A Complete Guide to Visiting All 54 Prehistoric Dolmens (Hunebedden) of Drenthe and Groningen in the Netherlands | Dolmen (Hunebed) Route with Map, Information, Tips, and Tricks
Did you know there are Stonehenges in the Netherlands?
Before we begin our story today, let me ask you a “Did you know?” question. Did you know that there are Stonehenges in the Netherlands? And that they are older than the English Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids? And that too not just 1, but 54? If not, this article is for you. In this article, I’m going to demystify the prehistoric Hunebedden (meaning giant beds in Dutch) for you. So without further delay, let me share with you the intriguing story of the Hunebedden or Dolmens of the Netherlands.
Dolmen (Hunebed) Facts
Dolmens are megalithic tombs found all over Northwestern Europe dating back between 5000 and 3000 BC in the Neolithic period (New Stone Age). Literally meaning “stone tables” (derived from the Breton words "dual" and "maen," signifying table and stone, respectively), dolmens are composed of one or more capstones covering at least three, but frequently (many) more standing supporting stones.
The earliest examples of dolmens in Europe date to the fifth millennium BC and are located in Brittany, in northern France. In addition, dolmens can be found in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and particularly in huge numbers in Korea, where examples date back to approximately 1000 BC.
Based on current theory, Dolmens are thought to be the remnants of ancient burial chambers. It is impossible to say for sure that the initial purpose of all these monuments was to bury the deceased. Certain dolmens are also said to have functioned as shrines or places of worship for prehistoric deities, such as fertility or earth goddesses. However, in the Dutch Dolmens, grave gifts offered to the deceased have been found, such as jewels, axes, spearheads, and ceramic jars filled with food and liquids, reinforcing the theory of dolmens being burial chambers. Even now, researchers are still trying to figure out exactly what the monuments symbolize and how they fit into the surrounding landscape.
For centuries, the Dutch believed that huynen (giants) had made the hunebedden, from where the word was derived. In reality, the dolmens of the Netherlands were built by farmers belonging to the Funnel-beaker Culture between 3350 and 3030 BC (who inhabited large parts of Northwestern Europe from the Netherlands to Poland, and the south of Sweden between 5300 and 2000 BC), making them older than the English Stonehenge and Egyptian pyramids. The name ‘Funnel-beaker’ is derived from the ceramic beakers discovered in the dolmens that resembled funnels. The maximum height of the Funnel-beaker people was about 165 cm (5.4 feet) which means they weren't very tall. Therefore, they could stand straight inside a dolmen underneath the capstone.
In the province of Drenthe, where 52 out of the 54 dolmens in the Netherlands are located, there are no mountains or rocks. The dolmens are made out of boulders brought to the Netherlands from Scandinavia. The majority of northern Europe, including the Netherlands, was completely covered in a thick layer of ice around 200,000 years ago during the ice age. The large rocks were brought to the Netherlands from Scandinavia by glaciers that moved slowly. Even now, when you dig in the soil of Drenthe, smaller and bigger stones come up.
The huge boulders weighing 20,000 kg on average were transported by placing them on tree trunks and rolling over them. But even in that way, raising, positioning, and balancing these 20,000 kg capstones upon 3 or 4 supporting stones must have been a hell of a job, especially at a time when power-assisted cranes were not there! Dolmen D27 is the largest of the 54 dolmens present in the Netherlands measuring almost 23 meters.
In the past, the dolmens were not visible. Sand and turf were all over them. You could only make out the tops of the capstones or just an extended green slope/hill with only the entrance visible. Today, in most cases, the coverings have withered away and only the stone "skeleton" of the mound is all that has remained.
It is believed that originally there were more than a hundred dolmens in the Netherlands. But half of them got disassembled over time as the big stones of many of the dolmens proved to be a preferred building material in the subsequent eras. For example, they were used to construct walls and cathedrals during the Middle Ages and were used to reinforce West-Frisian dykes in the eighteenth century. Finally, the Dutch government decided to actively protect the dolmens in 1870.
In 1878, two British academics Lukis and Dryden visited the Netherlands to document 40 of the dolmens for this reason. In 1918, the archaeologist A.E. van Giffen carried on their groundbreaking work. He numbered, restored, and mapped each of the 54 dolmens in the Netherlands. The dolmens are still identified by his numbering system, which begins with a D for Drenthe and G for Groningen.
Where are the Dolmens located in the Netherlands?
The dolmens are scattered across the provinces of Drenthe and Groningen as shown in the map below. Drenthe initially had 54 dolmens (D1 to D54) but D33 was destroyed and D48 was later removed from the list of dolmens making it 52 dolmens in Drenthe. Groningen initially had 5 dolmens (G1 to G5) but G2, G3, and G4 have now been destroyed making it only 2 dolmens G1 and G5 in Groningen.
Note: If you want to visit all/some of these dolmens, I’ve created a route for it that I’ve named the ‘Dolmen (Hunebed) Route.’ In that, I’ve mentioned in what sequence you need to visit the dolmens to make it most efficient in terms of driving distances. It is towards the end of this article. So, please read on!
