Hiking in Emmen and the Surrounding Area

In Emmen, the city and nature are completely intertwined. Within just a few minutes, you can swap the urban environment for the great outdoors. The wooded area is incredibly diverse and ideal for hikers. With various forests, sand drifts, and peatlands, you’ll discover something new on every hike.

Are you looking to get some fresh air or take a day trip through the woods? Here, in the Emmen area, you can enjoy the most beautiful hiking trails.

The 7 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in Emmen

Emmen is located in the heart of Drenthe, a province known for its hiking trails. From the city center, you can step right into nature. With over a hundred trails in the area, there’s always a hike that’s right for you. We’ve put together a list of our top trail recommendations in and around Emmen, especially for hikers.

Emmerdennen

On the outskirts of the city lies the Emmerdennen, one of the oldest forests in Drenthe. Here, sand dunes, pine trees, and scenic viewpoints alternate. For families, there are child-friendly trails, such as the Kabouterpad and the Familiepad. You’ll also find one of Emmen’s most popular hiking trails here. This trail is about 9 kilometers long and is part of the Drenthe hiking network.

Route: 9 km
Special features: historic forest, sand drifts, child-friendly

Check out the hiking route through the Emmerdennen.

Bargerveen

In the Bargerveen near Weiteveen, you can truly unwind. This unique raised bog area is part of Veenland Nature Park. Here, you’ll walk along boardwalks and across open plains, between heathland and water. The trails range from 3 to 12 kilometers. Along the way, you’ll hear birds singing and enjoy sweeping views. Trails through the Bargerveen start at the Veenloopcentrum Weiteveen, the Schaapskooi, or Restaurant Wollegras.

Route: 3 to 12 km
Special features: peatland, boardwalks, heathland

Check out the hiking trail through the Bargerveen.

Valtherbos

The Valtherbos combines nature with history, making it perfect for culture lovers. Along the route, you’ll find three hunebeds (D36, D37, and D38) nestled in the middle of the forest. The Valthe Hunebed Walk is about 8 kilometers long and takes you past these prehistoric monuments. Along the way, information signs tell you more about the area’s history.

Route: 8 km
Highlights: hunebeds

Grote Rietplas

The Grote Rietplas is located on the south side of Emmen. This recreational area, featuring water, small beaches, and woods, is the perfect spot for families or for a walk with the dog. There’s a walking trail around the lake that’s about 6 kilometers long. Tired from walking? At the Grote Rietplas, you can enjoy a picnic, go swimming, and play.

Route: 6 km
Details: water, child-friendly

Emmen City Walk

Fancy a short walk through the city center? The Emmen city walk is 5.8 kilometers long and showcases how Emmen combines culture and nature. You’ll walk past works of art, green spaces, and heritage sites. The route starts at Tourist Info Emmen, located at Raadhuisplein 99, and is part of the Drenthe Walking Collection.

Route: 5.8 km
Highlights: city walk, culture

The walk is not marked with route signs. However, you can purchase the route map for €2 at Tourist Info Emmen.

Van Gogh walking routes

Take a walk through the landscape that inspired Vincent van Gogh! The four Van Gogh trails connect the villages and nature reserves that the painter visited. The trails range in length from 8 to 17 kilometers. Along the walking routes, you’ll come across information panels and viewing windows that bring his time in Drenthe to life.

Route: 8 to 17 km
Highlights: art, culture, varied natural scenery

The walking guide “In the Footsteps of Van Gogh” is available at Tourist Info Emmen.

Drenthe Trail

Attention, avid hikers! For a longer hike, the Drenthepad is highly recommended. The section from Emmen to Oosterhesselen is 19.4 kilometers long and offers plenty of variety. This route passes through Sleen and takes you past forests, heathland, and picturesque Drenthe villages.

Route: 19.4 km
Highlights: varied scenery, picturesque villages

Walking Trails with Your Dog

With plenty of green space, Emmen is a great starting point for a walk with your dog. Dogs are welcome in many parks and nature areas. These are the most popular places to walk your dog:

• Emmerdennen: wide trails and several off-leash areas.
• Noordbargerbos: a quiet and easily navigable wooded area.
• Grote Rietplas: Dogs allowed, with places to swim.
• Bargerveen: Dogs must be kept on a leash (protected nature reserve).

Important: Please be aware that dogs must be kept on a leash in Drenthe, especially during the breeding season (March–July). Always bring water and waste bags with you.

Check out the information and walking routes for dogs.

Why is hiking in Emmen special?

Hiking in the Emmen area offers plenty of variety! The hiking trails come in different lengths, and the natural landscape is incredibly diverse. This means you’ll constantly discover a new part of the Drenthe countryside—from pine forests and sand drifts to hills and peatlands. Drenthe’s culture is also intertwined with the natural landscape here, so you can easily combine a walk with a visit to a museum. Whether you’re out with your family, your dog, or on your own, Emmen lets you experience Drenthe at its best.

Practical Tips for Hiking in Emmen

Most hiking trails in Emmen are free to access and well-marked. With these tips, you can turn every hike into a relaxing day outdoors.

Helpful tips for hikers:

• Use the Drenthe Route app to plan or download routes
• Maps and brochures are available at Tourist Info Emmen
• Parking is available at starting points such as the Emmerdennen, the Bargerveen, the Rensenpark, and Valthe

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Emmen

Where can I go for a walk in Emmen?

There are plenty of places to go for a walk in Emmen! Popular areas include the Emmerdennen, the Bargerveen, the Grote Rietplas, and the Valtherbos. City walks through Emmen start at Tourist Info Emmen.

Are there walking trails for families?

Yes, there are several family-friendly trails, such as the Kabouterpad and the Familiepad in the Emmerdennen. The loop around the Grote Rietplas is also a good option for families with children.

Can I bring my dog on the walking trails in Emmen?

Dogs are welcome in many areas. However, dogs must often be kept on a leash. There are also off-leash areas in the Emmerdennen and near the Grote Rietplas.

Are the hiking trails in the Emmen area well marked?

Most of the trails around Emmen are part of the Drenthe hiking network and are clearly marked with colored posts. For some trails, such as the city walk through Emmen, you can download a GPX file.