Things to see and do in Emmen
Emmen offers a perfect balance between cultural heritage and outdoor adventures. The city is surrounded by expansive heathlands and ancient dolmens, remnants of prehistoric civilizations. At the same time, its modern city center boasts great shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, visit world-class attractions, or learn about the region’s ancient history, Emmen has something for everyone.
Top 10 things to do and see in Emmen
While many people know Emmen for its famous zoo, there is much more to explore in this green and historic region. Here are the must-see attractions in and around Emmen:
#1 Wildlands Adventure Zoo
One of the most unique zoos in Europe, Wildlands Adventure Zoo is more than just an animal park it’s an immersive experience. The park is divided into themed areas, including the tropical jungle of Jungola, the arid savanna of Serenga, and the icy landscapes of Nortica. Visitors can go on a boat ride through a lush rainforest, get up close with elephants and giraffes, or watch playful polar bears swim.
#2 Hunebed D45 (Dolmen D45)
Drenthe is famous for its hunebeds prehistoric stone tombs built by the Funnelbeaker people over 5,000 years ago. Dolmen D45, one of the largest in the region, is located near Emmen and offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The nearby Hunebedcentrum (Dolmen Museum) in Borger provides more context about these ancient structures.
#3 Veenpark (Peat Park)
Veenpark is an open-air museum that brings the history of Drenthe’s peat industry to life. Visitors can see how people lived and worked in the boglands, take a ride on a historic peat train, and explore reconstructed villages with traditional Dutch houses and windmills. It’s a step back in time to an era when the region’s economy depended on peat harvesting.
#4 Emmerdennen Forest
For nature lovers, the Emmerdennen forest is a must-visit. This beautiful woodland area, located close to the city, is perfect for hiking and cycling. It’s home to several prehistoric burial mounds, adding a touch of mystery to the landscape. The rolling sand dunes and dense pine forests make it one of the most scenic spots in Drenthe.
#5 Center of Emmen & Raadhuisplein
The heart of Emmen features a modern and lively city center with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés. The Raadhuisplein (City Hall Square) is a vibrant spot where events and festivals often take place. The city center has undergone major renovations in recent years, blending contemporary architecture with green spaces.
#6 Rensenpark
This peaceful city park, located on the former site of the old Emmen Zoo, is a great place to relax. The park features walking paths, art installations, and small cultural exhibitions. It’s a beautiful green oasis in the middle of the city.
#7 DX Adventure Park
If you’re looking for something more active, DX Adventure Park is the largest outdoor water park in the Netherlands. Located just outside Emmen, this water-based playground features floating obstacle courses, slides, and plenty of fun activities for both kids and adults.
#8 Noordbargerbos
Another stunning forest area near Emmen, the Noordbargerbos is ideal for long walks and spotting local wildlife. It’s a less touristy location, making it perfect for a peaceful escape into nature.
#9 Van Gogh House in Nieuw-Amsterdam
Not far from Emmen, you can visit the Van Gogh Huis Drenthe, where the famous artist Vincent van Gogh lived and worked for a short time in 1883. This small museum provides insight into his time in Drenthe and how the landscapes influenced his art.
#10 Orvelte Open-Air Museum Village
A short drive from Emmen, Orvelte is a beautifully preserved historical village where visitors can see traditional Dutch farmhouses, blacksmiths, and artisans at work. It’s like stepping back into a 19th-century Drenthe village.
Best places to sleep in Emmen
Looking for accommodation in Emmen? We have the following options for you that are probably the best places to stay for the night. On the first spot is the Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant ByZoo or the two more budget spots Guesthouse Villa Emmen or Stads Hotel Boerland which are also great options.
Food and local specialties
Drenthe is known for its hearty and rustic cuisine. In Emmen, you can try Drentse krentjebrood, a delicious raisin bread, or snert, a thick Dutch pea soup traditionally eaten in winter. Many local restaurants serve Asperges met ham en ei (asparagus with ham and eggs), a regional delicacy when in season. For a cozy local dining experience, check out Thijs & Aafke, offering great local flavors.
Events and festivals
- Full Color Festival Emmen (June) – A vibrant multicultural festival featuring music, dance, and food from around the world.
- Emmen Culinair (August) – A food festival showcasing the best regional and international cuisine.
- Wild Nights at Wildlands (Winter) – A spectacular nighttime experience at the Wildlands Adventure Zoo.
Living in Emmen: where to buy as an expat
Emmen is an affordable place to live compared to the larger cities in the Netherlands. The neighborhoods Angelslo and Rietlanden are great for families, offering spacious homes with gardens. If you prefer a quieter rural setting, the nearby villages of Klazienaveen and Erica provide scenic countryside living while still being close to the city center.
With a population of about 110,000, Emmen has a strong local economy driven by logistics, green energy, and industrial manufacturing. The city has also developed as a regional shopping and service hub.
A bit of history
Emmen’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of prehistoric settlements in the area. The hunebeds scattered throughout the region are among the oldest man-made structures in the Netherlands. In more recent centuries, Emmen was a small farming village until the peat industry transformed it into an economic center. Today, it’s a thriving modern city that still cherishes its ancient roots.
How to get there from other big cities
Things to do in the area
- Borger (25 min) – Visit the Hunebedcentrum, a museum dedicated to the prehistoric dolmens.
- Groningen (50 min) – Explore the lively university city with great museums and nightlife.
- Coevorden (20 min) – A charming historic town with a medieval castle.