Detailed Information on each of the Dutch Dolmens
To introduce you to each of the 54 dolmens in the Netherlands, I’ve provided information about the dolmens along with the address, GPS location, and parking situation based on my personal experience, to make your visit as hassle-free as possible. Please copy and paste the addresses or GPS coordinates I’ve mentioned below directly into Google Maps. On top of that, being a business consultant, I’ve also used the MoSCoW model (Must-Visit, Should-Visit, Could-Visit, Wouldn’t-Visit) to share my recommendation on visiting the dolmens i.e. in my opinion which of these dolmens you must visit (Must-Visit), which you should visit if you like (Should-Visit), which you could visit only if you have time (Could-Visit), and which you can give a miss (Wouldn’t-Visit).
It took me tremendous passion, time, driving, and research to create this article, which to me, is no less than a thesis. It is the only article on the internet to provide this information. I hope this helps you find interest in exploring these prehistoric monuments in the Netherlands.
Dolmen D1
Information: Situated in the town of Steenbergen, Dolmen D1 (Drenthe 1) is the northernmost dolmen in Drenthe. The massive, mostly complete dolmen that is located there is the source of the name of the place Steenbergen, which was once a typical Drenthe word for a dolmen. The dolmen, when paired with the surroundings, make for a stunning image. It is most definitely worthwhile to visit this dolmen. Situated diagonally against the slope of a sand drift, 150 meters from the paved road, the dolmen is located in the Noorderduinen, just south of Roden. Adjacent to the dolmen is a pleasant walking route suitable for hikers.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D1, Hoofdweg 43-51, Steenbergen
GPS Coordinates: 53.10493, 6.41046
Parking: There’s plenty of space to park near the dolmen. You can park there and walk just a couple of minutes to the dolmen.
Dolmen D2
Information: Westervelde township is situated 2 km south of Norg. There Dolmen D2 is situated close to a farm. Despite the fact that the medium-sized dolmen is missing most of its stones, the original length is still clearly apparent and the original location of the gate of the dolmen is still visible. It's in a delightfully tranquil place. There is a paved road that makes it simple to drive to the dolmen.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D2, Schoolstraat, 9337 PA Westervelde
GPS Coordinates: 53.05585, 6.44580
Parking: You can park right opposite to the dolmen.
Dolmens D3 and D4
Information: In Midlaren, two dolmens are tucked away between two ancient farms. The dolmens D3 and D4 are enormous and appear disorganized. They are collectively referred to as the "Hunenborg." The fact that most of the covering stones are located in the dolmens' basements lends the entire thing an authentic appearance, despite making it appear unkempt. Since there haven't been many renovations, these dolmens provide a decent picture of what the dolmens have looked like in recent centuries. An antique sign at Schutsweg 42 in Midlaren points to the dolmens' location. There is a sandy trail that leads to two abandoned farms and the dolmens. The branches of the nearby old oak trees conceal the two dolmens, which are positioned in line with one another and up against the farm wall.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D3 and D4, Schutsweg 38, 9475 PL Midlaren
GPS Coordinates: 53.10803, 6.67245
Parking: Finding the dolmen and parking can be a bit tricky. Try to look for the dolmen sign on the street and pull over next to the road in the residential area.
Dolmen D3
Dolmen D4
Dolmen D4
Dolmen D5
Information: The small Dolmen D5 is situated 100 meters to the right of the Zeijen-Peest road, directly across from the Zeijer Strubben nature reserve. The dolmen is situated in a pit where practically only the four covering stones are visible, making it difficult to notice from the road. Sand was placed over this dolmen by the dolmen builders at the time, and it remained covered in it until the nineteenth century. The dolmen still has a well-maintained appearance as a result. In a well-kept park, the dolmen is situated between the meadows. You can relax and unwind on one of the benches in the park.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D05, Zeijen
GPS Coordinates: 53.06196, 6.53122
Parking: You have to park your car outside the park and walk to the dolmen inside the park.
Dolmen D6
Information: One of Drenthe's most exquisite dolmens is Dolmen D6. When you see the little dolmen there, you can hear the trains racing along the busy Zeegse-Tynaarlo route. Every big stone remains in its original position, both standing and reclining, from over 5,000 years ago. Artists frequently use a romantic style while painting this dolmen.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D6, Hunebedstraat 1, 9482 VA Tynaarlo
GPS Coordinates: 53.07496, 6.62948
Parking: You have to park the car and walk some distance to visit the dolmen.
Dolmen D7
Information: In the De Strubben nature reserve on the outskirts of Schipborg, you can take beautiful walk over the heath, past old trees, and sand plains to reach this dolmen.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D07, Boswachterij Schipborg (Parkeerplaats, 9467 TB Schipborg)
GPS Coordinates: 53.061321, 6.68455
Parking: To find the parking easily, please enter ‘Parkeerplaats, 9467 TB Schipborg’ in Google Maps. From there you need to walk for 10 mins to reach the dolmen.
