Eext

Home to the highest concentration of hunebedden in all of Europe, this small village is a paradise for prehistory enthusiasts with over twenty ancient megalithic monuments preserved in the landscape. The walking routes connecting the various sites offer unique insights into Neolithic culture.

Things to do

• Hunebedden Walking Route — Follow the marked trail connecting over 20 megalithic monuments scattered across the Eext landscape, with interpretive signage explaining their Neolithic origins.
• Hunebed D27 Visit — Explore the largest and most accessible megalithic monument in Eext, a well-preserved dolmen featuring massive capstones dating back 5,000 years.
• Drents Museum Excursion — Visit the regional museum in nearby Assen to contextualize Eext's hunebedden with artifacts, exhibitions, and detailed archaeological findings from the area.
• Cycling Through Neolithic Sites — Rent a bicycle to explore the quiet country roads and forest paths linking multiple hunebedden, experiencing the prehistoric landscape as locals do.
• Balloerveld Nature Reserve — Hike through the adjacent heathland and forest reserve to appreciate the natural setting that has protected these monuments for millennia.
• Guided Archaeology Tour — Book a tour with local guides who specialize in explaining the construction methods, settlement patterns, and spiritual significance of the hunebedden.

Food to try

• Drentse Groente- en Fruitsoep — A hearty regional vegetable and fruit soup combining local seasonal produce, traditionally served warm during cooler months in Drenthe villages.
• Stamppot with Bacon — A classic Dutch comfort dish of mashed potatoes mixed with kale or vegetables and topped with crispy bacon, widely served in local restaurants.
• Eeltjesbrood — A traditional dark rye bread from the Drenthe region, often found at local bakeries and farms, valued for its dense texture and earthy flavor.
• Hunebeddenbrood — A specialty artisanal bread named after the local hunebedden monuments, made with traditional recipes and sold at regional bakeries and farm shops.
• Local Dairy Products — Sample fresh cheese and butter from nearby farms, with many still using traditional methods passed down through generations of Drenthe dairy farmers.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Sacred Sites — The hunebedden were burial chambers and spiritual places; visitors should avoid climbing on the stones and maintain quiet reverence while walking the sites.
• Best Time to Visit — Spring and early autumn offer ideal weather and clear sightlines for viewing the monuments, while summer can be crowded and winter paths may be muddy.
• Language and Local Warmth — While English is spoken in most places, locals appreciate efforts to speak Dutch; the small village community is welcoming but values quiet observation of their heritage.
• Festival Timing — Check for local cultural events in summer months when the region hosts archaeological talks, guided tours, and heritage celebrations centered around the hunebedden.