{"id":9191,"date":"2025-12-08T12:38:44","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T11:38:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/routes\/hiking-in-emmen\/"},"modified":"2026-11-12T16:36:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T15:36:37","slug":"hiking-in-emmen","status":"publish","type":"routes","link":"https:\/\/ontdekemmen.nl\/en\/routes-en\/hiking-in-emmen\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking in Emmen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Hiking in Emmen and the Surrounding Area<\/span><\/h1>\n

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\u2019ll discover something new on every hike. <\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span> <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n

\"\" The 7 Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in Emmen<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019s always a hike that\u2019s right for you. We\u2019ve put together a list of our top trail recommendations in and around Emmen, especially for hikers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Emmerdennen<\/span><\/h3>\n

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\u2019ll also find one of Emmen\u2019s most popular hiking trails here. This trail is about 9 kilometers long and is part of the Drenthe hiking network.<\/span><\/p>\n

Route: <\/b>9 km
\n<\/span>Special features: <\/b>historic forest, sand drifts, child-friendly<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out the<\/span> hiking route through the Emmerdennen<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bargerveen<\/span><\/h3>\n

In the Bargerveen near Weiteveen, you can truly unwind. This unique raised bog area is part of Veenland Nature Park. Here, you\u2019ll walk along boardwalks and across open plains, between heathland and water. The trails range from 3 to 12 kilometers. Along the way, you\u2019ll hear birds singing and enjoy sweeping views. Trails through the Bargerveen start at the Veenloopcentrum Weiteveen, the Schaapskooi, or Restaurant Wollegras.<\/span><\/p>\n

Route: <\/b>3 to 12 km
\n<\/span>Special features: <\/b>peatland, boardwalks, heathland<\/span><\/p>\n

Check out the <\/span>hiking trail through the Bargerveen<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Valtherbos<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Valtherbos combines nature with history, making it perfect for culture lovers. Along the route, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s history.<\/span><\/p>\n

Route: <\/b>8 km
\n<\/span>Highlights: <\/b>hunebeds<\/span><\/p>\n

Grote Rietplas<\/span><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s a walking trail around the lake that\u2019s about 6 kilometers long. Tired from walking? At the Grote Rietplas, you can enjoy a picnic, go swimming, and play. <\/span><\/p>\n

Route: <\/b>6 km
\n<\/span>Details: <\/b>water, child-friendly<\/span><\/p>\n

Emmen City Walk<\/span><\/h3>\n

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\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Route: <\/b>5.8 km
\n<\/span>Highlights: <\/b>city walk, culture<\/span><\/p>\n

The walk is not marked with route signs. However, you can purchase the route map for \u20ac2 at Tourist Info Emmen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Van Gogh walking routes<\/span><\/h3>\n

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\u2019ll come across information panels and viewing windows that bring his time in Drenthe to life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Route: <\/b>8 to 17 km
\n<\/span>Highlights: <\/b>art, culture, varied natural scenery<\/span><\/p>\n

The walking guide \u201cIn the Footsteps of Van Gogh\u201d is available at Tourist Info Emmen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drenthe Trail<\/span><\/h3>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

Route:<\/b> 19.4 km
\n<\/span>Highlights: <\/b>varied scenery, picturesque villages<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n
\n

\"\" Walking Trails with Your Dog<\/span><\/h2>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n