Dolmen D8
Information: This fairly complete dolmen can be reached via a serene walking trail on the outskirts of an enormous wooded area between Anloo and Schipborg.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Hunebed D8, Boswachterij Schipborg
GPS Coordinates: 53.059964, 6.69929
Parking: You have to park outside the wooded area and walk to the dolmen for around 10 minutes. Bicycles from Annen may reach the dolmen even more easily by using the cycling tunnel underneath the N34.
Dolmen D9
Information: This dolmen is located in the center of Annen's residential area. Sadly, the dolmen is no longer so much used as a monument as it is a bicycle shed. The dolmen must have been rather enormous at first, as you can still see, but sadly, many of the stones have been removed to make way for new construction or other uses. It is simple to drive or ride a bicycle to the dolmen.
Recommendation: Wouldn’t-Visit
Address: Hunebed D9, Zuidlaarderweg, 9468 AB Annen
GPS Coordinates: 53.06150, 6.71561
Parking: You can park in one of the street parkings as it is a residential area.
Dolmen D10
Information: The isolated dolmen is situated in the Gasterse Duinen along the route that leads to Gasteren and Oude Molen. Although some of the stones have been stolen, the dolmen itself is still worth seeing even though it is no longer complete. In the late summer when the heather is in full bloom in the midst of the woodland, it's especially peaceful.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D10, Schipborgerweg 2, 9466 TB Gasteren
GPS Coordinates: 53.04250, 6.65795
Parking: To find the parking easily, please enter ‘Parkeerplaats Gasterse Duinen, Oudemolenseweg 3-5, 9466 PB Gasteren’ in Google Maps. From there you need to get into the walking area through a cattle fence (since herds of sheep graze there) and walk for 10 mins to reach the dolmen.
Dolmen D11
Information: In the center of the forest, in a clearing, lies this lovely dolmen. Due to its distant location, this dolmen is unlikely to attract other travelers. The dolmen is located on the Terborgh estate, near the Pinetum tree garden, which is definitely worth a visit. The dolmen is nine meters long and is complete except for one missing capstone.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D11, Boswachterij, Anloo
GPS Coordinates: 53.03023, 6.70793
Parking: It will take you around 10 minutes to walk from the parking but it is a serene walk as it is a fairly calm region.
Dolmen D12
Information: Dolmen D12, on the Eexter es, was formerly a little dolmen. In the midst of the meadows next to Eext is where you can find the Eexter es. Moss and in particular, the vivid coarse yellow crust covers it. Finding the route there is really challenging. Turn into Venakkers Street in the new residential development in Eext, southwest. Proceed to the dolmen by taking the sandy route on the left, almost to the end of the Venakkers.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D12, 9463 TG Eexter Es
GPS Coordinates: 53.01491, 6.72377
Parking: There is no designated parking here. You have to park the car on the side of the road in the village and walk 15 minutes to reach the dolmen. When I was there, I left my Mercedes Class C on the road and was away around 1 hour for going to the dolmen, taking pictures, and coming back from the dolmen to the car. By the time I came, people had flocked around my car. When I arrived they said they were worried to see a black Mercedes left in the middle of the road for an hour since it’s a small village and everyone knows each other and they know none owns a Mercedes there. So you need to be quick on your feet if you want to visit this dolmen but the location is really idyllic.
Dolmen D13
Information: Because it is partially concealed by its sand mound, this particular dolmen is hard to locate. Pots containing charred bones had been found in this dolmen. Sadly, over time, these pots have vanished. So it’s not an interesting dolmen for me anymore and it is also quite tricky to find.
Recommendation: Wouldn’t-Visit
Address: Dolmen D13, 9463 TG Eext
GPS Coordinates: 53.01137, 6.72709
Parking: It is difficult to find a parking there. You can park somewhere near the location but they are mostly parking places for the people living in the neighborhood. So you need to be quick on your feet.
Dolmen D14
Information: At eighteen meters in length, one of the biggest dolmens in the nation is still mostly intact, complete with the massive stones that make up the entire structure. It was showcased in the Eurovision 2021. There are benches in the little park where the dolmen is situated.
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: Dolmen D14, 9463 TH Eexter Halte
GPS Coordinates: 53.00180, 6.73047
Parking: There is quite a good-sized public parking space next to the dolmen but is tricky to catch it while driving. So, look for the dolmen sign while driving and take the turn as it shows to reach the parking.
Dolmen D15
Information: Situated atop the elevated Looner Es, the Loon dolmen is a huge, nearly full dolmen. The dolmen features a 'gate' that allows you to enter with a ring of stones surrounding it. The only dolmen visible from the train (Assen-Groningen) is this one. It is one of my favorite dolmens for shooting sunset since the view of the horizon is unhindered in this location which is very rare for the Dutch dolmens.
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: Hunebed D15, Dorpsweg 5-7, Loon
GPS Coordinates: 53.02275, 6.61292
Parking: You can just pull over by the street next to the dolmen. You will find almost nobody in this location, especially during sunset which makes it all the more attractive.
