Things To Do
in Tynaarlo

Tynaarlo is a quiet, rural municipality in the province of Drenthe in the northeastern Netherlands, made up of several historic villages such as Vries, Zuidlaren and Eelde-Paterswolde. The area is known for open farmland, peatland wetlands, lakes like the Zuidlaardermeer and a network of cycling and walking routes that reveal traditional village centers and bird-rich nature reserves. It sits conveniently between the regional cities of Groningen and Assen, and includes Groningen Airport Eelde, making it an easy base for exploring both urban and outdoor attractions.

Visitors can expect low-key cultural events, friendly village cafés and good access to nature rather than large-scale tourist infrastructure.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Tynaarlo
morning
:

Arrive in Tynaarlo and settle into your cozy accommodation, surrounded by the serene countryside. Take a leisurely walk around the village to soak in the sights, including charming farms and local architecture. Enjoy a light breakfast at a quaint café, sampling some traditional Dutch pastries.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby Drentsche Aa National Park, where you can hike through picturesque landscapes and try to spot local wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature, taking in the fresh air and sounds of birds chirping. Afterward, visit a local museum to learn about the region's history and culture.

evening
:

Head back to Tynaarlo for dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant, where you can taste local dishes featuring seasonal ingredients. After your meal, take a relaxing stroll through the village, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere as the sun sets. Finish your day by unwinding at your accommodation with a good book or local wine.

day 2
Exploring Assen
morning
:

Travel to Assen, the nearby capital of Drenthe, and start your day with breakfast at a lively café in the city center. Visit the Drents Museum to admire fantastic art collections and exhibitions that showcase the region's heritage. Stroll around the beautiful city park, soaking in the morning sunlight.

afternoon
:

After lunch, check out the Assen's iconic TT Circuit, famous for its motorcycle races, and perhaps even catch a thrilling event or exhibition if the timing is right. Spend time shopping in the local boutiques or visiting the Vlooienmarkt, a popular flea market packed with unique finds. Take a break at a local brewery to sample some craft beers.

evening
:

Return to Tynaarlo for dinner and discover a hidden gem that serves hearty traditional meals. Savor the flavors of local cuisine while engaging in conversation with friendly locals who might share interesting stories about the region. As the night unfolds, enjoy a nightcap at a local pub, mingling with residents or simply enjoying live music if available.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee (café)$3-4
🍺Beer (pint in pub)$4-6
🚌Regional bus/train ticket (short journey)$3-8
🥖Groceries (weekly basics)$30-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful rural landscape ideal for cycling and nature lovers
  • Close to Groningen and Assen for city amenities
  • Good access to lakes, wetlands and birdwatching areas
  • Charming historic villages with local markets and traditional cafés
  • Limited nightlife and cultural venues within the municipality
  • Public transport between small villages can be infrequent
  • Weather can be changeable and wet, affecting outdoor plans
  • Fewer international dining options compared with larger cities
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel / Dank je" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?

Places to Visit in Tynaarlo

Visit one of these nice places.

Zuidlaardermeer shoreline

Expansive lake vistas, reed beds and boating activity—excellent for sunrise and golden-hour reflections, birdlife and water scenes.

Historic village centers (Zuidlaren, Vries)

Picturesque streets, traditional brick houses, canals and village squares that capture rural Dutch charm.

De Onlanden wetlands

Wide-open peatland scenery, meandering streams and abundant birdlife; good for atmospheric landscape and wildlife photography.

Cycling lanes and country roads

Long straight lanes flanked by fields, windmills and farm gates—great for minimalist rural compositions and seasonal scenes.

Groningen Airport Eelde (plane spotting)

Small regional airport with opportunities for plane-spotting and dynamic shots of aircraft against Drenthe skies.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tynaarlo

Cuisine in Tynaarlo is grounded in hearty Dutch and Drenthe regional fare: think simple, seasonal ingredients, dairy and baked goods, with an emphasis on local produce and traditional comfort dishes. Village cafés and brasseries serve classic Dutch breakfasts and lunches, while a handful of restaurants focus on modern interpretations using local meat, fish and vegetables.

Tynaarlo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pannenkoeken

Large Dutch-style pancakes (savory or sweet) served in pancake houses across the region—great for a relaxed family meal.

Must-Try!

Stamppot

A traditional winter mash of potatoes with kale or other greens, often served with smoked sausage—comfort food commonly found in local menus during colder months.

Dutch cheeses and local farm dairy

Cheeses from regional farms and specialist shops; try them at markets or farm stores around villages.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Zuidlaren Market

One of the larger local markets where you can buy bread, cheese, local produce and seasonal specialties; the annual horse market is a major event drawing regional vendors.

Village weekly markets

Small markets in villages like Vries and Eelde on certain days offering fresh produce, baked goods and regional treats—ideal for picnic supplies.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tynaarlo has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers (average highs around 18–22°C / mid-60s to low 70s °F) and cool, wet winters (often just above freezing). Rain is fairly evenly distributed year-round, and strong breezes are common due to the flat landscape. Seasonal daylight varies significantly—long summer evenings and short winter days—so plan activities accordingly.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and Directness

Be on time for appointments; Dutch communication is generally direct but polite—clear and concise conversation is appreciated.

