Drenthe

Heritage of Drenthe

Drenthe's landscape is defined by its deep historical layers, from prehistoric Funnelbeaker settlements to 19th-century social experiments. This list features the UNESCO-listed Colonies of Benevolence at Veenhuizen and Frederiksoord, alongside several Neolithic megalithic tombs known as hunebedden. Architectural landmarks include medieval manor houses like Mensinge and Oldengaerde, the Gothic Stefanuskerk in Westerbork, and a rare Cold War-era observation tower on the German border.

Veenhuizen

Part of the UNESCO-listed Colonies of Benevolence. Established in 1823 as a reform colony for the poor, it contains over 100 national monuments and the National Prison Museum.

Frederiksoord-Wilhelminaoord

The first of the UNESCO-listed Colonies of Benevolence, established in 1818. This experimental social colony was designed to reduce poverty through agricultural labor and housing.

Onderwijsgek / CC BY-SA 2.5 nl

Kasteel Coevorden

Drenthe's only castle, with origins in the 11th century. This national monument has been reconstructed multiple times and currently operates as a hotel and restaurant.

Louis Marve Krans (1875-1932) / Public domain

Mensinge

An authentically furnished 14th-century manor house in Roden. Operating as a museum, it showcases the lifestyle of the Dutch nobility with original 18th-century interiors.

Serassot / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Laarwoud

Laarwoud is a monumental stronghold in the centre of Zuidlaren, the Netherlands.

Quistnix / CC BY 2.5

Nooitgedacht, Veenoord

Nooitgedacht is a smock mill in Veenoord, Drenthe, in the Netherlands, which has been restored to working order.

Gouwenaar / Public domain

Hunebed D16 Balloo

A Neolithic megalithic tomb of the Funnelbeaker culture. This nine-meter-long dolmen features nine capstones and is situated on the Balloërveld heath.

Encyacht / CC BY-SA 4.0

Hunebed D30 Boswachterij Exloo

A prehistoric burial chamber of the Funnelbeaker culture located within the Exloo forest. It is a small but well-preserved example of a Neolithic megalith.

Ruud Zwart / CC BY-SA 2.5 nl

Hunebed D5 Zeijen

A prehistoric passage grave constructed by the Funnelbeaker culture. This megalithic site is located near the village of Zeijen and retains its original stones.

A. J. van der Wal / CC BY-SA 4.0

Stefanuskerk

A Gothic church in Westerbork with origins dating to 1206. It features a 15th-century choir and a historic tower that serves as a regional landmark.

Gouwenaar / Public domain

Havixhorst

A 17th-century manor house and recognized "havezate" on the De Havixhorst estate. It currently functions as a hotel and is known for its sculpture garden.

Gouwenaar / CC0

Braamshof

A monumental 18th-century farmhouse in Eext. It is a preserved example of traditional regional agricultural architecture in Drenthe.

Iijjccoo / Public domain

Huis te Glimmen

A monumental manor house located in Glimmen. The estate features a 700-meter-long driveway and spans the border between Drenthe and Groningen.

Gouwenaar / Public domain

Oldengaerde

A historic manor house near Dwingeloo, first documented in the 15th century. The current structure reflects 17th-century renovations and is surrounded by a classic landscape garden.

Hrald / CC BY 3.0

Luchtwachttoren 7Z3

A reinforced concrete observation tower built in 1954. It was part of a Cold War-era network designed to detect low-flying aircraft along the German border.