Things to Do in Emmen: Discover What You Can Do Today

Looking for a fun activity in Emmen? Here, you can take a boat ride through the peatlands, go on a safari at WILDLANDS, or stroll through the historic downtown. Everything is within easy reach and can be easily combined. Whether you’re coming for nature, culture, or just a nice day outdoors.

20 Things to Do in Emmen

Active Outings in and Around Emmen

Want to enjoy some time outdoors? Emmen offers plenty of opportunities. Here, you can easily go for a walk or bike ride right into nature. But if you’re looking for something athletic or exciting to do, this is the place for you, too.

• Cycling and Hiking Through the Bargerveen: Hop on your bike and explore the Bargerveen. You’ll ride past ancient peatland landscapes, water, lookout points, and small villages. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop for a cup of coffee or a picnic.
• Boating on the Veenvaart: A peaceful and unique activity in Emmen is a boat trip. Between Erica and Ter Apel lies a special waterway: the Veenvaart. You can rent a boat yourself or join a guided tour. Along the way, you’ll see locks, bridges, and plenty of greenery.
• Climbing, go-karting, and escaping from an escape room: In the mood for some action? Go rock climbing at Outdoor Grolloo, challenge your friends on the go-kart track, or try to escape together from an escape room in Emmen. Great for a day out with friends, family, or coworkers.
• WILDLANDS: One of Emmen’s most famous attractions is WILDLANDS. This zoo is located right in the heart of the city and features different parts of the world. You’ll travel from the jungle to the savanna, spot polar bears, and go on an adventurous safari tour. It’s an activity in Emmen for all ages.
• Events and Festivals: Did you know that Emmen hosts more than 300 events each year? From music festivals to food truck festivals and sports tournaments, there’s something going on all year round. Check out the event calendar for all upcoming events here.

Art and Culture: Another Side of Emmen

Emmen is also a place rich in culture and history. Here you’ll find art, heritage, and remarkable stories in places you won’t soon forget.

• Rensenpark: Rensenpark is now located on the site of Emmen’s old zoo. Here you’ll find artists’ studios, workshops, and exhibitions. It’s a nice place to stroll through or just pop in for a quick look.
• Van Gogh in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord: Did you know that Vincent van Gogh lived in Emmen for a while? The original Van Gogh house is located in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord. You can visit it and get a glimpse into his time in Drenthe.
• UNESCO Geopark: The Hondsrug is the only UNESCO Geopark in the Netherlands. Here, you can hike among dolmens, burial mounds, and ancient traces of the past. At the Hunebedcentrum in Borger, you can learn more about prehistory and how this landscape was formed.
• Brands Museum Collection: The home of collector Jans Brands is located in Nieuw-Dordrecht. Here, you can literally walk through his former home, which is filled with unique items: books, photographs, old household objects, and more.

Need a break? Here are some relaxing activities in Emmen

Sometimes you just want to do nothing for a while. You can do that in Emmen, too. There are plenty of places to relax, whether outdoors or indoors.

• Relax at the Bourtanger Moor: This is a unique nature reserve where you can hike for hours. Spot rare birds, vast peatland landscapes, and beautiful sunsets. This area is also easily accessible by bike.
• Picnicking in the Emmerdennen or at the Grote Rietplas: The Emmerdennen Forest is located near downtown. Here, you can go for a walk and have a picnic among the trees. Or bring a blanket to the Grote Rietplas, where you can sunbathe, swim, or simply enjoy the view and gaze out at the water.
• Wellness or the movies: You can also enjoy a relaxing day indoors. Choose a trip to the sauna, go to the movies, or visit the ATLAS Theater. Round off the evening with dinner on the Marktplein for a complete night out.

Shopping and strolling through the market

Prefer to just wander around? There’s plenty to discover for anyone who enjoys shopping or wants to explore local products. The city center is easy to navigate and charming, with shops, restaurants, and markets. So, one of the things to do in Emmen can simply be some relaxing shopping.

• Shopping in downtown Emmen: In the city center, you’ll find well-known stores as well as small boutiques. Everything is located around the Marktplein, so it’s easy to walk around.
• Friday Market: Every Friday there’s a market in the city center, and it’s not just any market. With more than 100 stalls, it’s the largest in the northern Netherlands. You’ll find clothing, food, flowers, and more.
• Shopping in Klazienaveen or Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord: You can also enjoy great shopping outside of Emmen itself. Klazienaveen has more than 140 stores, and parking is free. In Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord, you can stroll along the waterfront from store to store. It’s a fun way to spend the day in beautiful surroundings.

Great Food and Drink in the Region

Food is part of the experience, especially on a day trip. In Emmen, there are plenty of options for a tasty break or a good dinner.

• Enjoy lunch at the Marktplein or by the Rietplas
• Try a High Tea or High Wine at one of the cozy cafés
• Visit a farm stand or market for fresh local produce
• Dine out at Café De Brasserie, the international restaurant Puur, or De Kamer

Combine your activities in Emmen and stay overnight

One of the advantages of Emmen is that everything is close together. It’s easy to combine several activities. Start the day with a walk, then have lunch in the city center, and finish with a trip to the theater or the movies.

Are you staying a little longer? If so, there are plenty of places to stay overnight. For example:

• Vacation resorts near nature reserves
• Cozy B&Bs in villages such as Erica or Weerdinge
• Hotels in the city center, within walking distance of shops and restaurants

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