Roden

Roden is a village of about 15,000 people in northern Drenthe, serving as the administrative centre of the municipality of Noordenveld. Situated near the border with the province of Groningen, it offers convenient access to the city of Groningen while maintaining a distinctly rural character. The wider Noordenveld municipality also includes the villages of Norg, Peize, Veenhuizen, and Steenbergen, each with their own character.

The area around Roden is known for its scenic countryside, with forests, small lakes, and cycling routes connecting the villages. It makes an excellent base for exploring northern Drenthe and the southern Groningen region without the hustle of a larger city.

By Plane

Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ IATA) is about 15 km east of Roden, making it one of the closest villages to the airport. A taxi or bike ride of about 20 minutes connects the two.

By Train

Roden does not have a railway station. The nearest mainline station is Groningen (about 15 km northeast), which has intercity connections to the rest of the Netherlands. Bus connections from Groningen station to Roden are frequent.

By Car / Road

Roden is accessible via provincial roads connecting to the A28 motorway (exit Assen-Noord or Groningen-Zuid) and the N372. Driving from Groningen city centre takes about 20 minutes.

The village centre is compact and walkable. Cycling is the ideal way to explore the surrounding Noordenveld countryside, with dedicated bike paths connecting all the neighbouring villages. Buses link Roden with Groningen, Assen, and other nearby towns.

• Veenhuizen — A nearby former penal colony, now a UNESCO World Heritage site (part of the Colonies of Benevolence), with museums, cafés, and a market.

• Norg — A picturesque village in the Noordenveld municipality, known for its historic centre.

• Steenbergen — A small hamlet surrounded by forest and farmland.

• Historic Saxon farmhouses scattered throughout the municipality.

• Cycling through the Noordenveld countryside, following marked LF routes.

• Walking in the forests around Veenhuizen and the Fochteloërveen nature reserve.

• Visit the Koloniën van Weldadigheid (Colonies of Benevolence) in Veenhuizen, a UNESCO-listed 19th-century social reform settlement.

Roden has several cafés and restaurants in the village centre, serving Dutch and international cuisine.

Local bars and cafés in the village centre provide options for a drink after a day of cycling or walking.

• Several B&Bs and guesthouses are available in Roden and the surrounding villages.
• For more options, Groningen and Assen are a short drive away.

Roden has a small range of shops for daily needs in its village centre. For larger shopping trips, Groningen (20 min) or Assen (20 min) offer extensive retail options.

• Groningen (20 min by car/bus) — Lively university city with canals, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
• Assen (20 min by car) — Drenthe's capital with the Drents Museum and TT Circuit.
• Veenhuizen (10 min by car) — UNESCO World Heritage site with museums and a former prison colony.
• National Park Drents-Friese Wold (30 min by car) — Mixed forest and heathland with hiking and cycling trails.
• Zuidlaren (10 min by car) — Known for its annual horse market.