In 1818, the first colony houses were built in Frederiksoord to give poor families a better future. Numerous monuments, including the original distinctive colony cottages, still serve as reminders of this era. In 2021, Frederiksoord was even granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit Museum De Proefkolonie to step back 200 years in time and follow in the footsteps of the first colonists.

Follow this art tour by bicycle or by car to admire 13 unique locations across the Colonies of Benevolence. The route is the perfect blend of culture and nature, taking you past carefully selected artworks from the Expositie Beeldschoon exhibition. Enjoyhotel Frederiksoord is one of the starting points for this wonderful route.

Discover the culture and animals of Indonesia at this lovely animal park. Here, you can admire a wide range of Indonesian mammals. Or walk past the many aviaries of tropical birds and enjoy the colours and sounds of these beautiful creatures. Alongside the animals, you can also take in a great deal of Indonesian culture in the form of beautiful masks, paintings, sculptures and Javanese dances.

Inside a beautiful 400-year-old listed building, the OERmuseum brings prehistoric times to life. The characterful building alone is well worth your visit. Inside, you will find impressive exhibitions on prehistory, mammoths, Neanderthals and dolmens. Step into history for a fascinating day out.

The remarkable Wickerwork Museum in Noordwolde houses an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary wickerwork. You will learn all about the history of this craft and about the various techniques and styles. You can also view many striking objects, grouped by theme. In summer, the VlechtExpress sometimes runs through Noordwolde and the surrounding countryside. During the ride, experienced guides recount the history of the village and the reed-weaving industry.

Head into nature on the border between Drenthe and Friesland. In this remarkable national park, you can enjoy walking and cycling through woodland, heathland, drifting sands and stream-valley meadows. You will find a wealth of walking and cycling routes to follow. The area is brimming with variety. The dryness of the drifting sands is quickly broken up by wet stretches of peat and heath. An ideal setting for a wonderful day in the open air.

You can enjoy a relaxing walk in Weerribben-Wieden National Park. This labyrinth of pools, lakes, ditches, marsh woodland and water meadows is a feast for the eyes. It is the largest continuous fen area in north-western Europe, and you can explore it on foot, by bicycle or by boat.

Visit Meppel, a town in Drenthe with a charming centre. As you walk through the streets of Meppel, you will immediately notice the historic atmosphere. Take in the many fine buildings and monuments, such as the Grote or Mariakerk church and De Weert windmill. In and around Meppel, you can enjoy lovely walks along the canals in town or through the nearby nature reserves. You can also opt for a boat trip on the waterways through the town. Enjoy the water-rich surroundings, do some leisurely shopping in the centre, or sit back at one of the welcoming outdoor cafés.

Giethoorn is also known as the Venice of the North, thanks to its many canals and bridges. The village is built entirely around water, and all its sights can be admired from the canals. Experience the tranquillity from an electric boat or enjoy a village tour by cruise. After your boat trip, pull up a chair at one of the many restaurants or cafés to enjoy the beautiful setting.

A small-scale regional museum about the rich history of the Opsterland area. Located in the village of Gorredijk, it tells the story of the noble landowners, the divide between rich and poor and the impact of peat extraction. Be sure to also see the exhibition on Jewish history in Opsterland. After your visit, you can take your time exploring the charming little village of Gorredijk.

The Katlijker Schar, or Ketliker Skar in Frisian, is a beautiful nature reserve. It consists of three sections, each with its own atmosphere and character. The area has two walking routes and a wheelchair-friendly path. Several badger setts lie among the spruce trees, and you can also find badger tracks in the woodland during the day. Take a walk through the area and let yourself be surprised by the variety.

Heerenveen, the largest village in Friesland, is known across the country for its strong sporting character. Here you will find both the Thialf ice rink, the speed-skating heart of the world, and the Abe Lenstra Stadion, home to sc Heerenveen. Beyond this sporting heritage, Heerenveen also boasts a welcoming centre with lovely shops, restaurants and beautiful monuments. Be sure to also visit Museum Belvédère. This impressive museum of modern and contemporary art is beautifully set near the Oranjewoud Estate. You can take your time admiring the extensive collection of paintings and combine your visit with a walk in the stunning surrounding countryside.

Giethoorn is also known as the Venice of the North, thanks to its many canals and bridges. The village is built entirely around water, and all its sights can be admired from the canals. Experience the tranquillity from an electric boat or enjoy a village tour by cruise. After your boat trip, pull up a chair at one of the many restaurants or cafés to enjoy the beautiful setting.

Veenhuizen is a small village with a unique history. In 1823, three large institutions for orphaned children were built in the village. The village is so steeped in history that it feels as though you are walking through an open-air museum. The Prison Museum is housed in a former labour colony. Here you can take a guided tour of the former convict prison. You can also take a tour around Veenhuizen on a genuine Boevenbus (Crooks' Bus). During this tour, Veenhuizen's transformation into a prison village is clearly visible in both the architecture and the landscape.