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You are here: Home Leisure Travel & Tourism Weekend break: Back to nature in Drenthe

14/04/2008Weekend break: Back to nature in Drenthe

Not much has changed in Drenthe in the past 100-150 years. The same landscape that inspired Vincent van Gogh still has the power to enchant and relax visitors today.

Drenthe is the oldest, and what many people consider the most traditional and beautiful provinces of The Netherlands.

Vincent van Gogh was captivated by the colours of Drenthe

It is a favourite destination for a weekend of walking or cycling (500 km of cycling paths), with its vast heather-covered fields, small winding streams and large number of fens and forests.

Vincent Van Gogh himself was enchanted by Drenthe.  In a letter to his brother Theo he wrote, "Drenthe is so beautiful, it absorbs and satisfies me so absolutely that if I could not be here forever, I should wish I had never seen it. It is inexpressibly beautiful."

Rare wildlife

For a glimpse of some rare wildlife, be sure to visit 'De Lokkerij', a breeding station for White African storks located near Meppel. It is managed by the Drenthe Landscape Society and is home to 10-15 pairs of nesting storks that migrate here from Africa every year.

White African storks are making a comeback in the Netherlands

In the 1970s, these birds were on the brink of extinction, but there is now a large healthy population. Walking the terrace, you will see plenty of these large birds close up. They can be seen here from 1 April to 1 September.

Reest River valley

The Reest River valley is a nature preserve for nesting storks and is a beautiful spot to go bicycling or walking. It gives meaning to the phrase "soft and glowing land" of Drenthe. We passed ancient farm houses with white scalloped trim and dark green shutters that had modern satellite dishes poking out of thatched rooftops.

1 reaction to this article

dutchlady posted: 18-04-2008 | 10:46 PM

This article makes me so homesick for Holland. I lived there for ten years, and left because I never felt welcomed as an emigrant. I was told so many times to go back to America if I wanted...(whatever my request, such as medical care, dental care, or someone to help me learn the language.) I finally found it easier to return to California, sadly. But oh, how I miss all of the towns along the Ijssel..and the beautiful landscapes and areas mentioned in this article. I hope to return one day, if only as ashes to be spread over Kampen and Ijsselmuiden.

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