Attractions and Places To See around Coevorden - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Coevorden, the oldest city in Drenthe, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. The region is characterized by its rich past, evident in its architecture and cultural sites, alongside varied green landscapes including stream valleys, heathlands, and forests. Visitors can explore a range of attractions from medieval castles to extensive nature reserves. Coevorden provides opportunities for both cultural exploration and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Coevorden
- The most popular attractions is Lake Gasselterveld, a lake that is 65 hectares and situated in a wooded area. It features a large sandy beach open to the public for swimming and relaxation.
- Another must-see spot is The Vechte River near Emlichheim, a river offering peaceful cycling routes through beautiful nature. The Vechte flows through Emlichheim, providing scenic views.
- Visitors also love Laar windmill with an information panel showing the course of the River Vechte, a man-made monument with historical charm. It is located near a Festplatz and WoMo parking space, and serves as a starting point for exploring the Vechte.
- Coevorden is known for its historical sites, natural features, and family-friendly activities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from museums and monuments to lakes and rivers.
- The attractions around Coevorden are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 360 upvotes and over 20 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
The Vechte River near Emlichheim
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Lake Gasselterveld
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Ode to the Sun Sculpture
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Laar windmill with an information panel showing the course of the River Vechte
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Aircraft memorial
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Popular around Coevorden
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Tips from the Community
The reflections in the Vechte river are always worth a photo.
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Beautiful area for cycling or walking
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https://www.tracesofwar.nl/sights/4277/Monument-Halifax-JB892.htm When the four-engined English bomber Halifax B II (JB 892 KN-E, part of the 77th Squadron) returned from a bombing raid on the industrial area in Bochum (part of an air fleet of 446 bombers), it crashed at this location at 2:30 am on May 14, 1943, after being shot down by a German night fighter over the border area near Emmen. In memory of the 7 deceased crew members buried in the General Cemetery in Sleen and whose names are mentioned on this monument, a group of school friends from Zweeloo and Oosterhesselen erected this monument in 1945 from the wreckage they found during the war. When it looked neglected after 30 years, the remains were encapsulated in concrete in 1975 and then handed over to the municipality of Sleen for sustainable maintenance. On April 28, 1988, this monument was taken over by group 7 of the Christian primary school “De Fontein” in Sleen on the initiative of the “Februari ’41 Foundation”. ################################################# During the war, 4 boys rode bicycles, who lived in Zweeloo and Oosterhesselen, went to school together, the HBS in Coevorden. They were Henk van der Velde, his brother Beerend van der Velde, Riekus Gelling and Co van Dixhoorn, son of the forester. During the discussions, a plan was made to recover the remains of the bomber that crashed on May 14, 1943. And so it happened. Memorial Summer 1945 The German soldiers had taken most of it with them, but a lot of rubble was left behind in the young, confusing forest. They went into the forest every Saturday and "combed through it", sometimes on their hands and knees. They hid everything they found in a shed belonging to the state forestry administration. Immediately after the war, around May or June 1945, the boys were of the opinion that all the parts of the plane should be made into a memorial in memory of the seven fallen crew members. Hennie Schuiling had joined in the meantime; he had gone into hiding during the war. They erected the memorial on the spot where the plane had burned fiercely. Source: B. van der Velde
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Returning from a bombing raid on the industrial area in Bochum (part of an air fleet of 446 bombers), the 4-engine English bomber Halifax B II (JB 892 KN-E, part of the 77th Squadron) crashed at this location on 14 May 1943 at 2.30 am, after having been shot down by a German night fighter above the border area near Emmen. In memory of the 7 crew members who died and were buried in the general cemetery in Sleen and whose names are mentioned on this monument, a group of school friends from Zweeloo and Oosterhesselen erected this monument in 1945 from the wreckage they found during the war. When it started to look neglected after 30 years, the remains were encapsulated in concrete in 1975 and then transferred to the municipality of Sleen for sustainable maintenance. On April 28, 1988, this monument was adopted by group 7 of the Christian primary school "De Fontein" in Sleen at the initiative of the "Februari '41 Foundation".
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History The name Emmelkamp is still commonly used in the colloquial dialect today. The High German name Emlichheim is derived from the original Low German forms Emminchem or Emmenheim. Since the time of the Thirty Years' War, High German has been used for documents in the County of Bentheim. Officially, the name was thus translated from the previously used Low German into High German as Emlichheim. Due to the close cultural and economic ties with the Netherlands, Dutch was the common language of communication, church service, and writing, particularly in the Lower County, from the 16th century onward. Until the 1820s, Dutch was used as the primary language in the county's schools. The colloquial language was the local Low German dialect, which was strongly influenced by the Dutch written language.