Cycling Rules

Respect cycle lanes, yield to cyclists where appropriate and watch for busy bike traffic in town centers—cyclists have right of way on many routes.

Quiet Hours

Many residential areas observe quiet hours in the evening and on Sundays—keep noise levels down, especially near homes.

Casual Greetings

A handshake is standard for introductions; first names are used in informal contexts once acquainted.

Safety Guide

Safety

Tynaarlo is generally very safe with low violent crime; normal precautions apply—lock bikes, secure belongings and be mindful of valuables in public. Weather-related issues (icy roads in winter, strong winds) are the main safety hazards; check forecasts before outdoor activities. In emergencies dial 112; non-urgent medical help can be accessed via local GP practices or by contacting regional hospitals in Assen or Groningen.

Tipping in Tynaarlo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common for good service. Small tips for taxi drivers or hairdressers are usual but not required.

Payment Methods

Debit and contactless card payments (PIN, Maestro, V PAY) are widely accepted; credit cards are accepted at larger businesses but smaller cafés may prefer debit or cash. Mobile contactless payments are increasingly common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming hedgerows, with increasingly green landscapes and migratory birds returning—perfect for cycling and walking; some mud on trails early in the season.

Summer

Warm but rarely hot weather, long daylight hours and ideal conditions for lakeside activities, boating on the Zuidlaardermeer and outdoor cafés; expect more visitors at weekends.

Autumn

Cooler, crisp air with colorful foliage across heath and woodland, plus misty mornings—great for moody landscape photography and quieter trails.

Winter

Cold and damp with occasional frost or snow; some outdoor activities are limited but the countryside is peaceful, and local cafés offer warming regional dishes. Roads and paths can be slippery when frozen.

Nightlife Guide

Tynaarlo at Night

Nightlife in Tynaarlo itself is low-key: expect cosy village pubs, a few cafés with live music nights and seasonal events. For bars, clubs and a broader evening program, a short trip to Groningen (about 30–40 minutes by car or regional bus) is recommended, where you'll find a lively student nightlife and many late-night venues.

Hiking in Tynaarlo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Drentsche Aa National Landscape

Network of trails through a well-preserved stream valley landscape with meadows, hedgerows and small villages—excellent for day hikes and nature walks.

De Onlanden Wetland Trails

Restored peatland and wetland area with boardwalks, bird hides and flat walking routes that are superb for wildlife watching and easy hikes.

Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark routes

Trails through a unique ridge landscape with heath, forests and archaeological sites—well-signed routes of varying lengths.

Zuidlaardermeer Shore Walks

Gentle shoreline paths offering waterside views, reedbeds and opportunities to combine walking with boating or picnics.

Airports

How to reach Tynaarlo by plane.

Groningen Airport Eelde

Small regional airport located in Eelde (within Tynaarlo municipality) offering seasonal and regional flights; convenient for quick connections and close to local villages.

Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam)

The Netherlands' main international hub, about 2 to 2.5 hours away by car or public transport—best choice for wide international connections.

Groningen (Eelde) via Groningen city rail/bus

While not a separate airport, Groningen city provides strong rail and bus links to the region and to Groningen Airport Eelde for onward travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Village centers like Zuidlaren, Vries and Eelde are highly walkable with compact layouts and pedestrian-friendly streets. The wider municipality is rural and best explored by bike or car—walking is pleasant on local trails but distances between villages can be too great for extended on-foot travel.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Dutch families

The majority population is Dutch with many family households, often multi-generational in rural settings.

Older residents

A significant proportion of residents are middle-aged or older, reflecting the rural character and comfortable village lifestyle.

Commuters and students

Some people commute to Groningen or Assen for work and study, and there are students or young adults who live in the area for access to nearby cities.

Small expatriate community

A modest number of internationals and expats live here, attracted by the quiet lifestyle and proximity to regional employers and universities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

Cycling is extremely popular recreationally and for transport—regional routes attract both casual riders and enthusiasts.

Football (Soccer)

Local amateur football clubs are central to village social life with regular matches and youth programs.

Equestrian sports

Horse riding and events are prominent locally, especially around Zuidlaren which has an equestrian tradition and markets.

Speed skating (national pastime)

While rinks are in larger towns, skating and winter ice sports are culturally popular throughout the province.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light with low congestion except for occasional peak times or special events. Roads are rural and well-maintained but narrow in places—drive carefully. Cycling infrastructure is excellent and often faster than driving for short trips within villages. Public transport is available via regional buses and nearby train stations, but service frequency can be limited in the smaller hamlets, so check timetables in advance.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tynaarlo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common in cafés and restaurants (salads, pannenkoeken, cheese-based dishes); larger towns have more varied choices. Supermarkets stock plant-based milks and meat substitutes.

Vegan

Vegan choices are increasing but still limited in smaller villages—plan ahead by checking menus or buying supplies from supermarkets in Groningen or Assen.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free options exist but can be limited at traditional bakeries; many restaurants will help if asked, and supermarkets carry gluten-free staples.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available via local general practitioner (huisarts) practices in the towns; pharmacies are present in larger villages. For hospital care and specialist services, the nearest hospitals are in Assen and Groningen (UMCG in Groningen for major care). In emergencies call 112; for non-urgent medical advice the national health services and GP out-of-hours services can assist.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide