Hoogeveen Kermis (funfair)
Hoogeveen holds its traditional funfair annually in the town centre with rides, sales stalls and games for the whole family.
PlizioGo
Hoogeveen
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Hoogeveen
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take a walk down Hoofdstraat, one of the longest shopping streets in the northern Netherlands.
- The town layout still reflects its peat-digging history, with long, straight canals in the outlying areas.
- Rent a bicycle to explore the impressive Dwingelderveld National Park, located just a short ride away.
- Parking is relatively affordable here compared to larger Dutch cities, with several large central lots available.
🍽 Food
🍽
Drentse Knieperties
Try these sweet, thin, and crispy rolled waffles at one of the town's traditional bakeries.
🍽
Snert
Warm up with a bowl of hearty Dutch split pea soup at a traditional tavern in the town center.
🍽
Local Drenthe Craft Beer
Enjoy a locally brewed beer at one of the cozy pubs along the Schutstraat.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Hoofdstraat
The main shopping street provides a wide variety of boutiques, department stores, and specialty shops.
🛍
Thursday Market
Visit the weekly market held on the Tamboerplein for local produce, cheese, and clothing.
🧘
Zuiderpark
A peaceful urban park featuring ponds and walkways, well-suited for a short break from shopping.
🧘
Krakeelse Bos
A quiet woodland area on the edge of town, excellent for a relaxing nature walk.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Hoogeveen is a city in the province of Drenthe whose origins are deeply tied to the large-scale peat extraction of the 17th century. The settlement was founded in 1625 by Roelof van Echten, who purchased the boggy moorland to excavate canals for transporting peat to the markets. For centuries, Hoogeveen was defined by its miles of perfectly straight canals, most of which have since been filled in to accommodate modern road networks. Following the end of the peat era, the city transformed into a major industrial and logistics hub for the northern Netherlands. A notable feature is Hoogeveen Airport, a regional airfield used primarily for business and general aviation. Culturally, the city hosts the De Tamboer theater and serves as a vital service center for the surrounding rural municipalities. Hoogeveen successfully blends its heritage as a peat colony with a dynamic modern economy and a high standard of living.
- Location: Drenthe, Netherlands
- Top sights: Vlinderdijk · Mantingerplein · Het Eksternest
- Nearby: Beilen (15 km)
- Population: ~38.754
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 61 | 54 | 39 | 60 | 63 | 79 | 82 | 62 | 67 | 69 | 76 |
Geography
Facts
- Hoogeveen was officially founded as a peat colony on December 20, 1625.
- Vincent van Gogh visited the town in 1883 and recorded his observations in his letters.
- In the 1960s, Hoogeveen was named the fastest-growing city in the Netherlands.
- Hoogeveen Airport (EHHO) opened in 1962 and is known for its collection of vintage aircraft.
- The 'Cascadepunt' monument marks the junction where many former canals once met.
- The city currently has a population of approximately 40,000 residents in the urban core.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:524.8 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Your day in Hoogeveen begins in the historic heart at the Grote Kerk, followed by the modern Cascade water feature. The morning is dedicated to history at the De 5000 Roeden Museum, where you'll learn about the region's peat-digging past. After a hearty lunch in the center, your path leads to a symbol of the Dutch landscape, the De Zwaluw windmill. The afternoon concludes with a relaxing stroll in the green Zuiderpark. In the evening, savor the local hospitality at one of the many restaurants.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 8'0.24 km
📍
10:05 · 47'
Cascade
This is the longest work of art in the Netherlands. Wait for the water cycle to complete.
🚶 12'0.46 km
📍
11:04 · 47'
Museum De 5000 Roeden
Focus on the region's peat extraction history. Interactive displays for kids.
🚶 11'0.4 km
🍽️
12:02 · 84'
Lunch Break in the Center
Try an 'Uitsmijter' sandwich at one of the cafés on Kerkplein.
🚶 27'1.18 km
📍
13:53 · 47'
Korenmolen de Zwaluw
If the blades are turning, the mill is operational. Buy freshly ground flour in the shop.
