Modern Drenthe

Between Reflecting and Looking Forward

The Second World War has a major impact on Drenthe. In addition to poverty, oppression, and resistance, Camp Westerbork becomes an important transit site from which Dutch Jews are transported to the concentration camps. After the war the people want to look to the future. Villages are expanded, roads built. It becomes easier for people to get to Drenthe then ever before. The landscape changes too. Large scale land consolidation is taking place, but at the same time the authentic Drenthe landscape is being restored to its former glory. You can find this balance between old and new, between reflection and looking forward all throughout Drenthe.

Camp Westerbork

During the Second World War, Camp Westerbork in Drenthe serves as an important link in the deportation of Dutch Jews toward the death camps in Eastern Europe. Camp Westerbork is built far from the major cities, on an open and undeveloped section of land. Dutch Jews often only spent a few days here, before they were transported to Germany by train. Some were relatively lucky and lived for years in the camp that had comparatively okay living conditions.

Edge of Drenthe

After the war the Netherlands starts to rebuild. Drenthe too. The province modernises at a rapid pace. Land consolidation is introduced. In order to be able to work the land more efficiently, farmers exchange their small plots among themselves to create large, single plots. The vast fields of maize and grain at the edge of Drenthe crossed by straight roads are visible examples.

Modern Landscape

Not everyone is a fan of the new landscape. With his Landscape Plans, landscape designer Harry de Vroome ensured that the old traits of the cultural landscape of Drenthe would have a future in the increased scale resulting from land consolidation. At his recommendation, the landscape is designed with plants along the roads and more room for nature between fields and near the edges of the towns. Several nature preserves are also embedded. This led to the formation of a modern Drenthe landscape, which merges old Drenthe and modern Drenthe.

TT Assen

Today the beautiful landscape of Drenthe is a popular destination for nature lovers and people seeking peace of quiet. Once a year this peace and quiet is briefly but loudly interrupted near Assen. That's when the TT Assen is held there; the largest motorcycling event in the Netherlands.