A Day in Emmen Full of Nature, Culture, and Fun

A day in Emmen is a day full of variety. You’ll find culture, nature, and even adventure. The city is surrounded by greenery and has a lively downtown with shops, restaurants, and cozy outdoor patios. Are you heading out with your family, partner, or friends? Then there’s plenty to do. You can choose between the hustle and bustle of downtown Emmen or the tranquility of nature—or, of course, combine the two!

Plan your day in Emmen now with this list of favorites:

Discover the highlights of a day trip to Emmen

Are you looking for action or relaxation? In and around Emmen, you can explore nature, meet animals, and take a leisurely stroll through the greenery.

WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen

At WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen , you’ll take a trip around the world in just one day! You’ll walk from the jungle to the savanna and on to the polar regions. You’ll see elephants, meerkats, and polar bears. This park remains a favorite for the whole family! Kids can burn off their energy and have a blast playing in the adventure zones.

Walking through Rensenpark

Right next to WILDLANDS is Rensenpark, a green oasis right in the heart of downtown. Where the old zoo once stood, you’ll now find studios, galleries, and small shops. Are you an art lover? Rensenpark regularly hosts exhibitions and workshops. Artists also work here in open studios. In short: it’s the perfect spot for a stroll, a picnic, or a dose of inspiration.

Relax and explore in the Emmerdennen

Enjoy peace, woods, and nature in the Emmerdennen. This centuries-old forest is within walking distance of downtown Emmen and features beautiful hiking trails, sand drifts, and scenic overlooks. Tip: The “Boom tot bos” hiking trail takes you past the forest’s most beautiful spots, and you’ll not only get some fresh air but also learn a thing or two along the way.

Art and Culture in the Emmen Region

There’s plenty of history, art, and culture in the Emmen area! Discover surprising stories in the many museums. Are you a fan of creativity? Then you’re in for a treat.

Top Picks Among the museums in Emmeninclude the Van Gogh House, the Brands Collection Museum, and the Industrial Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum. Each museum has its own unique character and tells a different story about Drenthe.

At DIEP Emmen, located in Rensenpark, you can view contemporary visual art and participate in creative workshops. Also, at Facet Emmen , there’s always something going on: from music lessons to dance and theater.

Market, restaurants, and shops in downtown Emmen

A day in Emmen isn’t complete without lunch, dinner, or a visit to that one cute little shop in the city center. In the charming city center, everything is within walking distance of each other. You’ll find a mix of well-known brands, local boutiques, and restaurants.

On Fridays, there’s the Friday Market, the largest market in the Northern Netherlands with over a hundred stalls. Here you can find local products, flowers, clothing, and delicious food.

In De Weiert Shopping Center, you can shop under cover. With a variety of stores and cafés all under one roof, it’s always a lively atmosphere here, even when it rains. Is the rain over? Then you can easily stroll on to the lively Raadhuisplein and Hoofdstraat. Next to the ATLAS Theater, there are plenty of outdoor seating areas. The perfect spot to combine a coffee break with people-watching. Sounds like a plan, right?

Grab a bite to eat in the heart of Emmen

No day trip to Emmen is complete without good food and drinks. Our tip? Start your morning with breakfast at Fletcher Hotel By Zoo, overlooking Raadhuisplein.

For coffee and a treat, Barista Café is a great spot. This cozy coffee shop always has homemade cake ready to go. For lunch, head to Sisters, where they serve fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads.

During happy hour, stop by De Brasserie on Marktplein. Staying for dinner? Then try Cublay, where Asian and European cuisines come together. And for a relaxing end to the evening and a delicious cocktail, head to Tranquilo: tropical atmosphere, laid-back music, and great company.

Check out all places to eat and drink in Emmen

A Day in Emmen: What’s on your agenda?

Choose what suits you best and enjoy yourself to the fullest!

For nature lovers

Take a walking trail through the Bargerveen or hop on a bike in the UNESCO Geopark De Hondsrug. Here, you’ll experience Drenthe’s nature at its best.

For culture lovers

Visit the Van Gogh House or an exhibition at Rensenpark. Finish off with coffee at Barista Café.

For families

Combine a visit to WILDLANDS with a walk through Rensenpark or a train ride at the Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum.

Emmen in the Evening: Theater, Movies, or a Terrace

Round out your day in Emmen with an evening full of atmosphere!

Catch a show at the ATLAS Theater. Here, everything from cabaret to family theater takes the stage. Or head to Kinepolis Emmen, where you can catch the latest movies in modern theaters.

Love the outdoors? Then take a stroll through the beautifully lit city center or settle in at a cozy outdoor café.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip to Emmen

The city center and many attractions are within walking distance of the Emmen train station. If you want to explore nature, such as the Bargerveen, it’s best to go by car.

Parking is easy at Willinkplein or Westerstraat.

For more helpful information about accessibility, parking, and transportation.

Tip: Be sure to check out the event calendar for Emmen to find current events, markets, and festivals.