Dolmen D16
Information: One of the bigger dolmens in Drenthe is the one in Balloo. It's a short distance north of the Kampsheide Natural Reserve, which is well worth a visit as well. Burial mounds can still be present in this location, which has yielded several archaeological finds in the past. There are still plenty of prehistoric artifacts to view, and it is lovely to stroll around in this lovely region.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D16, Balloo
GPS Coordinates: 53.00036, 6.61886
Parking: There is a dirt road leading to the dolmen from the main road. So on a dry day, you can to drive up to the dolmen but on rainy days, it is better to leave your car on the main road (as the dirt road is narrow and can get muddy when wet) and walk for around 10 minutes to reach the dolmen.
Dolmens D17 and D18
Information: The two most famous dolmens in Drenthe are perhaps behind the lovely medieval church in Rolde. The dolmens have garnered a great deal of interest over time and are situated in populated regions. Their lovely look makes them popular subjects for depictions in postcards, ceramics, and paintings.
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: Dolmen D18, Slokkert 9451, 9451 TD Rolde
GPS Coordinates: 52.99006, 6.64890
Parking: You can park in the parking lot located behind the cemetery, and then walk to the dolmens.
Dolmen D17
Dolmen D17
Dolmen D18
Dolmen D18
Dolmen D18 with Dolmen D17 in the background
Dolmens D19 and D20
Information: Nestled in a peaceful park in Drouwen, these two well-preserved dolmens are encircled by grass. The two dolmens are near to one another, of the same size, and fairly complete.
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: D20, Steenhopenweg 9533, Drouwen
GPS Coordinates: 52.95229, 6.78483
Parking: There is a designated parking spot next to the dolmens.
Dolmen D19
Dolmen D20
Dolmen D20
Dolmens D21 and D22
Information: There are no fewer than five dolmens in the town of Bronneger, which is located north of Borger. Due to its extreme completeness and the fact that the greatest archeological discoveries have been unearthed there, Dolmen D21 is the most exquisite of the five dolmens. This dolmen is adorned with a massive beech tree, which makes for a lovely scene. Dolmen D22 is located nearby and shares the same structure as D21, albeit it is in worse shape. The smallest dolmen that remains in Drenthe is this one. The dolmens D21 and D22 are not must-visits on my list but if you are coming to visit D19 and D20, you can also drop by here.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D21 & D22, Popdilweg, Bronneger
GPS Coordinates: 52.94427, 6.80034
Parking: You have to park on the road and walk 10 minutes to the dolmens.
Dolmen D21 with Dolmen D22 in the background
Dolmen D22
Dolmens D23, D24, and D25
Information: Bronneger and Emmen (coming later in the article) are the two locations where three dolmens can be found together. The grass surrounding the dolmens has made it difficult to see the triangle that these dolmens once formed. The dolmens D23 and D24 are almost completely lost, however, D25 is still rather complete. The fact that several archaeological objects like pot shards have been found here, makes them particularly noteworthy. These are on display at the British Museum in London and were discovered in the 19th century. The dolmens D23, D24, and D25 are not must-visits on my list but if you are coming to visit D19 and D20, or D21 and D22, you can also drop by here.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D25, Steenakkersweg 9527, Bronneger
GPS Coordinates: 52.94443, 6.80303
Parking: You have to park on the road and walk 10 minutes to the dolmens.
Dolmen D23
Dolmen D24 with Dolmen D23 in the background
Dolmen D25
Dolmen D25 with Dolmen D23 visible far in the background
Dolmen D26
Information: This medium-sized, exquisite dolmen, with its five covering stones, is still mostly intact and stands at the edge of the woodland. The Dolmen Museum in Borger still houses the excavations that were conducted on this dolmen. Stone tools and weaponry were found in these excavations.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D26, Veldweg, Drouwenerveld
GPS Coordinates: 52.94320, 6.77452
Parking: The only routes leading to the elusive Dolmen D26 are a few small, badly paved ones. After long search, you eventually come across this stunning dolmen. You need to park the car on the road and walk around 15 to 20 minutes to reach the dolmen.
Dolmen D27
Information: This dolmen is one of Drenthe's main attractions. At 22.5 meters in length, it's the biggest dolmen in the Netherlands. Apart from this dolmen, there's the Hunebed (Dolmen) Center, where you can learn a lot of fascinating facts about the Drenthe dolmens, especially dolmen D27, explore historical artifacts, and engage in interactive games suitable for both young and elderly. But before you visit the Dolmen Center, please visit their website drenthe.nl/hunebedcentrum to check their opening hours since they are not open everyday!
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: Dolmen D27, Hunebedstraat 27, 9531 JV Borger
GPS Coordinates: 52.93020, 6.79746
Parking: The address of the Hunebed Center is ‘Bronnegerstraat 12’ where you can park your car and walk straight to Hunebed D27 from there or visit the Hunebed Center for information on the dolmens of the Netherlands.
