Assen, Provincial capital in Drenthe, Netherlands.
Assen is a provincial capital in the northeastern Netherlands that extends along the Drentsche Hoofd Canal and is surrounded by farmland. The town combines administrative quarters, residential areas, and a motorsport complex across an area of roughly 83 square kilometers (32 square miles).
The settlement began in 1258 around Marienkamp Abbey, which had moved to this site due to flooding problems in the peat regions. During the 20th century, the place transformed from a rural center into the provincial capital with expanding administrative functions.
The yearly motorcycle race shapes the town during race week, when tens of thousands of visitors arrive from across Europe and streets fill with two-wheelers. Outside these days, the center presents itself as a quiet administrative seat with wide avenues and government buildings from different centuries.
The main railway station offers regular connections to larger Dutch cities, while a dense network of bike paths links the town center with surrounding neighborhoods. Most public facilities and shops sit along the main street and are easily reached on foot or by bicycle.
The circuit has hosted motorcycle races since 1925 and ranks among the oldest still-used racing tracks worldwide. During race week, many visitors sleep in makeshift tent camps around the track and in the adjoining forests.
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