Discover Drenthe’s primeval nature, centuries-old villages and cultural riches
Excursions in and around Gasselte
- Exceptional nature areas
- Centuries-old villages and vibrant cities
- Perfect for active holidaymakers
Go on the best excursions in and around Gasselte during your stay at Dormio Resort De Hondsrug. Thanks to its central location in the versatile province of Drenthe, many excursions are within arm's reach. The area is known for its peace, space and unspoiled countryside. With many options for lovely walks and mountain bike rides, there is plenty to keep active holidaymakers occupied. Moreover, there are more than enough cultural activities to see and do. Check out our tips for the best excursions in and around Gasselte below!
Go an adventure in Drenthe's primeval nature
Did you know that De Hondsrug is the only UNESCO Global Geopark in the Netherlands? This elongated sand ridge is 70 kilometres long and runs from Groningen to Coevorden and the Bargerveen. This exceptional landscape formed no fewer than 150,000 years ago, in the time of enormous glaciers and hairy mammoths. The N34 runs straight through De Hondsrug; the road is nicknamed the Hunebed Highway. Of the 52 Drenthe dolmens, 47 are along this main road. Furthermore, Drenthe has three national parks, Drentsche Aa National Park, Dwingelderveld National Park and Drents-Friese Wold National Park. There are also even more stunning nature areas to explore, such as Bargerveen Nature Reserve and the River Hunze. Marvel at the unspoiled countryside in the primeval province of Drenthe during your holiday.
Explore ‘t Nije Hemelriek, the Maldives of the Netherlands
The impressive ’t Nije Hemelriek recreational lake is only a 20-minute walk from our resort. The azure blue water and beaches are surrounded by a dark green woodland area. The tropical blue water entices you to go for a refreshing swim in the summer. If it is too cold to swim, you can enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride through the picturesque landscape around the lake.
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Experience a day full of water fun in Drenthe
DX Adventurepark is the largest outdoor aqua park in the Netherlands! Rent a canoe or stand-up paddleboard and experience a rush of pure adrenaline jumping off an 11-metre water ramp. You can also launch yourself into the water from a Bigairbag trampoline or challenge yourself on the obstacle course. DX Adventurepark is open during the summer holiday period.
Enjoy an adventurous day at Drenthe's best climbing park
If you would rather have an active day on dry land, Outdoor Klimpark Grolloo will be right up your street! This thrilling treetop adventure park is only a 15-minute drive away and offers hours of climbing fun for young and old. The six trails have no fewer than 76 obstacles, reach heights of up to 12 metres and cover a total length of 725 metres. There is also a treetop adventure park for small adventurers from age four.
Visit historic villages in the area around Gasselte
While staying at De Hondsrug, a visit to one of the historic villages in the area is definitely worth a visit. Explore Orvelte Museum Village, a 20-minute drive away, where you step back in time and find out about the crafts in the sawmill or forge. Admire Drenthe's oldest church in Anloo or the 15th-century Gothic church in Rolde. Do not forget to visit the windmill in Rolde where the miller will be more than happy to tell you about the miller's profession. Every village has its own unique character and exceptional history. Wander through the charming streets and sample the authentic atmosphere!
Explore Drentsche Aa National Park
The resort is located in the protected nature area of Drentsche Aa National Park. Walk or cycle past the characteristic Angerdorfer with Saxon farms, churches and mills. Marvel at the many streams, forests and heaths with fens and stop off at one of the many sandy banks or beaches for a picnic. It is the best-preserved stream and Angerdorf landscape in Western Europe!
Go on a city trip to Assen
The capital of Drenthe, Assen, is a 20-minute drive away and is filled with monuments and sights. Visit the Drents Museum with archaeological finds, art and exhibitions or take the whole family to Duinen Zathe Traffic and Amusement Park. If you are a racing fan, you must not miss a guided tour of TT Circuit Assen, also called The Cathedral of Speed.
Cycle through the cycling province of the Netherlands
Drenthe is one of the Netherlands' most popular cycling provinces. The 2,000 kilometres of easily accessible cycle paths mean you can endlessly enjoy the rich beauty of Drenthe. Cycle through forests, past sand plains and heathlands while enjoying the vast vistas. Mountain bike fans can have the time of their lives off road on the exceptional MTB trails and there is plenty for racing cyclists to explore. Discover the 225-kilometre-long 'Randje Drenthe' route that runs along the provincial border and through Gasselte.
