Emmen, Valthe, Erica

As you cycle through the beautiful Drenthe countryside, you will be surrounded by green forests, rolling moors and picturesque villages. Be surprised along the way by cheerful or impressive works of art.

One of the artists you will meet along the way is the prominent Homme Veenema. You cycle past his well-known work The Playing Bears. These figurative artworks bring the region's history and culture to life in a playful and accessible way. His imposing giraffe, a 17-metre-high sculpture along the A37, is a landmark for the whole area.

Other artists have also left their mark on the region. Broken Circle and Spiral Hill by Robert Smithson, located in a sand quarry near Emmen, is a fascinating land-art project that incorporates the natural elements of the Drenthe landscape in an innovative way. This 1971 artwork allows visitors to admire it from different perspectives.

You will also pass Willem Kind's impressive artwork Water and Fire. Placed near the fire station, this artwork depicts the powerful dynamic between these two primal forces. The striking red and blue colours symbolise the eternal battle between water and fire.

Parking is available at Griendtsveenpark car park: Berkenlaan 14, Schoonebeek.