Dolmens D28 and D29
Information: Neath a wreath of trees, these two ancient dolmens are nestled together, about the same size. Numerous artifacts have been discovered here in the past, including the oldest metal jewelry ever on Dutch land.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D29, Buinen
GPS Coordinates: 52.92570, 6.81146
Parking: You can park your car on a short sandy path and walk around 10 to 15 minutes to see these dolmens.
Dolmen 28 with Dolmen D29 in the background
Dolmen 28 with Dolmen D29 in the background
Dolmen D29
Dolmen D30
Information: This dolmen is situated where a forest trail intersects. Van Giffen conducted an excavation there in 1918. Outside the dolmen, he discovered broken pieces of pottery, suggesting that this was formerly the site of sacrifices and funeral feasts.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Hunebed D30, Bodenpad 9536, Ees
GPS Coordinates: 52.89161, 6.84589
Parking: To find the parking easily, please enter ‘Parkeerplaats D30, Exloo’ in Google Maps. From there you need to walk for 5 mins to reach the dolmen.
Dolmen D31
Information: This unique dolmen can be found halfway between Valthe and Exloo. This dolmen is not properly maintained and its existence is not well known. It is nonetheless a pleasant experience to visit this dolmen due of its almost primitive ambience. You will pass an old glacial valley en route to that location. You find yourself in a stunning forested region at the base of a hill when you get to the dolmen. This dolmen's remnants are located in a trench at the summit of the hill.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D31, Hunzebos
GPS Coordinates: 52.86784, 6.87080
Parking: You need to take the Valtherweg south from Exloo and make a right turn into Dalakkersweg. You will eventually come to a big, contemporary totem pole where you can park your car and walk 15 minutes to the dolmen.
Dolmen D32
Information: You will first come upon a farm when you begin your search for this dolmen. A sign here tells you where to find the dolmen. The old dolmen is located on a tree-covered area that can be reached by following the sandy walk. To reach the dolmen, you have to drive across a sandy route.
Recommendation: Wouldn’t-Visit
Address: Dolmen D32, Odoorn
GPS Coordinates: 52.85692, 6.83945
Parking: You can park by the farm and walk 10 to 15 minutes to reach the dolmen.
Dolmen D33 - Destroyed
Information: Dolmen D33 was partially destroyed in 1918 and completely removed when some of its stones were used to rebuild the Dolmen D49 i.e. 'The Paploze Church' (more details about it to follow later in the article).
Dolmen D34
Information: This dolmen is remarkable because of how low the stones are to the earth. Because stone robbers (thieves who steal dolmen stones often by drilling holes, breaking the stones into small pieces, and removing them in the middle of the night) attacked here, it is incomplete. The largest burial mound in Drenthe, the Eppiesbarchien, is located on the other side of this dolmen, making it a fascinating site to explore. Since roughly 3000 BC, when dolmens were no longer used in the ritual, the farmers of Drenthe had been burying their dead there.
Recommendation: Wouldn’t-Visit
Address: Hunebed D34, Valthe West
GPS Coordinates: 52.84260, 6.86736
Parking: You can park on Henbedweg and walk 10 minutes to the dolmen
Dolmen D35
Information: On the northern side of the Valtherbos, Hunebed D35 is situated adjacent to Hunebed D34. This dolmen is not particularly noteworthy; there are numerous missing stones and not much structural remains to be seen. Still, visiting the location is quite unique. There is a sizable circular stratum behind the dolmen that was formerly a wetland or lake.
Recommendation: Wouldn’t-Visit
Address: Dolmen D35, Valthe
GPS Coordinates: 52.83527, 6.87087
Parking: To find the parking easily, please enter ‘52.83546, 6.86677’ in Google Maps. From there you need to walk for 10 mins to reach the dolmen.
Dolmens D36 and D37
Information: Collectively, these dolmens are also known as "The Valther Twins." They are situated on a huge, lovely site situated on the periphery of the Kampervenen Valley surrounded by large, magnificent trees, just meters apart.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D36, Valthe Zuid
GPS Coordinates: 52.83980, 6.89454
Parking: You can park nearby and walk to the dolmens in 5 to 10 mins.
Dolmen D36 with Dolmen D37 in the background
Dolmen D37
Dolmens D38, D39, and D40
Information: This is one of just two locations in Drenthe where three dolmens can be found together. The relatively modest dolmens D39 and D40 are still partially buried in the mound that once encased them. Dolmen D38, which is eight meters long, is marginally more noticeable. Walkers and bikers only have access to the sand trails from Valthe and Emmen. The dolmens are also crossed by a cycle route. I call these a must-visit not due to the dolmens themselves but more due to how the arena opens up in front of your eyes with a stunning vista of 3 dolmens next to each other as you finally reach the dolmen spot walking through the forest trails.
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: Dolmen D39, Boswachterij Emmen
GPS Coordinates: 52.81113, 6.88747
Parking: You need to park outside the wooded areas and walk 15 to 20 minutes to reach the location.
