Into Nature Art Expedition

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Description

If you’re looking for a cultural experience that blends outdoor adventure with contemporary art, the Into Nature Art Expedition in Assen, Netherlands is one of the most distinctive museum trips you can take. Unlike traditional museums, Into Nature is an art expedition—installations and sculptures are scattered throughout picturesque landscapes in Drenthe, meaning that every step you take unveils something unexpected. 

When I visited, the sense of discovery was palpable. You’re not just observing art on the wall—you’re trekking through forests, over heathlands, and past secluded lakes, encountering works by celebrated international artists seamlessly woven into the environment. The expedition’s headquarters are located at Brink 3, right in heart of Assen, but the art itself invites you out into Dutch countryside.

With no static collection or typical museum halls, each edition of Into Nature feels like a one-of-a-kind event. As you wander, you might stumble across sound installations in mossy woods, or see kinetic sculptures set against sweeping fields. Every two years, the expedition’s route changes, meaning the landscape and the curated works constantly evolve. In my experience, the blend of unspoiled nature and contemporary artwork created an energetic yet contemplative atmosphere—perfect if you want to see the creative side of the Netherlands outside the usual gallery walls.

Key Features

• Outdoor art adventure: The exhibition turns the nature reserves around Drenthe into a living, changing art trail. Rather than simply viewing, you engage directly with each piece in its unique setting.
• Rotating themes and installations: Each edition of Into Nature is tied to new themes and different international artists, making every expedition distinct from the last.
• Routes for all abilities: While some art pieces require a bit of rambling off the beaten path, many parts of the route are accessible for both casual walkers and those using mobility aids. The experience is as flexible as you want it to be.
• Integration with Dutch landscape: The artworks intentionally respond to and interact with the woods, moors, and waterways, often using local materials or referencing regional history and ecology.
• Informative audio guides: Available in several languages, the audio guides share background stories, artist insights, and surprising facts about the area, enriching the exploration.
• Family-friendly exploration: There are interactive elements and workshops in some editions, aimed at engaging children and families—so you don’t have to leave anyone behind.
• No on-site restaurant: While there’s no eating facility at the main site, the expeditions encourage you to pack a lunch or sample the food spots in nearby villages—a nice way to mingle with locals and sustain your adventure.

Best Time to Visit

While Drenthe’s landscapes are beautiful year-round, the Into Nature Art Expedition usually takes place in the late spring through early autumn. My favorite time to go is in late June or early September—there’s plenty of daylight to enjoy the trails, and the crowds feel lighter than in midsummer. The natural backdrop is especially lush at this time, which enhances the interaction between art and its surroundings.

Keep in mind the exhibition doesn’t run year-round; it’s a biennial event, with a new edition every two years. I always recommend checking the official schedule before planning your trip. If you’re hoping to catch the current edition, arrive in the morning to get a head start on the route, especially if you like a leisurely pace and time for photos.

A quick weather tip: Dutch summers can be unpredictable, so pack a light rain jacket just in case. Some installations are more atmospheric when skies are dramatic—I was caught in a gentle drizzle once, and the woods felt almost enchanted.

How to Get There

Getting to the Into Nature Art Expedition is straightforward. The starting point is Brink 3, 9401 HS Assen, in the capital city of Drenthe. Assen is well-connected—if you’re coming by train, it’s just a 20-minute walk from Assen station to the main headquarters. Plenty of buses also run from the station to central Assen, making it accessible even if you’re without a car.

If you’re driving, there’s ample parking in and around Assen. Many visitors opt to rent a bicycle for the art routes, and I highly recommend this: cycling is part of the Dutch experience, and local rental shops can sort you out quickly. The starting points and information hubs for each year’s exhibition are clearly marked, and once you pick up your route map or audio guide, you’re ready to set out.

For those staying longer in the area, you’ll find that the art installations span multiple locations across the Drenthe region. Each segment of the expedition can be explored as a loop, or you can cherry-pick the sections that interest you most. I’ve met visitors who planned entire weekends around different clusters of the route, using public transportation or bike for easy transitions between locations.

Tips for Visiting

After spending a day (and often, much longer) exploring the Into Nature Art Expedition, I’ve picked up a few tips that I always pass along to fellow travelers:

• Dress for the outdoors: The terrain can range from easy gravel paths to muddy woodland trails, depending on the weather. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential—I wouldn’t recommend sandals or anything you wouldn’t want splashed with a bit of Drenthe mud.
• Bring your own snacks and water: Because there’s no on-site restaurant, I pack a picnic and plenty of water. Scenic spots to take a break are plentiful, and there’s something special about enjoying lunch in the middle of a forest, surrounded by contemporary art.
• Download the app or audio guide in advance: The audio guides add so much context to each piece. If you’re not confident with network coverage in the countryside, downloading everything beforehand saves frustration.
• Check accessibility routes: If you or your companions have mobility needs, check which parts of the route are paved or suitable for wheelchairs. Maps at the headquarters and on the website are up to date and clearly marked.
• Plan for all weather: Even in summer, the Netherlands can surprise you with a chill breeze or passing shower. I bring a fold-up raincoat and a hat, just in case.
• Respect the natural environment: Part of what makes Into Nature special is how gently the art interacts with the landscape. Leave no trace—carry out all rubbish, and avoid picking flowers or disturbing the installations.
• Chat with volunteers and locals: The event is staffed with passionate guides who share insights you won’t find in the guidebook. I always learn something new from a quick chat at the information points.
• Photography is encouraged—but slow down: It’s tempting to snap everything, but my best memories come from pausing and really soaking in each site. Some works in the thick of the forest are easy to overlook unless you take your time.

The Into Nature Art Expedition is more than a museum—it’s an outdoor journey through the creative heart of Drenthe. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary art, the Dutch countryside, or both, you’ll come away with a totally fresh perspective on what a museum can be. Just remember: it’s an experience to savor, one trail and one sculpture at a time.