Lovely, a camping holiday in Drenthe. And at Camping De Berken, we make our guests feel so comfortable that you hardly want to leave the grounds. But, to be honest, that's a bit of a waste. After all, there is so much to discover and experience in Drenthe and Groningen. Looking for fun outings for two? Take advantage of our personal Top 10.
1. Visit dolmens
Say 'Drenthe' and you say 'dolmens'. And when you're in Drenthe, you might want to find out what it was really like for those hunebed builders who are considered the earliest inhabitants of our beautiful province. There's no getting around it. In any Top 10 sights and activities in Drenthe, the Hunebedcentrum in Borger tops the list. There are also several beautifully situated hunebeds within walking or short cycling distance to view. Will you go out and discover them?
2. Assen
A camping holiday in Drenthe is hardly complete without a day in Assen. Especially on and around the car-free Brink is a great place to be. There are many historic buildings and cosy terraces. Assen has a varied range of shops and restaurants to suit all tastes. Art and culture lovers cannot miss the Drents Museum. Those with fond memories of the TV series Bartje - 'Ik bid niet veur brune bonen' - will find his effigy behind the town hall on Noordersingel. And of course we know Assen from the infamous TT, Holland's premier motorbike event. Even outside the races, there is plenty to do on the circuit.
3. Visit the city of Groningen
Camping de Berken is located 30 minutes from the city of Groningen. You can feel the energy of the city when you look out over the rooftops from the Martini tower or walk through the centuries-old streets. This is where oases of peace go hand in hand with lively student spots and cosy market squares. Fill your day with Groningen's highlights. Highlights include: the various almshouses, the Groninger Museum, the Martini Tower, Forum Groningen, the authentic station hall, the Noorderplantsoen, the Prinsentuin and the Hoge der A and lage der A. And don't forget to enjoy one of the cosy terraces to experience this beautiful city. Highlights of the city of Groningen | Visit Groningen
4. Camp Westerbork
It is a place, in the middle of Drenthe, that reminds us of the horrors of the persecution of the Jews during World War II. At Camp Westerbork, built in 1939, that memory is kept alive. You will find an impressive memorial centre and sculpture garden. Regularly changing exhibitions and various activities are organised to connect the past with the present.
5. Wellness in Drenthe
What could be better during a camping holiday in Drenthe than relaxing in an atmospheric wellness resort for two? Drenthe has a lot to offer in that area too. If you like small-scale wellness, Beauty de Hunze in Gasselte is definitely recommended. Other great wellness centres nearby include Sauna de Bron in Tynaarlo, Sauna thermen Zuidwolde and Thermen & Beautycenter Anholts in Schoonebeek. After a wonderful day of wellness at one of these centres, you will feel completely recharged!
6. WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen
Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen is a must see during your stay in Drenthe. Explore the jungle by boat or on foot and meet the elephant family. Spot rhinos and giraffes up close during your truck safari across the savannah. Visit the new Raccoon Creek, go on a polar expedition and come face to face with polar bears and penguins. In short, during a day at Wildlands you will not be bored for a single moment. If you still have time left after your visit, also check out the centre of Emmen and the Rensenpark. The Rensenpark is a park in the centre of Emmen. The park consists of the grounds of the former zoo Dierenpark Emmen.
More information about Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen
7. Fortified town Bourtange
Near the German border, in beautiful Westerwolde (south-eastern Groningen), lies the Fortress of Bourtange. A unique historical fortification that has no equal. Present and past blend perfectly in this small, atmospheric fortified town. Visitors to today's Bourtange imagine themselves centuries back in time. Get to know Vesting Bourtange, the fortress that was never taken. This unique fortified town is definitely worth a visit during your stay with us.
8. Veenhuizen Prison Museum
Veenhuizen owes its existence to the construction of a series of institutions where vagrants, beggars, widows and orphans were put away. Construction started in 1825; the village formed around the institutions. Veenhuizen was sometimes called 'Dutch Siberia', indicating how things were. From 1825, the outcasts of society made way for convicts who learned what order and discipline meant in the prisons here. The only asylum that survived the test of time now houses an extraordinary, recently remodelled prison museum. Well worth a visit, in the pleasant knowledge that you can get out again to enjoy the Drenthe countryside.
9. Visit an island
From Camping de Berken, it is ideal for a day trip to Schiermonnikoog or Borkum. Get a breath of fresh air on these beautiful islands. For Schiermonnikoog, the boat leaves from Lauwersoog (just over an hour's drive) and for Borkum, the boat leaves from Delfzijl (45 minutes' drive). Both islands are ideal for exploring by bike or on foot.
10. Van Gogh House, Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord
'It is so whole here and all that I like; that will say: 'tis peace here.' Drenthe could hardly wish for a more beautiful recommendation. It is from Vincent van Gogh, who lived and worked in a lodge in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord in 1883. From here he went into the peatlands to paint the farm workers in their everyday existence. His room remained completely intact. The Van Gogh Huis Drenthe is the only house where Van Gogh ever lived that is open to the public!