Dolmen D38
Dolmen D39
Dolmen D40
Dolmen D41
Information: Right on the road connecting Emmen and Odoorn, on a heathland, is the dolmen D41. It's a very modest dolmen, but it's intact, with dark-colored stones.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D41, 7815 CE Emmen Noord
GPS Coordinates: 52.79993, 6.88584
Parking: You may conveniently pull your car up alongside the road at the Sluisvierweg. You will reach the dolmen if you stroll across the field.
Dolmen D42
Information: This is a lesser-known but nonetheless quite massive dolmen in Drenthe. A massive tree stands in the center of the dolmen, creating a visually attractive sight.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Hunebed D42, Emmer Es
GPS Coordinates: 52.79581, 6.87011
Parking: It is only accessible on foot or by bicycle via a 500-meter forest route on the Emmeres. So you can park outside the forest area and walk 15 minutes to the dolmen.
Dolmen D43
Information: This dolmen is actually made up of two smaller dolmens that are encircled by a forty-meter-long ring of stones. This is also referred to by archaeologists as a long grave and these are common in Germany.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D43, Emmen Schimmeres
GPS Coordinates: 52.79330, 6.88711
Parking: You can park your vehicle in the parking lot beside the road. From there, there is a sandy walk that leads to the dolmen.
Dolmen D44
Information: Nothing has remained of this dolmen over time. The remnants of the stone robbers are still visible; some of the stones still have holes bored in them so that they may break apart and remove the stones as smaller pieces. While it did not occur with certain stones, it happened with numerous others. Standing on someone's land, the dolmen is a piece of private property. It is sufficiently near the road for you to see it.
Recommendation: Wouldn’t-Visit
Address: Dolmen D44, 7814 TG Emmen Westenesch
GPS Coordinates: 52.78771, 6.87220
Parking: Since the dolmen is on a private property with a house, workshop, and garage next to each other there is hardly a place to park. When I pulled over there, I was told by the owner to remove my car quickly. I clicked a shot of the dolmen with the permission of the owner who was not very happy though. So I would recommend to give this dolmen a miss.
Dolmen D45
Information: The big Dolmen D45 is situated on a hill in the forest not far from Emmen. It is really unique that the 18-meter-long dolmen still has a lot of wreath stones. It's easy to picture the original cover mound. There are also benches nearby to sit and enjoy the beauty of the dolmen and the surrounding area.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D45, Matenpad, Emmen
GPS Coordinates: 52.79168, 6.90762
Parking: To find the parking easily, please enter ‘Parkeerplaats Emmerdennen’ in Google Maps. From there you need to walk for 2 mins to reach the dolmen.
Dolmens D46 and D47
Information: Two dolmens were erected in the prehistoric era in Emmen's Angelslo neighborhood; currently, the dolmens are incorporated into the neighborhood's new construction and resemble garden ornaments more than they do as ancient archaeological sites.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Dolmen D47, Haselackers, 7824 JR Emmen
GPS Coordinates: 52.78120, 6.93786
Parking: Park in any of the designated street parking spots in the residential neighborhood and walk to the dolmens. The 2 dolmens are 7 minutes walking distance apart from each other.
Dolmen D46
Dolmen D46
Dolmen D46
Dolmen D47
Dolmen D47
Dolmen D48 - Removed from List of Dolmens
Information: Once mistakenly recognized as a dolmen, the Noordbarge stone was subsequently found to consist of just one boulder. The stone was originally listed as D48 in the list of numbered Drenthe dolmens by archaeologist Albert van Giffen, who believed it to be a capstone. D48 was taken off the list when it was discovered to be a single boulder.
Dolmen D49 - 'The Paploze Church'
Information: There's another name for this dolmen near Schoonoord - 'The Paploze Church' meaning ‘Priestless Church’ or ‘Popeless Church.’ The dolmen served as a platform for the reformed clergy's services conducted here for several centuries. There are rumors that in the sixteenth century, anti-Catholic (or anti-"popish") sermons were delivered here. People who used the monument as a quarry for building materials caused significant damage to it in the 1860s. A. E. van Giffen excavated it twice, in 1938 and 1958. He decided to restore it in 1959 so that it may serve as a model for a Dutch "hunebed" burial. Eleven of the stones were taken from other places including the ones that were transported from D33 removing the already half-destroyed D33 completely. The dolmen is partially hidden by a pile of sand, just as it was when it was first constructed. The dolmen distinctly depicts the original design of the gate. Looking at this dolmen is worthwhile because you can actually sit in the burial vault of this monument. The dolmen is easily visible as you stroll into the woodland.
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: Dolmen D49 "Church without papists", De Papeloze Kerk Schoonoord
GPS Coordinates: 52.82007, 6.77388
Parking: You will see a restaurant on your right when driving on the Slenerweg from Schoonoord where you can park your car and walk to the dolmen.
Dolmens D50 and D51
Information: There is an incredibly gorgeous dolmen D50 in Noord-Sleen on a field next to the agricultural farms. With several wreath stones, it is nearly finished. There is a bench next to the dolmen where you can observe and take in the dolmen in silence. D51 is not as striking as dolmen D50 since a large number of stones are missing from D51.