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nice place for a break by bike or on foot
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Coevorden?
Coevorden, as the oldest city in Drenthe, offers a rich history. You can visit the medieval Coevorden Castle, which now operates as a luxury hotel and restaurant. The Stedelijk Museum Coevorden, located in the historic Het Arsenaal, provides a comprehensive overview of the city's past. Other notable sites include the Reformed Church of Coevorden, one of the first Protestant churches in the Netherlands, and the Synagogemuseum Coevorden, preserving the history of the Jewish community.
Are there any natural areas for relaxation or outdoor activities near Coevorden?
Yes, the region around Coevorden is known for its green and varied landscapes. You can relax in Van Heutszpark, a green space on the city's former defensive moat. For more extensive nature, explore the Mantingerzand Nature Reserve with its sand dunes and heathlands, or the vast Sleenerzand Forest Area. The Lake Gasselterveld offers a sandy beach for swimming and relaxation, while the scenic Vecht River near Emlichheim provides peaceful cycling routes.
What family-friendly attractions are available in Coevorden?
Families visiting Coevorden have several options. Plopsa Indoor Coevorden is an indoor amusement park designed for children, featuring various rides. The Lake Gasselterveld offers a large sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxation on sunny days. Additionally, the nearby Ellert and Brammert Open-air Museum provides a journey back in time with interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.
Where can I go hiking around Coevorden?
Coevorden is part of the Pieterpad, the longest walking trail in the Netherlands, offering picturesque views. You can also find excellent hiking opportunities in the Sleenerzand Forest Area, which includes ancient sand dunes and prehistoric sites like hunebeds. For more specific routes, explore the Hiking around Coevorden guide, which features trails like the 'Hunebed D49 Papeloze Kerk loop' and 'Gallows Hill loop'.
Are there cycling routes in the Coevorden area?
Yes, the region is ideal for cycling. The Vecht River Valley features the LF 16 cycling path, offering scenic rides past Highland cattle and grazing horses. You can also find many routes that pass historical landmarks like the Laar windmill. For a comprehensive selection of cycling tours, check out the Cycling around Coevorden guide, including routes like 'Sleen: historic mills, churches and dolmens'.
What unique cultural experiences does Coevorden offer?
Beyond its main historical sites, Coevorden hosts the annual Goose Market every second Monday of November, reflecting its nickname 'goose town'. For art enthusiasts, the Thijnhof Museum is dedicated to surreal and realistic art. The Theater Hofpoort provides a venue for various performing arts, and the nearby Monument Village Orvelte offers a glimpse into preserved historical Dutch village life.
Can I find any hidden gems or lesser-known attractions in the region?
Certainly! The Ode to the Sun Sculpture in Odoorn is a megalithic work of art with a unique light effect, set in a beautiful, wide, and quiet place. Another poignant site is the Aircraft memorial, marking the crash site of a World War II bomber, offering a moment for reflection on local history.
What kind of wildlife can I spot in nature areas around Coevorden?
The diverse landscapes around Coevorden, including heathlands, forests, and stream valleys, provide habitats for various wildlife. In the Vecht River Valley, you might spot Highland cattle and grazing horses. The extensive nature reserves like Mantingerzand and Sleenerzand are home to numerous bird species and smaller mammals, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
Are there any mountain biking trails near Coevorden?
Yes, the region offers several mountain biking opportunities. The Sleenerzand Forest Area is a popular spot for MTB. You can find detailed routes in the MTB Trails around Coevorden guide, which includes trails like 'Winding Forest Path – MTB route Sleen loop' and 'View of the Lake – View of the Lake loop'.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Coevorden?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. For instance, the Vechte River near Emlichheim is praised for its peaceful cycling and beautiful nature. The Lake Gasselterveld is loved for its large sandy beach and relaxing atmosphere. Historical sites like the Aircraft memorial are often described as impressive and thought-provoking, highlighting the community's engagement with its past.
Is there a good time of year to visit Coevorden for outdoor activities?
The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Coevorden, with pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lakes and parks. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery, especially in the forest and heathland areas like Mantingerzand and Sleenerzand, with vibrant fall colors. Even in winter, some trails are suitable for walks, though specific conditions should be checked.
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