikes, electric-assist models, and child seats. Routes span the former railway line now converted into the Drents Groenpad, linking forests, villages, and historic sites. Each rental comes with a curated Ride Kit including a waterproof map, repair kit, and a sample of local cheese and cider. During summer, hotels organize themed rides like the Midnight Bike Tour or Wildflower Safari, combining history, photography, and local snacks. For enthusiasts, the annual Muntinge Bike Festival features guided group rides through frost-kissed fields and heathlands, making cycling both fun and deeply connected to the landscape.

Near Muntinge, the most photogenic spots include De Hoge Heide heathland, where mist curls over golden grasses at dawn, creating dreamlike silhouettes; Westerwolds Veld, a flooded meadow reflecting sky and reeds, ideal for long-exposure shots; and Oldenhoofd Hill, offering sweeping 360° views of rolling dunes and distant tree lines. The abandoned railway bridge transformed into a viewing platform stands out with its weathered steel beams framing sunsets over wildflower-covered slopes. For winter magic, visit Frost Forest Trail, where ice crystals coat branches like lace. Many hotels offer photo-guided excursions with professional photographers who help locate optimal angles and lighting. Early mornings and late afternoons yield the softest light, minimizing harsh shadows and maximizing mood in your images.

Yes, many hotels in Muntinge welcome pets with open arms. Het Woudhuis and De Hoge Heide B&B provide complimentary pet welcome kits with food bowls, leashes, waste bags, and treats made from local ingredients. Pets are allowed in designated areas, including pet-friendly gardens and walking paths. Some lodges even offer private dog beds and pet-sitting services upon request. A few hotels partner with local veterinarians to ensure health compliance. Additionally, the Drents Pet Trail Network connects several pet-friendly cafes and parks, allowing furry companions to enjoy the journey too. This pet-inclusive culture reflects Muntinge’s broader philosophy of inclusive, compassionate living in harmony with nature.

In winter, Muntinge transforms into a magical retreat. Stay at Houtstapels, a cozy log cabin with a crackling fireplace and snow-dusted windows, perfect for reading by the fire. Join guided ice forest walks through frozen groves, where frost-laden trees sparkle like diamonds. Enjoy a seasonal dinner at IJsrestaurant (Ice Restaurant), served on a chilled table beneath a transparent dome, featuring warm Dutch delicacies like smoked herring and spiced apple pie. Some hotels host snow yoga sessions and star gazing events with telescopes, revealing constellations above the silent, white landscape. The annual Winter Light Festival illuminates pathways with glowing lanterns made from recycled materials. These experiences embrace the quiet beauty of winter, turning cold into comfort and stillness into wonder.

Muntinge is well-connected despite its rural setting. The nearest train station is Muntinge Station, served by regional lines from Assen and Zwolle, with shuttle buses linking to the town center. Daily bus services run via Drents Transit to major hubs like Emmen and Nijverdal. For visitors without a car, most hotels offer free pickup service from the station. Local routes connect to De Hoge Heide Nature Park, Heidemuseum, and other attractions. The Green Mobility Plan supports electric bike rentals and shared e-scooters across town, reducing emissions. While not a metro hub, Muntinge’s efficient public network ensures seamless access for travelers seeking quiet, off-the-beaten-path adventures with minimal environmental impact.