🚶 55'2.58 km
09:00→16:524.8 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
Start your day inside the Grote Kerk, providing ideal shelter from the rain. In the morning, the Museum De 5000 Roeden keeps you dry while exploring local history. After a long lunch in the city center, head to the historical mill and finish your day with a brisk, rain-proof walk through the lush Zuiderpark.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 8'0.24 km
🚶 12'0.46 km
🚶 11'0.4 km
🚶 27'1.18 km
🚶 55'2.58 km
09:00→16:524.8 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 22€ · Transport 0€
A frosty morning begins in the historical heart of Hoogeveen. After visiting the church, warm up in the museum while the winter wind blows outside. A hot lunch provides energy for visiting the mill in the afternoon light. As it gets dark early, Zuiderpark offers a quiet, wintry atmosphere in the twilight.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 8'0.24 km
🚶 12'0.46 km
🚶 11'0.4 km
🚶 27'1.18 km
🚶 55'2.58 km
09:00→17:0910.9 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 35–47 €Entries 29€ · Transport 12€
Hop on a bike for a typically Dutch exploration of Hoogeveen. After renting your ride, the first leg takes you to the center's Grote Kerk and Cascade. From there, you'll cycle to the historic De Zwaluw windmill. The morning continues with a cultural touch, a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Huis. After a lunch break near the De Tamboer theatre, the afternoon is all about greenery: first, a longer ride to the Spaarbankbos forest, then a relaxing trip to Zuiderpark before calling it a day.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 5'0.37 km
🚲 11'1.39 km
📍
11:00 · 47'
Korenmolen de Zwaluw
A pleasant ride along the canals will lead you directly to the mill.
🚲 11'1.33 km
🚲 7'0.65 km
🚲 19'2.68 km
🚲 30'4.46 km
📍
15:52 · 47'
Zuiderpark
The final leg of your bike tour, well-suited for a relaxing break before returning the bike.
09:00→17:0910.9 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 35–47 €Entries 29€ · Transport 12€
Equip yourself with rain ponchos at the rental. The ride to Grote Kerk is short, but be careful on wet cobblestones. At noon, cycle to the Van Gogh Huis for an indoor break. Spend the afternoon in Spaarbankbos, where trees provide natural cover, before finishing your trip at Zuiderpark.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 5'0.37 km
🚲 11'1.39 km
📍
11:00 · 47'
Korenmolen de Zwaluw
Be careful when dismounting; metal bike stands are slippery when wet.
🚲 11'1.33 km
🚲 7'0.65 km
🍽️
12:52 · 84'
Lunch & De Tamboer
Ensure your bike lights are working for the gloomy visibility.
🚲 19'2.68 km
🚲 30'4.46 km
09:00→17:0910.9 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 35–47 €Entries 29€ · Transport 12€
Start your winter tour well-wrapped. The cold air is refreshing on the way to the Van Gogh Huis. At noon, De Tamboer offers a cozy break. As the paths in Spaarbankbos can be slippery in frost, cycle carefully in the afternoon light before reaching Zuiderpark by sunset.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 5'0.37 km
🚲 11'1.39 km
🚲 11'1.33 km
🚲 7'0.65 km
🚲 19'2.68 km
🚲 30'4.46 km
09:00→16:276.9 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 29€ · Transport 1€
By car, you'll explore Hoogeveen and its surroundings in clusters. Start your morning in the green expanse of Spaarbankbos. Next, drive to the Mill and Art Quarter, park, and explore the Korenmolen de Zwaluw and the nearby Vincent van Gogh Huis on foot. For lunch, head to the city center, where you can discover the Grote Kerk, Cascade, and De 5000 Roeden Museum on foot after your meal. The day's final drive takes you to Zuiderpark, a perfect spot to reflect on your experiences.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Cluster 1: Spaarbankbos
Start the day with a refreshing walk. Parking is available at the entrance.
🚗 10'2 km
🚗 7'1.33 km
🚗 5'0.7 km
🍽️
11:53 · 84'
Cluster 3: City Center
Park in the center and enjoy lunch. Plenty of options to choose from.
🚗 4'0.23 km
📍
13:21 · 47'
Grote Kerk & Cascade
The heart of the city, just a few steps from most restaurants.
🚗 5'0.6 km
📍
14:13 · 47'
Museum De 5000 Roeden
The first-rate end to your cultural walk through the center.
🚗 10'2.01 km
09:00→16:276.9 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 29€ · Transport 1€
Explore Hoogeveen comfortably and dry by car. Start at Spaarbankbos, parking right by the forest edge. The Van Gogh Huis and the mill offer good nearby parking. Spend the afternoon in the city center and the museum, appreciating the short walks between your car and the entrances in the rain.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 10'2 km
📍
10:07 · 47'
Cluster 2: Mill & Art Quarter
Park directly at the mill to minimize walking in the rain.
