Welcome to Drenthe and Hoogeveen – Host of the Basalt Women’s World Blitz & Superblitz Draughts Championship 2025

Dear draughts enthusiasts, players, and visitors from the Netherlands and around the world,

A warm welcome to Drenthe, a province rich in history, nature, and sporting ambition! We are proud to host the Basalt Women’s World Blitz & Superblitz Draughts Championship (WWC) in Hoogeveen, a city renowned for its dedication to mind sports and innovation. Here, in the heart of Drenthe, top-level sports meet a stunning environment full of peace and space.

Drenthe: A Province to Discover
Drenthe is known for its picturesque landscapes, vast natural areas, and rich history. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, or culture, there is something for everyone. The province is home to the oldest monuments in the Netherlands: the mysterious hunebeds. These impressive prehistoric burial structures are scattered across Drenthe and remind us of a time thousands of years ago.

Hoogeveen: A City of Mind Sports
Hoogeveen is not only a dynamic city with a vibrant cultural scene but also a place where sports, especially mind sports, are highly valued. The city invests significantly in sports and talent development, particularly in draughts.

The Hoogeveen Draughts Club is among the most active and successful draughts associations in the Netherlands. With a strong youth training program and a rich tradition in national and international competitions, Hoogeveen is truly a draughts city. Young and old alike gather here to hone their strategic skills and share their passion for the game.

Van Gogh and Hoogeveen
Did you know that Vincent van Gogh spent some time in Hoogeveen? This period inspired some of his early paintings featuring the Drenthe landscape as a backdrop. Visitors can still experience the atmosphere that fascinated him so much. The vast fields, the play of light and shadow, and the rustic beauty of Drenthe provide a unique setting for an inspiring stay.

Enjoy Nature and Activities
Beyond the draughts championships, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy nature. Drenthe is known as the cycling province of the Netherlands. With hundreds of kilometers of cycling paths, you can ride through forests, across heathlands, and past picturesque villages. Hikers can also enjoy the many nature reserves, such as Dwingelderveld National Park, where heathlands, ponds, and flocks of sheep define the landscape.

A Warm Welcome to All Visitors
Whether you are here to compete for the world title or to enjoy the atmosphere and surroundings, you are warmly welcomed in Hoogeveen and Drenthe. Be inspired by the combination of sports, nature, and culture, and experience the unique hospitality of this region. We wish all participants the best of luck and all visitors a fantastic time in Drenthe!

Enjoy and succeed at the Women’s World Blitz & Superblitz Draughts Championship!

Tourist info: https://www.drenthe.nl/vvv-tourist-info