Assen, Zuidlaren, Gieten

Tynaarlo, formed by the amalgamation of the former municipalities of Eelde, Vries and Zuidlaren, owes its name to the relatively small village that lies between the three largest villages. Nowhere in the Netherlands can you find a stream like the one in this area: the Drentsche Aa. Meandering its way through the landscape, as it has done for centuries and centuries. In this exceptionally intact landscape, farmers created a great wealth of nature over thousands of years.

Like the Drentsche Aa, the route also passes through Gieten and Anderen. In Anderen, as in Drouwen, stone fist axes dating from 60,000 BC have been found. These are the oldest evidence of habitation in Drenthe. In Assen, a visit to the Drents Museum is a must. After all, it is one of the most important collections of archaeology in north-western Europe. Near Rolde, you will find the Dolmen beds D18 and D17 next to each other, certainly a special Pitstop if you are talking about historic Drenthe.

In Zuidlaren, you'll find a statue of Berend Botje and a monument of the Zuidlaardermarkt. You probably know Berend Botje from the children's song ‘Berend Botje went out sailing’. The Zuidlaardermarkt is originally a horse market and this monument was unveiled in 2000 in honour of the 800th market.

Want to get off your bike more often during this historic bike ride? There are several windmills around here where you can take a look!