🚗 7'1.33 km
🚗 5'0.7 km
🍽️
11:53 · 84'
Cluster 3: City Center
Use the Tamboer parking garage for a dry exit from the car.
🚗 4'0.23 km
📍
13:21 · 47'
Grote Kerk & Cascade
Use the short-term parking zone right in front of the church.
🚗 5'0.6 km
🚗 10'2.01 km
📍
15:10 · 47'
Final Stop: Zuiderpark
Park at the main entrance to reach your car quickly during showers.
09:00→16:276.9 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 29€ · Transport 1€
Enjoy the wintry Drenthe landscape from your warm car. After a morning stop at Spaarbankbos, the drive leads through snowy streets to the Van Gogh Huis. At noon, head to the center where you can park nearby. Shorter days are less of an issue as you can quickly move between sites.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Cluster 1: Spaarbankbos
Watch out for unplowed parking spaces in case of fresh snow.
🚗 10'2 km
📍
10:07 · 47'
Cluster 2: Mill & Art Quarter
The access road to the mill can be slippery in frost.
🚗 7'1.33 km
🚗 5'0.7 km
🍽️
11:53 · 84'
Cluster 3: City Center
Parking garages are frost-free and more pleasant in winter.
🚗 4'0.23 km
🚗 5'0.6 km
🚗 10'2.01 km
Sights in the town Hoogeveen (3)
Frequently asked questions
How was Hoogeveen created?
It was founded in the 17th century for peat extraction; the name means 'high fen'.
What are the Cascades?
A long water feature in the main shopping street, recalling the old canals.
Is there nature nearby?
Yes, Dwingelderveld National Park is easily accessible and well-suited for cycling.
Is there an airport?
Hoogeveen Airfield is a small regional airport, often used for historic aircraft.
When is market day?
The large weekly market takes place every Saturday in the center.
Hoogeveen: where is it located?
Hoogeveen is located in Drenthe, Netherlands.
Hoogeveen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vlinderdijk, Mantingerplein, Het Eksternest.
Hoogeveen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hoogeveen: why is it worth visiting?
Hoogeveen is a city in the province of Drenthe whose origins are deeply tied to the large-scale peat extraction of the 17th century.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Netherlands →
Nearby cities
Assen
Assen is the capital of the province of Drenthe and known as the motorcycle capital of the Netherlands.
Coevorden
Coevorden is located in the province of Drenthe.
Beilen
Located in the heart of the Drenthe province, Beilen is known as a friendly village.
Borger
Borger is known as the 'hunebed capital' of the Netherlands.
Odoorn
Discover Odoorn, a charming village in Drenthe, renowned for its ancient megalithic tombs (hunebeds) and the tranquil scenery of the Hond…
Hardenberg
Hardenberg is a city in the east of the province of Overijssel, located in the picturesque Vechte valley.
Staphorst
Staphorst is located in the province of Overijssel.
Havelterberg
Discover Havelterberg, a quiet village in Drenthe, renowned for its prehistoric dolmens, heathland scenery, and picturesque cycling routes.
Ommen
Ommen is a town in Overijssel.
Steenwijk
Steenwijk is located in Overijssel.
Den Ham
Den Ham is a picturesque village in Overijssel, known for its historic core, beautiful nature, and a unique, free-standing church tower.
Zwartewaterland
A Dutch municipality on the Zwarte Water river, known for the historic Hanseatic city of Hasselt and as a gateway to the Weerribben-Wiede…
Genemuiden
Genemuiden is located in Overijssel.
Zwolle
Zwolle is the capital of the province of Overijssel and was once a powerful Hanseatic city.
Giethoorn & Weerribben
The 'Venice of the North' – a car-free village of canals, thatched-roof houses, and pristine nature.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Dwingelderveld
Dwingelderveld is the largest wet heathland in Western Europe.
Dwingelderveld National Park
The park preserves the largest wet heathland area in Western Europe.
Dwingelo
A nature area in the province of Drenthe.
Hunebedden in Drenthe
The province of Drenthe is famous for its Hunebedden (dolmens), prehistoric burial monuments made of huge erratic boulders.
Lemelerberg
The Lemelerberg is an isolated hill in Overijssel.
Port of Zwolle
The port of Zwolle is an important inland port.
Weerribben-Wieden National Park
This moor and lake area in Overijssel is the largest lowland peatland area in Western Europe.
Oostwaard
A nature reserve in the northwest of the Netherlands.