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

In Watten, immerse yourself in the Drents peatland heritage by visiting the Watten Peat Museum, where you can explore traditional turf-cutting tools and learn about the region's 19th-century peat industry. Stay at Het Hooi farmhouse guesthouse, a restored 1800s farm with period interiors and local crafts on display. Participate in a hands-on peat basket weaving workshop or join a guided evening walk through the Watten Nature Reserve under starlit skies—part of the Netherlands’ Dark Sky Park initiative.

For culinary authenticity, dine at De Oude Kerk, a historic church-turned-restaurant serving Drents specialties like smoked eel and rye bread. These experiences offer deep insight into the rural soul of Drenthe Province, blending nature, history, and community traditions.

First-time visitors to Watten should stay in the historic town center, especially around Sint-Jansplein Square near the St. John’s Church. This area offers easy access to local cafés, antique shops, and the Watten Heritage Center. The Hotel De Vliet is a top pick—its 17th-century façade houses modern, airy rooms with original wooden beams and panoramic views of the canal. It’s also just a 5-minute walk from the Drents Museum, which showcases regional archaeology and folk art.

For a quieter experience, consider Bosch & Brug, a cluster of eco-friendly timber cabins along the Watten River. Perfect for nature lovers, these accommodations are ideal for cycling to the Drenthe Nature Reserve and enjoying sunrise over the peat bogs—a truly immersive Dutch countryside stay.

In Watten, don’t miss the annual Drents Turf Festival, a living history event that reenacts 19th-century peat digging using authentic tools and costumes. Visitors can try their hand at turf cutting, join a traditional cart procession, or browse artisan markets selling handmade pottery, woven baskets, and wooden carvings.

Another must-do is a visit to the Watten Church Museum, home to well-preserved medieval frescoes and a stunning Gothic altar. For a deeper cultural immersion, book a nighttime storytelling session under the stars at the Watten Nature Reserve—a part of the Netherlands’ official Dark Sky Park—where elders share local legends passed down through generations. It’s a rare blend of folklore, heritage, and celestial wonder.

Yes, Watten is highly convenient for self-drive travelers. The town features multiple well-marked parking areas, including the underground parking beneath Sint-Jansplein and the Churchside Parking Lot, both equipped with EV charging stations and night lighting. Top hotels like Hotel De Vliet and Het Hooi B&B offer complimentary parking and clear directional signage.

Strategically located in the heart of Drenthe’s road network, Watten is just 2 hours from Amsterdam via the A1 and A28 highways. The route passes scenic highlights like Lake IJsselmeer and Haringvliet Wetlands, perfect for photo stops. Drivers can easily plan a day trip: start at the Watten Nature Reserve viewpoint, then explore the historic Broekhoven Estate, and end at the Drents Museum. Clear road signs and tourist information centers ensure a smooth, stress-free journey.

Photography lovers should stay at Het Hooi Farmstay, a 19th-century farmhouse transformed into a boutique retreat with a south-facing terrace and glass-roofed courtyard overlooking the rising sun across Drenthe’s marshlands—ideal for capturing golden hour light through misty forests. The property offers professional photography tours, including early-morning shoots at the Watten Nature Reserve, guided compositions at St. John’s Church using Gothic shadows, and night sky workshops under the region’s designated Dark Sky Park conditions.

All rooms feature adjustable ambient lighting systems for still-life and portrait work. Additionally, the hotel hosts a monthly Rural Light Exhibition, showcasing works by local and international photographers—perfect for inspiration and networking. It’s a creative haven for those seeking both natural beauty and artistic depth.

Yes, several hotels in Watten offer immersive local food experiences. At Hotel De Vliet, the Drents Kitchen program features weekly chef-led cooking classes teaching traditional dishes like peat-stewed beef and rye bread, using ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms.

Another highlight is Het Hooi B&B’s ‘Table Through Time’ dinner series, limited to 12 guests per night, with menus based on 18th-century Drents recipes paired with locally brewed beer and apple cider. After dinner, guests enjoy a kitchen storytelling session, where chefs share family histories behind the recipes. These experiences go beyond dining—they offer a rich, sensory connection to northern Dutch culinary heritage and sustainable farming traditions.