Holiday apartment in Westerbork: culture, nature and active days

Westerbork combines historical depth, creative discoveries and nature experiences within a compact thematic area. Stefanuskerk, the Museum van Papierknipkunst and Padenbos reveal very different sides of the town. When choosing a holiday apartment in Westerbork, you can consider whether you want your days to be shaped more by culture, physical activity, observing nature or regional cuisine.

Culture and paper art in Westerbork

Stefanuskerk has stood for more than 800 years. The present-day church is a Gothic building from the early 15th century. Its organ also tells a story of its own: it was built in 1726 for the church in Beetgum and moved to Westerbork in 1862 by organ builder Petrus van Oeckelen. The church therefore combines a long local history with a specific musical testament.

The Museum van Papierknipkunst focuses on original national and international paper artworks covering many themes. Visitors can create paper art themselves there. This makes a visit to the museum an opportunity not only to look at art, but also to engage practically with the material and the technique.

Nature, animals and hiking

Hertenkamp Westerbork has been located on the edge of the centuries-old Padenbos since 1962. Squirrels, bats, owls, wood mice and numerous bird species live in Padenbos. This natural area therefore offers you and your family various possibilities: you can observe animals, explore the woodland surroundings or plan a quieter break between more active activities.

The signposted Westerbork–Zwiggelte hike starts in the centre of Westerbork and is 15 kilometres long. The route leads through the ancient valley of the Westerborkerstroom stream. Anyone looking for a longer hike with a clear connection between the town centre and the landscape will find a specific tour suggestion here. The Survivalrun Westerbork is more physically demanding, taking you through the natural surroundings of Westerbork and featuring around 48 obstacles. Westerbork is also one of the starting locations for the Drentse Fiets4Daagse.

Choose a holiday apartment in Westerbork to suit your daily plans

Your journey there can also be incorporated into your planning. If you arrive by train, you can get off in Beilen and take bus route 22 to Westerbork from there. The same Qbuzz service also runs from Assen and Emmen to Westerbork. You can take this connection into account, alongside your planned hikes, cycling days and museum visits, when choosing your accommodation.

Drenthe cuisine and a historic site outside the town

Restaurant en Museum de Ar offers traditional dishes from Drenthe in addition to its regular menu. This allows regional cuisine to be included in your exploration of Westerbork. Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork is located about 15 kilometres outside Westerbork and is closely connected to the town. Together with Stefanuskerk, it provides another point of reference for visitors who want to understand Westerbork through its history and the wider surrounding area as well.

Discover more places in the region

For further orientation: Hijken, Spier, Hooghalen, Mantinge, Orvelte, Ruinerwold, Drijber and Beilen.

For the higher-level travel overview: Midden-Drenthe.