Bird Watching Emmen

With so much water and nature, there are of course fantastic spots for birdwatching in the Netherlands! This also applies around the Drenthe city of Emmen, in the east of our country. The most beautiful natural spots are within easy reach of the city, and Emmen is an excellent starting point for discovering the rest of Drenthe.

The bird-rich nature reserve Bargerveen

The town of Emmen is located in the far east of Drenthe, near the German border. In the blink of an eye, you can enjoy the beautiful nature here, and there are many special places for birdwatching. Consider, for example, the Bargerveen nature reserve, less than half an hour's drive from Emmen, where you can go for excellent walks and bike rides.

Bargerveen is the habitat of a number of unique birds. For example, you can regularly spot the **rosy starling** here, but also the **little grebe** and **cranes**. The raised bog area consists of many marshes, grasslands, heathlands, and forests, and the diverse landscape attracts an incredible number of birds. In total, over 300 bird species have been spotted!

Unique birds can be discovered here all year round. During the winter months, for example, many red-backed shrikes, grey geese and bean geese that overwinter here live here. In spring and summer, it is a favourite spot for the cuckoo, great crested grebe, marsh harrier and golden oriole.

Dwingelderveld National Park

Het Dwingelderveld National Park is one of the 21 national parks of the Netherlands and is located between Hoogeveen and Assen. The park is incredibly unique because it is the largest contiguous wet heathland area in Western Europe! Additionally, it is a Natura-2000 area where no fewer than 2 sheep flocks live.

Besides many sheep and lambs in the spring, it is a great habitat for birds. From the bird hides at the Davidsplassen, you have the best chance of spotting birds. Therefore, bring binoculars to enjoy the expansive views over the lake. At the Holtveen, you will discover a beautiful birdwatching wall where you can get a good look at the special birds.

As well as the two nature reserves mentioned above, you can also go birdwatching at the Mepper Hooilanden, Tusschenwater, Holtingerveld, De Klencke and Het Balloërveld.

Out and about with a guide

The very best thing is actually to go out with an experienced guide. You may not know exactly what certain birds look like and want to learn more about the birds in Drenthe. Even if you are an avid birdwatcher, it’s nice to join an excursion. The guide can tell you exactly where most birds are located and in this way, it’s easier to find rare specimens. All in all, it will be an educational day! Early bird excursions can be booked at, among others, the Dwingelderveld visitor centre and Staatsbosbeheer.

Birdwatching Emmen packages at Hotel ten Cate

If you're getting up so early, a comfortable night's sleep is, of course, a bonus. Fortunately, that's possible at Hotel ten Cate in Emmen, where you can enjoy an undisturbed night's sleep before you set off.

Hotel ten Cate offers a relaxing package for birdwatchers. In the surrounding area, you can also take wonderful walks or bike rides, and Emmen is situated in the middle of a nature-rich environment. Alternatively, explore the cosy centre of Emmen and learn more about the town's history and culture. After a day outdoors, a delicious dinner will be served for you, and you can relax in your spacious room. Would you still like to do something active? You can then make use of the free fitness room.