{"id":4130,"date":"2026-02-09T13:27:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T12:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/?post_type=activiteiten&p=4130"},"modified":"2026-02-09T13:27:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T12:27:13","slug":"emmerdennen","status":"publish","type":"activiteiten","link":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/activities\/emmerdennen\/","title":{"rendered":"Emmerdennen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Emmerdennen: a forest full of stories<\/h1>\n

Right next to Emmen\u2019s vibrant city centre lies a surprising oasis of calm: the Emmerdennen. A beautiful forest area with ancient sand dunes, mysterious pines, and centuries-old stories. Locals affectionately call it \u201cLittle Switzerland\u201d \u2014 and with good reason. <\/p>\n

Here, you can walk past the impressive hunebed D45, across sand dunes such as the Haantjeduin (31 metres above sea level), and through forests once planted to keep drifting sands under control. A piece of Drenthe full of nature and history \u2014 right next to the city. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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\"\" From drifting sand to city forest<\/span><\/h2>\n

In the 19th century, local farmers decided to tame the drifting sands. They covered the bare soil with sods and planted Scots pines. With success: the shifting sands of Emmerzand were stabilised and gradually grew into the forest we now know as the Emmerdennen \u2014 a place where mosses, ferns, and mushrooms thrive beneath the canopy. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n

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\"\" Highlights of the area<\/span><\/h2>\n