A Weekend Getaway in Emmen: Culture and Nature Combined
A weekend getaway in Emmen is the perfect way to get away from it all—right here in the Netherlands. Here, the lively city and the peaceful Drenthe countryside go hand in hand. Are you a culture lover, looking for a day of shopping, a stroll through nature, or a delicious meal at Raadhuisplein? The choice is yours.
Are you planning a weekend getaway with your partner, friends, or family soon? We’ve put together a list of the best tips and most fun activities for you.
Things to Do in Emmen: 5 Recommendations
A weekend getaway means it’s time for a fun activity! Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s plenty to do in Emmen. Here are our tips.
WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo
In WILDLANDS Take a trip around the world in a single day during a weekend getaway in Emmen! At this unique zoo, you can explore the savanna, the tropical rainforest, and the Arctic. Perfect for families and animal lovers.
ATLAS Theater
Fancy a night at the theater? Enjoy a performance at the modern ATLAS Theater at Raadhuisplein. Every weekend, surprising acts take the stage here. Van cabaret tot concert!
City walk through Emmen
Join art and culture enthusiasts on a city walk. Discover the stories behind the squares and works of art in the city center. Pick up a map at Tourist Info Emmen or join a guided walking tour.
Escape Room, bowling or pool
If you really want to get to know each other better, a little competition isn’t a bad idea. Test how strong your teamwork is in a Escape Room or go bowling at Bowl & Fun Emmen or Parc Sandur. For a relaxing evening, you can also visit Poolcentrum Emmen.
The Friday Market in the heart of Emmen
Every Friday, downtown Emmen transforms into a lively market filled with fresh, local products. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend getaway, with a warm stroopwafel in hand.
Nature in Emmen: Get some fresh air and recharge
Emmen is surrounded by nature. In just a few minutes, you’ll find yourself amidst heathland, forests, and ponds. Here, you can enjoy the peace and quiet and recharge your batteries.
Bargerveen
In the Het Bargerveen Nature Reserve you’ll walk along boardwalks through peatlands and heathland. The viewpoints offer stunning views. Working up an appetite? Then stop for lunch at Restaurant Wollegras.
Emmerdennen
The Emmerdennen is located within walking distance of the city center. A hilly forest with hiking trails, picnic spots, and even an old sand dune. The perfect place to get some fresh air during your weekend getaway in Emmen.
Culture in Emmen: museums with character
Did you know that Emmen has a history? Amid the peatlands of Drenthe, you’ll discover new stories time and again—from the past and the present.
Van Gogh House Nieuw-Amsterdam
In Nieuw-Amsterdam, you can literally follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps. At the Van Gogh House, you can see where the painter lived and worked in 1883. The rooms, the light, and the view of the Drenthe countryside make it clear why he felt at home here.
Brands Museum Collection
In Nieuw-Dordrecht, a surprising museum full of personal history awaits. Museum Collectie Brands originated from the collection of a single man, Jans Brands, and includes thousands of books, documents, and everyday objects. A unique glimpse into the past!
Erica Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum
We recommend the Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum in Erica to fans of historic technology! Here you can see how the peat bogs of Drenthe were once excavated and take a ride on an original narrow-gauge train. Great fun for families and anyone curious about Drenthe’s industrial past.
Downtown Emmen: shopping, dining, and relaxation
In the center of Emmen, you’ll find modern stores, local boutiques, and cozy restaurants and cafés. The peaceful atmosphere makes the city center a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. Take a seat on a terrace on Raadhuisplein or stroll through the surrounding streets.
Lunch or happy hour? Enjoy classic dishes at De Brasserie or homemade specialties at Bij Jansen & Jansen. On sunny days, you can relax outdoors with a view of the fountains and the theater.
Klazienaveen, just outside Emmen, is also well worth a visit. This charming village is home to unique shops and cozy cafés.
View all shops and restaurants in Emmen here.
Accommodations in Emmen: from city hotels to vacation resorts
Stay somewhere that suits you during your weekend getaway. Emmen offers a wide range of options, from colorful rooms at Hotel ten Cate to a quiet cottage at Center Parcs Parc Sandur.
If you prefer to stay in the city center, Fletcher Hotel Emmen is the perfect choice, located within walking distance of shops, a theater, and restaurants. Would you rather wake up to a view of the water? Then a stay at Parc Sandur or a B&B in the countryside is ideal.
Want to see more options? Read all about staying overnight in Emmen here.
Tips for a full weekend getaway in Emmen
If you want to make the most of your weekend, combine Emmen’s natural beauty and cultural attractions into two wonderful days:
- Day 1: Start the day off gently in the Emmerdennen nature reserve. In the evening, go together to a show at the ATLAS Theater or a movie at Kinepolis.
- Day 2: Explore the city, its shops, and restaurants, or visit WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo. Have dinner at a restaurant on Raadhuisplein.
Bonus tip: Turn it into a themed weekend in Emmen. Consider a culinary, nature, or cultural weekend!
Practical information
- Emmen is accessible via the A37 and by train (Emmen Centrum station).
- Most hotels and attractions offer free or discounted parking.
- Many walking and cycling routes start right in the city center and can easily be combined with each other, a visit to a museum, or another activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Weekend Getaway in Emmen
Is Emmen a big city?
Emmen is a medium-sized city. In the city center, all the shops and restaurants are within walking distance. The city center is therefore easy to navigate and compact. It only takes a few minutes to walk from the ATLAS Theater to the shopping center, the market, or a cozy outdoor café on Raadhuisplein. Nature is right around the corner, too: the Emmerdennen forest is within walking distance of the city center.
What can you do in Emmen when the weather is bad?
On a rainy day, you can head to the ATLAS Theater in Emmen for a show or a movie, explore the tropical halls of WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo, or visit one of the many museums in the area. Of course, you can also go out to eat, have a cup of coffee, or go to the movies downtown.
When is the market in Emmen?
Every Friday, there is a market in downtown Emmen. Dozens of stalls fill the square with fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies. The Friday market is a great way to kick off the weekend and a fun way to see more of Emmen.
