Drenthe is the Netherlands’ cycling paradise, rich with expansive heaths, rolling hills, lakes and sand drifts, rugged forests and meandering streams. The landscape is asking to be explored! With no fewer than 2100 kilometres of well-maintained cycle paths, Drenthe offers you limitless possibilities. Cycling will not only lead you through beautiful natural scenery but also into historic villages and cultural sites that you’ll find around every corner.
A unique piece of the Netherlands’ culture and history—cycle along stately lanes, see colonial houses, and enjoy atmospheric places to eat and drink.
Drenthe has three National Parks that make for great cycling—extensive and spacious, and yet manageable and intimate.
Visit the village of Orvelte, which feels just like an open-air museum, and visit the cheese farm, the clog factory, or the village café.
This unique part of the Netherlands was created during the last Ice Age.
You can use the cycling junctions to plan your own route, but you can also choose to rely on one of the preselected, themed routes we have developed especially for you, which you can download here. Cultural, natural beauty or culinary – which option suits your fancy?
Download a route
Get to know Van Gogh's primal landscape by bicycle! Follow three different routes, see what Vincent saw and what inspiration he found. The routes will take you past viewing panels with listening stories and large murals
Discover the routes
With no fewer than 5000 information panels and 20,000 route markers, getting lost is simply not an option in Drenthe. The extensive cycling junction system is perfect for if you want to plan your own route and the number of kilometres you end up cycling. Apart from choosing your own route, you can also select one of the sign-posted ANWB themed routes.
There are also various websites that allow you to map out your cycling route across the various junctions. We recommend the Dutch National Cycling Platform's website.
If you prefer a faster ride, then try mountain biking in Drenthe instead. Zigzag your way down the best single tracks, gather speed in the woods, and brave the heather hills!
If you decide to venture out on an e-bike, you will want to be sure that you will not end up with an empty battery somewhere along the way. Here is a map of all e-bike charging stations to make things easier for you!
A single day of cycling in Drenthe is fun, but also much too short, so why not consider staying the night? Whether you are looking for a bungalow park, a cosy hotel, or a remote holiday cottage, you’re sure to find the perfect place to sleep in Drenthe. The next morning, you’ll wake up well rested with nothing to keep you from spending another amazing day on your bike.
