- Assen received its city rights in 1809 from Louis Bonaparte, the King of Holland and brother of Napoleon, despite its relatively small size at the time.
- The city is world-famous among motorsport enthusiasts for hosting the Dutch TT at the TT Circuit Assen, which has held a Grand Prix motorcycle race annually since 1925.
- The town originated in the 13th century as a settlement built around a Cistercian monastery called Maria in Campis.
- Assen is colloquially known as the 'City of the TT', reflecting how deeply the international racing event is integrated into the local identity.
About Assen
Assen serves as the provincial capital of Drenthe and is uniquely distinguished by its proximity to prehistoric megalithic structures known as hunebedden. The city balances its administrative role with deep historical roots, showcased by the extensive archaeological and artistic collections at the Drents Museum. Visitors can connect with the region’s somber history at the Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork or explore the natural landscape through quiet outdoor spaces like the Baggelhuizen recreational area. As a central hub for the surrounding countryside, the city functions as a gateway to the ancient burial sites that dot the northern Dutch landscape.
Highlights of Assen
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore world-class exhibitions featuring the Girl of Yde and a wide array of fine art.
Museums
Learn about the complex history of the transit camp used during the Second World War.
Parks
Enjoy the lakeside recreational trails perfect for swimming and outdoor activities.
Historical places
View one of the ancient Neolithic stone burial chambers located in the local countryside.
Parks
Walk through a diverse collection of tree species planted for botanical study and relaxation.
Places of interest
Follow this dedicated nature path designed for scenic walking through wooded environments.
Historical places
Observe the structural remnants of Neolithic culture preserved in the Drenthe landscape.
Museums
Examine the military history and artifacts housed within this specialized collection.
Top things to do in Assen
The 102 highest-rated places in Assen, ranked by travellers.
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Amusement parks
Drouwenerzand Attractiepark is a regional amusement park in Drouwen, Netherlands, designed specifically for children and...
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Museums
Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork serves as the primary national memorial for the Dutch transit camp used during the N...
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Museums
The National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen chronicles the history of Dutch penal systems and the unique development of the...
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Museums
The Drents Museum is internationally renowned for its collection of prehistoric bog bodies, including the famous Yde Gir...
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Museums
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Assen on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Assen
Late spring through summer, particularly June to August, provides the most favorable weather for cycling and exploring the parklands.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the city center, the local museums, and the surrounding prehistoric megalith sites.
The city center is highly walkable, and the region is best navigated by bicycle using the extensive network of Dutch cycle paths.
Staying near the city center (het Centrum) provides the best access to dining, the Drents Museum, and major public transport links.
Assen is generally mid-range, offering typical Dutch pricing for accommodations and dining without the premium associated with larger metropolitan hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 102 curated attractions in and around Assen, ranked by traveller ratings.
Drouwenerzand Attractiepark B.V. is the highest-rated place to visit in Assen right now.
The largest category is museums, with 22 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague.
Explore more of Netherlands
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