Tip: If you enjoy challenging yourself, the Col du VAM is for you, with climbing trails of 2,100 metres in length and a gradient of no less than 10%!
Golf in the Drenthe landscape
Golfclub de Semslanden is only a four-minute drive from the resort. The challenging 18-hole championship course is in a stunning forest landscape with open plains. You can improve your golfing technique here while enjoying the impressive panoramic views. Novice golfers can have a go at the 9-hole course with lengths varying from 60 to 140 metres. The golf course also has a charming brasserie so you can end your day with a culinary treat!
Go to the lovely capital city of Groningen for a day
The vibrant city of Groningen is also worth your while; it is a 30-minute drive from the resort. Climb the 311 steps of the famous Martinitoren for panoramic views of the city or visit Groningen's museums. You can also wander around the many boutiques, trendy shops and artisan shops. In short, the ideal combination of history, culture and relaxation!
Visit the Hunebed Centre in Borger
One of Drenthe's most characteristic elements are the impressive dolmen. So, you must be sure to visit the Hunebed Centre in Borger, at only 10-minutes’ drive from the resort. Admire the impressive stones that are more than 5,000 years old and find out all about the exceptional world of the dolmen builders. The largest dolmen is an impressive 22-metres long. Learn more about the Neanderthals, see archaeological finds and visit interactive exhibitions. Did you know that the dolmen are the Netherland's oldest stone monuments?
Have a wonderful day out with the family
There is also plenty to do for families with young children! Visit Drouwenerzand Attractiepark at only seven-minutes’ drive from the resort and enjoy the many rides, from thrilling rollercoasters to cheerful children's attractions. Furthermore, Speelpark Sprookjeshof in Zuidlaren is perfect for an enchanting day out, at only a 15-minute drive. Walk through the fairytale forest, enjoy the indoor play paradise or explore the outdoor playground.
Marvel at the more than 250 animal species
If you would like a day at the zoo, WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo in Emmen is about a 20-minute drive from the resort. Marvel at the tropical butterflies in the Butterfly Temple and take a boat ride past the elephants and monkeys. After exploring the Jungola, you can continue your adventure through the Serenga. Walk among the goats and donkeys, spot lions on top of Lion Mountain and go on a safari to find the giraffe and rhinoceros. And do not forget to visit Nortica. Here, you see polar beers in the Polar Station and all kinds of underwater animals in the aquarium. In short, a fabulous excursion!
Discover the stories of the giants Ellert and Brammert
Step back in time in the Ellert and Brammert Open-air Museum that is only a 15-minute drive from the resort. Walk through the authentic turf dwellings, admire works of art in the historic print works, visit the old sawmill and taste the sweets of yesteryear in the old-fashioned sweet shop. There are also alternating exhibitions about the legendary giants Ellert and Brammert, and you can pet various animals at the petting zoo. An educational day out!
Even more fun excursions in the area around Gasselte
- Walk amid the treetops on the Boomkroonpad (treetop trail) in Drouwen
- Learn more about WWII in Camp Westerbork
- Have an enchanting day out at Plopsa Indoor Coevorden amusement park
- Enjoy fun in the water at the Subtropical Pool Aqualaren in Zuidlaren
- Step back more than 100 years back in time in the Veenpark
- Go on an adventure in Dinopark & Landgoed Tenaxx in Wedde
- Find out all about the 19th century in the Veenkoloniaal Museum
- Enjoy the thrilling rides at Slagharen Theme Park
- Admire over 3,000 pairs of clogs in the International Wooden Shoe Museum in Eelde
- Visit the sheepfold in Bargerveen
Book a relaxing stay at De Hondsrug
Enjoy all the beauty that the versatile province of Drenthe has to offer and book your stay in one of the luxury holiday homes at Dormio Resort De Hondsrug. Experience the ultimate combination of comfort and relaxation amid the calming Drenthe countryside. We look forward to welcoming you to a care-free stay in De Hondsrug UNESCO Geopark!