The Best Attractions in Emmen
Emmen is where culture, nature, and adventure come together! This green city in southeastern Drenthe offers a wide variety of attractions, all within easy reach of one another. This creates a wonderful blend of city life and nature, perfect for all ages. Whether you’re a fan of animals, art, history, biking, or hiking.
Discover the highlights of Emmen
Zoo, theater, and park: these are the most famous attractions in Emmen:
WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen
Emmen’s biggest attraction is, without a doubt, WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen. Here, you can take a trip around the world in a single day. You’ll walk among elephants, monkeys, and lions, take a boat ride through the jungle, and ride the Tweestryd roller coaster in the desert world. The park is located right next to downtown, so you can easily combine your visit with a drink on a patio or a meal out.
ATLAS Theater
Right in the heart of downtown, you’ll find the modern ATLAS Theater. This theater is one of Emmen’s most striking attractions, featuring cabaret, musicals, and dance performances. Many visitors combine a show with a drink at Raadhuisplein, where it’s always pleasantly bustling.
Rensenpark
Rensenpark in Emmen is the former Noorderdierenpark and is now a public city park. Many traces of the past are still visible in the park, such as old paths and animal enclosures. Amid the trees and open spaces, there’s plenty of room to walk, have a picnic, and relax. Children can have fun at one of the playgrounds. The park provides a green oasis right in the heart of Emmen.
Culture and History in Emmen
In and around Emmen, you can learn all about the history of Drenthe and visit unique museums. From modern performances to centuries-old hunebeds, you won’t want to miss these tips:
Van Gogh House
Vincent van Gogh stayed in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord, just outside Emmen, in 1883. In the original guesthouse, you can see his room and read stories about his time in Drenthe. The Van Gogh House is an inspiring place for art lovers and one of the most unique must-see attractions around Emmen.
Hunebeds near Emmen and Valthe
Prehistoric burial monuments are located along the outskirts of Emmen: the hunebeds near Emmen and Valthe. These gigantic stones are thousands of years old and are situated among forests and heathland. There are various hiking and biking trails that pass by the hunebeds. The D45 hunebed near Emmen, in particular, is easily accessible and impressive to see.
Grote Kerk Emmen
Right in the heart of downtown, on Marktplein, stands the Grote Kerk of Emmen. The 14th-century building is the oldest in the city and now serves as a cultural venue for concerts and exhibitions. You can attend performances, lectures, and exhibitions there.
Peace and Space: Nature Near Emmen
From Emmen, you can easily walk, drive, or bike right into nature. From the lively bustle to the great outdoors! Enjoy forests, sand drifts, and vast peatlands, all steeped in history.
Bargerveen
One of the most beautiful nature reserves is the Bargerveen, part of Veenland National Park. Here, you can walk along boardwalks through the peatlands while enjoying the birds and the view. At the sheepfold, you can see the flock and have lunch at Restaurant Wollegras.
Emmerdennen
From downtown Emmen, you can easily walk or bike to the Emmerdennen . This wooded area is known for its short hiking trails, sand drifts, and scenic overlooks. It’s a wonderful place to get some fresh air or enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
Practical Tips for Your Visit to Emmen
Most attractions in Emmen are within walking distance of the city center or the train station. For places outside the city, such as the Van Gogh House or the Bargerveen, a car is handy. Parking in Emmen is easy at Willinkplein or Westerstraat. Check out Emmen’s parking tips for more information.
Also check out the events calendar in Emmen for upcoming events, exhibitions, and markets. That way, you’ll get even more out of your visit to Emmen’s best attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attractions in Emmen
What are the most popular attractions in Emmen?
The most famous attractions are WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen, the ATLAS Theater, Rensenpark, and the Van Gogh House. In addition, the hunebeds and nature reserves such as the Bargerveen and the Emmerdennen are very popular and, according to experts, are must-sees.
Where can you park in Emmen?
In the city center, you can park at Willinkplein or Westerstraat. From there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to WILDLANDS, the ATLAS Theater, and Rensenpark.
What can you do in the Emmen area?
Around Emmen, you’ll find museums, nature, and plenty to do for the whole family. Take a walk through the Bargerveen, visit the dolmens near Valthe, or follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps in Nieuw-Amsterdam.
