Planetron & Dwingeloo Radio Telescope

In Dwingeloo, on the edge of the Dwingelderveld, you can travel quite literally to the stars. A short drive from Bed & Wijn in IJhorst, you will find a surprising combination of astronomy, science history and Drenthe nature here — fun for young and old. Whether the weather is clear or rainy, an outing to Dwingeloo is always full of discovery and wonder about the universe.

The Planetron: observatory and planetarium

The Planetron is an observatory and planetarium where you explore the universe beneath a great dome. During a show you travel past planets, stars and galaxies, learning about the universe in a playful way. It is a treat for curious children and adults alike, and moreover a fine alternative for a rainy day. The shows manage to bring complex astronomy close in an accessible, visual way.

The historic radio telescope

Nearby stands the historic radio telescope of Dwingeloo, which was the largest in the world when it came into use in the 1950s. The striking dish is a national monument and is still used by radio amateurs and astronomers today. On the heath of the Dwingelderveld the telescope forms an impressive silhouette — a special piece of Dutch science history. Important discoveries about the structure of our own Milky Way were made with this telescope in the past.

A window on the universe

What makes Dwingeloo so special is the combination of two worlds: the modern planetarium in which you travel virtually through space, and the venerable telescope that once stood at the frontiers of science. Together they tell the story of how humanity came to know the universe ever more deeply. For children it is an accessible introduction to astronomy, and for adults a fascinating look at the history of science.

Dark night sky

The Dwingelderveld is among the darkest places in the Netherlands, which means the starry sky is beautifully visible here on clear nights. On a cloudless evening you can see countless stars with the naked eye, and even the band of the Milky Way. Therefore, combine a visit to the Planetron with a walk across the heath of the Dwingelderveld for a complete day of nature and astronomy.

Astronomy and nature in one region

The surroundings of Dwingeloo invite you to make a whole day of it. Besides the Dwingelderveld, the expansive Drents-Friese Wold is also within easy reach, likewise a dark-sky area par excellence. In this way you can head into nature by day and admire the stars in the evening, all from the same peaceful Drenthe region.

Fun for the whole family

An outing to Dwingeloo is ideally suited to families. The planetarium shows appeal to children with their spectacular images, while parents are swept along in the wonders of the universe. Because the Planetron is largely indoors, it is moreover an excellent choice for a day when the weather disappoints — indoors, after all, the universe is always clear.

A surprising outing from the farm

From Bed & Wijn, Dwingeloo is reachable in about half an hour, a lovely destination for a day out that is just a little different. In the evening you return to your suite in the Reest valley — perhaps with a glance up at the stars, and a glass of wine in hand. View the suites and plan your stay in this atmospheric, star-filled region via booking.