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: Dolmen D50, Hunebedweg, Noord-Sleen
GPS Coordinates: 52.79609, 6.78723
Parking: You can park anywhere on the road next to the dolmens. There are only farms around. So you will have no trouble.
Dolmen D50
Dolmen D50
Dolmen D51
Dolmen D52
Information: Diever hosts a medium-sized dolmen that has been fully restored. It has been well-maintained and is nearly finished. There once was a similar dolmen on the other side of Diever, but only a small mound remained on that site.
Recommendation: Should-Visit
Address: Dolmen D52 in Diever, Groningerweg 3, 7981 LA Diever
GPS Coordinates: 52.85895, 6.33113
Parking: As you approach the dolmen you will see a small public parking (just a couple of spaces) where you can park for free. The dolmen is right next to the parking.
Dolmens D53 and D54
Information: Havelte is home to the third-largest dolmen in the Netherlands. The only dolmen that was harmed during the WWII is D53. The stones were moved at the time because the German Air Force intended to use this place for an airport. The dolmen was dug up and reassembled after the airport was bombed. Situated on the border of a heathland, the nearly complete dolmen (which’s one of the few in this area of Drenthe, along with dolmen D54 and D52) is roughly eighteen meters long.
D54 which’s just diagonally opposite to D53 (on the other side of the road) is a little bit smaller than D53. It is situated in the center of a little grassy space that is bordered by sand. The little sandy plain surrounding these dolmens is encircled by heathland, small trees, and meadows, making it an ideal place to stroll. Because Dolmen D53 and D54 are complete, well-maintained, and spectacular, they should not be missed on your dolmen route.
Recommendation: Must-Visit
Address: Dolmen D53, Hunebeddenweg, Darp
GPS Coordinates: 52.79259, 6.21814
Parking: There is a medium-sized public parking at a distance of a 3-minute walk from the dolmens where you can park for free. However, on a sunny weekend, the parking can be busy as families with kids often visit this dolmen.
Dolmen D53
Dolmen D53
Dolmen D53
Dolmen D54
Dolmen G1
Information: The Dolmen G1 situated in the Dutch province of Groningen, is among the best-preserved dolmens in the Netherlands at more than five millennia old.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Hunebed G1, Noordlaren
GPS Coordinates: 53.11585, 6.65923
Parking: When I visited the Dolmen G1 in 2021, there was work going on the road and hence the road to the dolmen was blocked for cars. So I had to park at 30 minutes walking distance to the dolmen. If the road work is now finished, I hope you should be able to park closer to the dolmen.
Dolmen G2, G3, and G4 - Destroyed
Information: Albert van Giffen had also numbered the dolmens in Glimmen and Noordlaren in the province of Groningen as G2, G3, and G4 but they later vanished.
Dolmen G5
Information: The northernmost and final dolmen found in the Netherlands is called Dolmen G5. Under the direction of Heveskesklooster, archaeologists from the University of Groningen excavated it in the Oosterhoek of Delfzijl in 1982. They were searching for the remnants of a Johannite Order monastery.
Six side stones, one closing stone, and three capstones make up the dolmen. This kind of dolmen is known as an extended dolmen or a rectangular dolmen, and it is the only one in the Netherlands. When the dolmen was found, it had already been somewhat disrupted; the damage dates to a time before 2200 BC.
Dolmen G5 was unable to stay at its original location due to the belief that the Oosterhorn industrial area would advance from Delfzijl to that place. It is currently housed in the Delfzijl Museum Aquarium. The accompanying Neolithic stone box is kept in the Hunebedcentrum in Borger after being detached from the dolmen. This archaeological monument's dismantling and destruction is a noteworthy modern exception.
Recommendation: Could-Visit
Address: Delfzijl Museum Aquarium, Zeebadweg 7A, 9933 AV Delfzijl
GPS Coordinates: 53.33572, 6.92690
Parking: Delfzijl Museum Aquarium has a dedicated parking lot where you can park and enter the museum.
The ‘Dolmen (Hunebed) Route’
Visiting the Dolmens by Car
The easiest way to explore the dolmens is by car. As I mentioned at the start of the article, if you want to visit all/some of these dolmens by car, I’ve created a route for it that I’ve named the ‘Dolmen (Hunebed) Route’ where I’ve mentioned in what sequence you need to visit the dolmens to make it most efficient in terms of driving distances. So here it is. Jump on behind the wheels of your car and follow the sequence to explore all 54 prehistoric dolmens (hunebedden) of the Netherlands!
