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Megalithic tombs, heathlands, and ridges
Drents-Friese Wold National Park
Balloerveld
Balloerveld
Veenhuizen

Assen

Assen! Really? Absolutely! With its beautiful villas and stately mansions, it’s a perfect starting point for bike tours through this ancient province. You’ll cycle through the Drentsche Aa river basin, across the Balloërveld, and through the Drents-Friese Wold. Along the way, you’ll pass forests, peatlands, and heathlands, discovering megalithic tombs and burial mounds. And also… the Colony of Benevolence! » read more about Assen

  • Cityhotel de Jonge Assen
  • Push moraines, heathlands and forests
  • Megalithic tombs and burial mounds
Prices and dates
Prices and dates

Colonists in Their Own Country

The Proefkolonie in Frederiksoord and Veenhuizen, known as the “Colonies of Benevolence,” tells the story of visionary Johannes van den Bosch. Poor families from the west were “given” a house, furnishings, and a plot of land to become self-sufficient. The investment was to be repaid within 20 years. Entire communities emerged, with Van den Bosch introducing health insurance and compulsory education for children—long before it became law nationwide.

In All Directions

The story and remains of the colonies are so unique that UNESCO recently listed them as World Heritage. Discover it during this holiday. On other days, explore the Dwingelderveld, the Hondsrug, Borger, Orvelte, Camp Westerbork, and the Fochteloërveen. All easily reachable from your base in Assen.

Fochteloerveenfochteloërveen fietsenfochteloerveen

The Oldest Monument in the Netherlands

Drenthe is known for its beautiful nature, ancient history, and diverse landscapes. The Borger dolmen, the oldest monument in the Netherlands, is the symbol of Drenthe. This majestic burial site, like all the other dolmens here, was built over five thousand years ago. Using tree trunks, the builders stacked the massive stones with remarkable precision. Just imagine the effort. At the Hunebed Centre in Borger, you can experience the world of the dolmen builders, the Funnelbeaker people.

To the Prison!

Veenhuizen is unique thanks to its National Prison Museum. This modern, interactive museum tells two stories: the history of Veenhuizen, from a restricted colony of the Society of Benevolence to a prison village, and the national history of freedom penalties. It may not be the happiest outing, but it’s fascinating to learn how vagrants, beggars, and drifters were treated in the past.

Experience the primal feeling

Silence, nature, peace, and space… Visit the ancient province of the Netherlands and discover that you can cycle for hours—almost without encountering anyone. Well, except your fellow cyclists, who are so impressed by the primeval landscapes they fall silent too. Ride through heathlands and forests, past sand drifts and beautiful streams. Here and there, crawl under a dolmen and visit an age-old village green. And of course, stop by an authentic farm where coffee and apple pie await you. Then onwards. Together you whisper, “Psst, look there” — face to face with Drenthe Highland cattle and heath sheep. Experience the primal feeling in Drenthe.

VeenhuizenVeenhuizen

When are you going to take this trip?

Assen

Prices and dates

Routes

You probably don’t think of Assen right away as a holiday destination. Yet this charming provincial capital lives up to its nickname, the ‘City of Palaces,’ with its beautiful villas and stately mansions. Above all, it’s the perfect base for discovering the stunning nature reserves of Drenthe by bike. From the comfortable hotel in the city center, you cycle through the Drentse Aa river basin, across the Balloërveld, and through the Drents-Friese Wold. Riding through forests, peatlands, and heath, you’ll pass ancient dolmens and burial mounds. You can also visit the Westerbork Camp and the Society of Benevolence colony in Veenhuizen.

Assen

Details

Included

  • 4 nights with breakfast or half board
  • Maps and navigation app for your smartphone (GPS tracks for your own GPS device on request)

Excluded

  • Outward and return journeys
  • Travel insurance
  • Tourist tax
  • Rental bikes
  • Entrance fees, transfers, etc. that are not listed under “including”

  • Rental bike (excl. bike insurance): € 80,- p.p. 
  • E-bike (excl. bike insurance): € 130,- p.p.
  • When booking a rental bike/E-bike, we ask for your height so that we can provide a suitable bike.
  • Bicycle Insurance: You can take out a separate bicycle insurance with Happy Cycling Holidays. A travel insurance often does not cover bicycle damage and/or theft.
  • Read more about rental bikes, helmets and insurances

  • Parking: near the hotel (paid, €8 per day).
  • Dog allowed. Cost €15 per night, payable locally. Please indicate when booking.

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Assen

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Drents-Friese Wold National Park
Drents-Friese Wold National Park
Balloerveld
Balloerveld
Balloerveld
Balloerveld

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Cycling holidays with dog
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