Borger

Borger is a small village in east-central Drenthe, best known as the home of the largest hunebed (dolmen or megalithic tomb) in the Netherlands. The village itself is modest, but its surroundings — rolling forests, small lakes, and archaeological sites — make it a popular holiday destination for Dutch families. Unlike much of the flat Netherlands, the Borger region is notably hilly by Dutch standards, with woodlands and heathlands creating a landscape more reminiscent of a nature reserve than typical Dutch farmland.

The area around Borger, including the nearby village of Exloo, attracts many visitors for walking, cycling, and the annual Exloo Sheep Festival. The famous Hunebed D27 (the largest megalithic monument in the country) draws archaeology enthusiasts and curious travellers alike.

By Plane

Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ IATA) is about 35 km north of Borger, about a 35-minute drive.

By Train

Borger does not have a railway station. The nearest stations are Emmen (about 20 km east) and Assen (about 25 km west), both on the Zwolle–Groningen line. From there, buses connect to Borger.

By Car / Road

Borger is accessible via the N34 expressway (Emmen–Groningen) and provincial roads. Driving from Assen takes about 25 minutes; from Emmen about 20 minutes.

The village is small and walkable. For exploring the wider region, including the forests and lakes, a bicycle is the best option. Several bike-rental services operate in the area.

• Hunebed D27 (Grootste Hunebed) — The largest megalithic tomb in the Netherlands, located just outside Borger. These prehistoric dolmens were built around 3400–2850 BC by the Funnelbeaker culture. Free to visit.

• Hunebedcentrum — A museum and information centre dedicated to the hunebedden (dolmens) and the prehistoric cultures that built them. Located next to Hunebed D27.

• Exloo Sheep Festival — An annual event in nearby Exloo featuring a traditional sheep herd, market, and festivities.

• Cycling through the hilly forests around Borger and Exloo.

• Walking the marked trails through the woodlands and heathlands.

• Swimming in the small lakes scattered through the region, popular with Dutch families in summer.

• Visit the Hunebedcentrum for an immersive journey into prehistoric Drenthe.

Several restaurants and cafés in Borger and Exloo cater to the holiday crowd, offering Dutch and international cuisine.

Borger has a few cafés and bars, particularly around the village centre.

• Many holiday cottages, campsites, and B&Bs are available in the Borger and Exloo area, catering to the Dutch family holiday market.

Borger has basic shops for daily needs. The Hunebedcentrum has a gift shop with souvenirs and local products.

• Emmen (20 min by car) — Largest city in Drenthe, home to Wildlands Adventure Zoo.
• Assen (25 min by car) — Provincial capital with the Drents Museum and TT Circuit.
• Coevorden (30 min by car) — Historic fortified town with a castle.
• Dwingelderveld National Park (30 min by car) — The largest wet heathland in Western Europe.
• Exloo (5 min by car) — Nearby village known for its annual sheep festival.