The numbers in the map above denote a sequence of travel across the dolmens as provided below -
Dolmens D53 and D54 (GPS Coordinates - 52.79259, 6.21814)
Dolmen D52 (GPS Coordinates - 52.85895, 6.33113)
Dolmen D1 (GPS Coordinates - 53.10493, 6.41046)
Dolmen D2 (GPS Coordinates - 53.05585, 6.44580)
Dolmen D5 (GPS Coordinates - 53.06196, 6.53122)
Dolmen D6 (GPS Coordinates - 53.07496, 6.62948)
Dolmens D3 and D4 (GPS Coordinates - 53.10803, 6.67245)
Dolmen G1 (GPS Coordinates - 53.11585, 6.65923)
Dolmen D9 (GPS Coordinates - 53.06150, 6.71561)
Dolmen D8 (GPS Coordinates - 53.059964, 6.69929)
Dolmen D7 (GPS Coordinates - 53.061321, 6.68455)
Dolmen D10 (GPS Coordinates - 53.04250, 6.65795)
Dolmen D11 (GPS Coordinates - 53.03023, 6.70793)
Dolmen D12 (GPS Coordinates - 53.01491, 6.72377)
Dolmen D13 (GPS Coordinates - 53.01137, 6.72709)
Dolmen D14 (GPS Coordinates - 53.00180, 6.73047)
Dolmen D17 and D18 (GPS Coordinates - 52.99006, 6.64890)
Dolmen D15 (GPS Coordinates - 53.02275, 6.61292)
Dolmen D16 (GPS Coordinates - 53.00036, 6.61886)
Dolmens D19 and D20 (GPS Coordinates - 52.95229, 6.78483)
Dolmens D21 and D22 (GPS Coordinates - 52.94427, 6.80034)
Dolmens D23, D24, and D25 (GPS Coordinates - 52.94443, 6.80303)
Dolmen D26 (GPS Coordinates - 52.94320, 6.77452)
Dolmen D27 (GPS Coordinates - 52.93020, 6.79746)
Dolmens D28 and D29 (GPS Coordinates - 52.92570, 6.81146)
Dolmen D30 (GPS Coordinates - 52.89161, 6.84589)
Dolmen D49 "The Paploze Church" (GPS Coordinates - 52.82007, 6.77388)
Dolmens D50 and D51 (GPS Coordinates - 52.79609, 6.78723)
Dolmen D31 (GPS Coordinates - 52.86784, 6.87080)
Dolmen D32 (GPS Coordinates - 52.85692, 6.83945)
Dolmen D35 (GPS Coordinates - 52.83527, 6.87087)
Dolmen D34 (GPS Coordinates - 52.84260, 6.86736)
Dolmens D36 and D37 (GPS Coordinates - 52.83980, 6.89454)
Dolmens D38, D39, and D40 (GPS Coordinates - 52.81113, 6.88747)
Dolmen D41 (GPS Coordinates - 52.79993, 6.88584)
Dolmen D42 (GPS Coordinates - 52.79581, 6.87011)
Dolmen D43 (GPS Coordinates - 52.79330, 6.88711)
Dolmen D44 (GPS Coordinates - 52.78771, 6.87220)
Dolmen D45 (GPS Coordinates - 52.79168, 6.90762)
Dolmens D46 and 47 (GPS Coordinates - 52.78120, 6.93786)
Dolmen G5 (GPS Coordinates - 53.33572, 6.92690)
Visiting the Dolmens by Public Transport
If you are planning to visit the dolmens by public transport, I recommend you to visit the Hunebed Center next to the biggest Dolmen D27 in the Netherlands. At the Hunebed Center, you can learn a lot of fascinating facts about the Drenthe dolmens, especially dolmen D27, explore historical artifacts, and engage in interactive games suitable for both young and elderly. But before you visit the Dolmen Center, please visit their website drenthe.nl/hunebedcentrum to check their opening hours since they are not open everyday! To visit the Hunebed Center by public transport, take Bus 24 to ‘Winschoten via Borger’ from Assen Train Station, and get down at ‘Borger, De Drift,’ and walk 15 minutes to the Hunebed Center.
From the Hunebed Center, you can walk 3 minutes to D27, the biggest dolmen in the Netherlands, and another half an hour to D28 and D29. Visiting all other dolmens by public transport can be difficult. So I will not recommend it.
What to do at and around the Dolmens?
I know in our minds this question always hovers around, especially if we have kids. So here’s the answer to the most sought-after question in the world. What to do at the dolmens?
For me, the biggest attraction to visiting the dolmens is not the dolmens themselves but the experience of walking through forests and farmlands and discovering them amidst the serene landscape, especially during sunset.
See the dolmens up close, click a few pictures, and learn about their history in the signposts standing beside each dolmen.
You can also get some food and picnic near the dolmens on the open meadows and grasslands and spend a lazy afternoon with your family reading books or playing board games.
The kids can enjoy themselves by the massive stones, playing hide and seek under them, or climbing them to have an adventure. Don’t worry, it’s not a disrespect towards the ancient burial sites as per the local culture. Even I thought so initially, but then the locals told me that their kids do the same, and only then we jumped on to our very own adventure. And the stones weigh 20,000 kg each, and I hope you are not capable of harming them or dismantling the dolmens. So get going!
Epilogue
So that brings us to the end of our guide to visit all 54 prehistoric dolmens of the Netherlands located in the provinces of Drenth and Groningen. Please let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this article.
And if you want to explore more such hidden gems in the Netherlands, please read our article Netherlands Off The Beaten Track | 39 Best Hidden Gems in the Netherlands. Until then, merry traveling and happy shooting!
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