The best cycling routes around Assen

There are over 460 touring cycling routes available around Assen, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and skill levels. These routes explore the diverse natural landscapes of the Drenthe province.

The terrain around Assen is generally flat, characterized by minimal elevation changes, making it suitable for various cycling abilities. You'll cycle through well-preserved lowland stream valleys, vast heathlands, forests, and unique raised bogs.

Yes, Assen offers many family-friendly touring cycling routes. For an easy and enjoyable ride, consider the Assen Town Square – Baggelhuizerplas mountain bike route loop from Assen, which is 12.4 miles (20.0 km) long and leads through the area around the Baggelhuizerplas Recreational Lake, perfect for a leisurely outing.

Cycling routes around Assen often incorporate significant historical and cultural landmarks. You can encounter ancient Dolmens and burial mounds, particularly along the Drentsche Aa. Some routes also pass through Veenhuizen, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Colonies of Benevolence, or lead towards the poignant Westerbork Camp memorial center. For example, the Balloërveld Heath – Loon Village loop from Assen offers views of the heathlands and passes through the charming village of Loon.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Assen are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular option is the Balloërveld Heath – Balloërveld Heathland loop from Assen, a 27.8 miles (44.7 km) trail that traverses extensive heathlands and ancient burial mounds.

For panoramic views, cycle towards the Kymmelsberg near Schipborg within the Drentsche Aa National Park, which is a high sand dune offering expansive vistas of the meandering stream. The extensive heathlands of Balloërveld and Hijkerveld also provide wide-open, scenic landscapes.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter the well-preserved lowland stream valleys of Drentsche Aa National Park, vast heathlands like Balloërveld and Hijkerveld, and unique raised bogs such as Fochteloërveen. The routes also often pass through forests and along sand lakes.

Yes, for more experienced cyclists looking for longer rides, there are routes that extend further into the Drenthe province. While the terrain is generally flat, the length of some routes provides a good challenge. The Balloërveld Heath – Balloërveld Heathland loop from Assen, at 27.8 miles (44.7 km), is classified as difficult due to its length and exposed sections.

The touring cycling routes around Assen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained cycle paths, the diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Drenthe region.

Yes, you can find routes that lead to recreational lakes. The Assen Town Square – Baggelhuizerplas mountain bike route loop from Assen takes you to the Baggelhuizen Recreational Lake, where you can enjoy views of the water and surrounding nature. Another route, Pond in Drentsche Aa loop from Assen, explores the area around the Drentsche Aa river, which features various water bodies.

Assen is well-connected by public transport, making it easy to reach the starting points of many touring cycling routes. As the capital of Drenthe, Assen serves as a central hub, and routes often begin directly from the town, accessible by train or bus.

When starting a touring cycling route from Assen, you can typically find parking in and around the town center. Many routes begin from accessible points within Assen, where public parking facilities are available. For routes starting outside the immediate town, look for designated parking areas near popular natural reserves or villages.