What is there to do in Emmen? More than you think! Of course, seeing animals is a must Wildlands Adventure Zoo is a must during a visit to Emmen. But that's certainly not all. Whether you want to actively enjoy the beautiful nature, take a dive into history, go shopping for a day or seek peace and quiet: Emmen will not bore you. We have made a selection of activities and sights not to be missed. Take a look.
Anyone visiting Emmen should definitely not miss a day out at Wildlands Adventure Zoo. This isn't just any zoo. At Wildlands, you can travel the world in a single day. Across its three worlds – the tropical Jungola, the savannah and desert-like Serenga, and the polar region Nortica – you'll spot more than 200 animal species.
Meet the elephant family in the jungle, where you can explore on foot or by boat. Visit the Butterfly Temple where hundreds of exotic butterflies fly and be surprised by the black-capped capuchins that might just jump on your shoulder. Go on safari in the savanna and meet lions on Lion Mountain, take a trip on the truck and spot rhinos, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes up close.
In the polar region, you’ll come face-to-face with polar bears, wave at penguins and playful seals will swim up to greet you. In the North Sea aquarium, you can spot rays, dogfish and the starry smooth-hound.
Small spider monkeys, mountain goats and other children can also climb, scramble, slide and dig to their heart's content. The indoor XL play paradise, Animazia, is full of surprises. Such as a pirate ship, Mayan temple, maze and aquariums with tropical fish. Also visit the impressive green sea turtles and the peculiar naked mole-rats. More about Wildlands.
Where ‘Dierenpark Emmen’ (Emmen Zoo) used to be located in the middle of Emmen town centre, you will now find Rensenpark. Not only is this a beautiful green space right among the shops and cafés, but there is always something new to experience in this creative park.
You'll find the Netherlands' first indoor drone racing track here, you can cuddle old and rescued animals at the city farm, and watch a re-creation of Rembrandt's The Night Watch in the former giraffe enclosure. Children can't get enough of the large play equipment, and for a romantic stroll, nothing is as suitable as the characteristic, 350-metre-long monumental tree-lined avenue.
After a walk in the park, which is almost the size of 22 football pitches, those who fancy a drink can head to the tea house. Or you can enjoy a barbecue in the spot where the lions used to roam. This magnificent park is a surprising meeting place for initiatives in art, culture, and innovation that you definitely shouldn't miss during a Day trip to Emmen!
At the Butterfly Market, you can browse stalls in search of the nicest trinkets and curiosities. This market takes place eight times a year during the summer on Tuesdays. Spread throughout the atmospheric centre of Emmen, you'll walk past numerous stalls from Emmen shops and the charming flea market stalls.
Every market has different activities and a theme. The market traders respond to this with fun activities and promotions. After shopping, as soon as it's allowed again, you can settle down on one of Emmen's cosy terraces, enjoying a snack and a drink.
Incidentally, the name Vlindermarkt isn't just a coincidence. Emmen is also known as the Butterfly City. This name originates from the world-famous butterfly garden in the former Emmen Zoo.
The Grote Kerk in the centre of Emmen is also well worth a visit. The church was built in 1856, while the Romanesque tower dates from the 12th or 13th century and is a State Monument. Interesting about the tower is the base, which up to about three metres high is made from dolmen stones. Also remarkable is the north wall of the tower, which is still entirely made of ‘kloostermoppen’: a large type of brick, used particularly by monks.
Although the austere cruciform church might not suggest it, inside you'll be surprised by the large interior with its special light. This is thanks to tall, Neo-Gothic windows overlooking the old trees on the Emmen village green. The church is still used for Sunday services, but also for cultural activities such as concerts, lectures, and exhibitions.
Art lovers, take note: the former dairy factory now houses the Centre for Visual Arts Emmen (CBK). The old factory itself is impressive, and the exhibitions are too.
For almost fifty years now, CBK has been the premier professional provider of visual arts and design for Emmen and the surrounding areas. Throughout the year, there are always multiple exhibitions showcasing a varied and inspiring range of art. In the factory, these are primarily from professional visual artists. In the Rensenpark, where CBK recently opened an exhibition space, there is also room for amateur art.
Drenthe is famously known for its hunebeds. The oldest monuments in the Netherlands. Hunebeds are built from glacial erratic boulders that were transported to Drenthe during the Ice Age and are as much as 5000 years old!
In Emmen, there is a beautiful walking route that takes you past Hunebed D45 (All dolmens have a number). This is the second-largest dolmen in the Netherlands. There appears to be a dent in a capstone. Some believe that this dent was caused by King Louis Napoleon in 1809. He supposedly stood on top of this dolmen with his horse during his visit to Drenthe.
The route runs through the Emmerdennen, one of the oldest forests in Drenthe on the Hondsrug. Besides the hunebeds, this route will lead you through beautiful forest paths, with birdsong and other traces of the past. Definitely worth it!
In short: with wild animals, a rich history, wooded nature, and inspiring art and culture, there's plenty to do in Emmen. This Drenthe town has everything you're looking for and is therefore the perfect base for a day out. From the bustling centre to the historic forests. For couples, for families, and for the elderly. Young and old can enjoy themselves here.
After a eventful day, there's nothing quite as pleasant as postponing your journey home. Therefore, recharge in our Hotel in Emmen. Take a nice shower, sit down in our atmospheric restaurant and collapse, tired but satisfied, on one of our lovely hotel beds…
…To start day two feeling fresh and full of energy, with a hearty breakfast under your belt. Or perhaps to drive home feeling wonderfully rested. Either way: there’s nothing better than booking an overnight stay after a day out in Emmen. Enjoy a surprising stay, relax, and find inspiration in our colourful and unique hotel in the heart of Emmen.
To start the next morning feeling fresh and invigorated, with a hearty breakfast already consumed, raring for day two. Or perhaps to drive home feeling wonderfully rested. Either way: there's nothing better than booking an overnight stay after a day out in Emmen. Enjoy a surprising stay, relax and be inspired in our colourful and unique hotel in the heart of Emmen.
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