Duurzaamheidscentrum Assen
A welcoming center on the edge of Asserbos, offering nature education, an animal farm, and a cafe with great food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Duurzaamheidscentrum Assen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A welcoming center on the edge of Asserbos, offering nature education, an animal farm, and a cafe with great food.
"Really good place for lunch with the family or a beer in the sun."
Reservations Recommended
While they can accommodate walk-ins, booking ahead ensures a table, especially for larger groups.
Patience is a Virtue
Service is relaxed and friendly. Enjoy the calm atmosphere; don't expect rapid service.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Animal Farm & Petting Zoo
Adjacent to the center
Delight in a charming animal farm, perfect for little ones to interact with nature.
Educational Exhibits
Main center building
Discover interactive displays on local flora, fauna, and the importance of recycling.
Outdoor Seating & Cafe
Cafe area
Enjoy delicious food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, with sunny outdoor seating.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pace
Family Fun Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
While they can accommodate walk-ins, booking ahead ensures a table, especially for larger groups.
Patience is a Virtue
Service is relaxed and friendly. Enjoy the calm atmosphere; don't expect rapid service.
Kid-Friendly Activities
The animal farm and interactive exhibits make it a great outing for children.
Explore the Asserbos
The center is located on the edge of the Asserbos, perfect for a nature walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
While they can accommodate walk-ins, booking ahead ensures a table, especially for larger groups.
Patience is a Virtue
Service is relaxed and friendly. Enjoy the calm atmosphere; don't expect rapid service.
Kid-Friendly Activities
The animal farm and interactive exhibits make it a great outing for children.
Explore the Asserbos
The center is located on the edge of the Asserbos, perfect for a nature walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Duurzaamheidscentrum Assen for its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and excellent food, particularly the burgers. It's highly recommended for families due to the animal farm and engaging educational exhibits. Some note the service is relaxed, and one exhibition was found to be static.
"A very welcoming place and great food. We had expected a party of 4, so we didn't make reservations. We arrived with an unexpected party of 11 (!) They not only sat us but also moved a table to accommodate our group. I had an excellent beef burger. The service was superb despite our large group. I highly recommend it."
Steve Wessing
"Xcellent information centre about the habitat flora and fauna Dutch NL Drenthe and especially for kids learning about natural environment and recycling 👌 #generationnext 🌍"
xs4allbeenz
"Really good place for lunch with the family or a beer in the sun. An animal farm/petting zoo is right next door and there's lots to do for children. The people working at the centrum are very nice and hospitable, but be patient, and don't expect them to rush, it's a calm place."
Gerard Veenstra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located on the edge of the Asserbos. It's accessible by car with parking available, and also reachable by bike or on foot from Assen city center.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's convenient for those arriving by car.
While direct public transport might be limited, it's a pleasant walk or bike ride from Assen's center, making it accessible for those using public transport to reach the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the educational center and animal farm is generally free, though donations are welcome. Specific events or workshops might have separate fees.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the cafe and specific exhibits. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
The animal farm is typically free to visit as part of the center's offerings, making it an accessible attraction for families.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for lunch or if you have a larger group, to ensure you get a table.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore educational exhibits on nature and recycling, visit the adjacent animal farm, enjoy food and drinks at the cafe, and take walks in the surrounding Asserbos.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for children with its animal farm, interactive learning opportunities, and space to explore.
Yes, they host events like CoderDojo, where kids learn programming, showcasing their commitment to educational activities.
The center features exhibitions on local flora, fauna, and sustainability topics. While one reviewer noted an exhibition on foxes remained static, the focus is on environmental education.
There is a watchtower, but one visitor noted it was lower than the surrounding forest, which was a bit disappointing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers good food, including excellent burgers, and is a great spot for lunch or a beer in the sun. +1
Yes, the cafe is a popular spot for lunch, and they are accommodating even for unexpected large groups.
It's a very good place for lunch with the family, offering a relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture charming shots of the animals at the farm, the natural beauty of the Asserbos, and the relaxed cafe ambiance.
The location on the edge of the Asserbos provides ample opportunities for nature photography, with diverse flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds, allowing your children more freedom to enjoy the facilities.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
While the cafe offers delicious food, you can also opt for a more budget-friendly visit by simply enjoying the free attractions and perhaps bringing your own snacks for a picnic in the surrounding Asserbos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sustainability Education for All Ages
One unique initiative highlighted is the CoderDojo event, where children aged 8-12 learn to program microbits for smart homes.
The center's location on the edge of the Asserbos further enhances its educational mission, providing a living laboratory for exploring the natural world.
A Welcoming Community Hub
The cafe is a central part of this community feel, offering good food and a relaxed setting. Whether you're stopping for a quick coffee, a hearty lunch, or a beer in the sun, the ambiance is designed for enjoyment.
While the service is noted as being relaxed rather than rushed, this is often seen as a positive attribute, contributing to the overall calm and unhurried experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit