To fully experience the animal park in Emmen and the surrounding region, it's best to set aside 2 to 3 days. This is precisely why Hotel ten Cate offers various Wildlands packages curated for you. You'll find the hotel is within walking distance of this spectacular theme park, allowing you to make the most of your stay. What more could you want? Discover it for yourself and read all about the zoo and these attractive package deals here.
When you ask someone if they know Emmen, they often say they've visited the zoo. The zoo and Emmen are inextricably linked. This all began in 1935 when Willem Oosting founded the zoo at its old location in the centre of Emmen. During the Second World War, the zoo was used as a hiding place for people in hiding. Eighteen people, who were persecuted for various reasons, slept here at the time in the predators' enclosure and above the elephant stable. The German police raided the premises in March 1945, but the people in hiding had already managed to escape.
Due to declining visitor numbers, the zoo found itself in crisis at the end of the 1960s. In 1970, Willem Oosting resigned as director-owner and was succeeded by his daughter Aleid. Together with her husband, Jaap Rensen, she remained a fifty percent owner of the zoo. The other half was owned by the municipality of Emmen. A new start was made.
The savannah was set up on a relatively large site and animals such as giraffes, ostriches and zebras were brought together here. The butterfly garden was also introduced at that time, where tropical butterfly species were kept. The reason why Emmen bore the name Butterfly City for a long time. In 1985, renovations followed in the form of the Biochron, an exhibition about evolution, and a large aquarium was also opened.
Although the old zoo in the centre of Emmen covered an area of 12 hectares, the park had become too small by the 1990s. There were no opportunities for expansion. This was followed in 1998 by an expansion of 6 hectares on the Noordbargeres, or the Es for short, a stone's throw from Hotel ten Cate. An impressive walkway over the Hondsrugweg connected the two parts of the Emmen zoo. Initially, the Humboldt penguins were housed here, only to swap this new spot in 2013 for the old sea lion enclosure.
In 2007, the initial plans were drawn up to establish the zoo in its entirety at the new and current location on the Es. On a site almost three times as large, a huge amusement park was designed to be built here, along with a new theatre. Initially, the intention was for the complete relocation from the centre to the Es to be finished in 2014. Ultimately, it was decided to postpone this until 2016. On 25 March 2016, Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen became a reality. In June of the same year, the old animal park in Emmen was reopened as a city park by Aleid Rensen-Oosting, then former director. This park is now named the Rensenpark.
Nowadays, in Dierenpark Emmen, also known as Wildlands You'll find yourself in a completely different world. What's more, in no less than three different worlds. In each world, you'll encounter the most beautiful and extraordinary animals. Enjoy the boat trip on the Rimbula River in Jungola and discover a mysterious world full of adventure. Or what about the Serenga world? Here, you'll hop into the Serenga Safari and together explore the savannah where rhinos, giraffes, and other animals live. Fancy a bit of refreshment? Then join the Nortica expedition. Here, you'll dive into a cold world full of rocks and rugged coastlines. Of course, a sensational ride on the Tweestryd roller coaster shouldn't be missed. In this attraction, you'll be taken to a height of 20 metres and then whizz past each other in the two mine carts.
There is so much to do in both this spectacular animal park in Emmen and in the region, that it is recommended to set aside a few days for it. Therefore, Hotel ten Cate offers you the choice of a 2- or 3-day Wildlands package. What can you expect? One or two nights in this magnificent Boutique hotel in Emmen And access to an unforgettable day at Wildlands. Furthermore, an extensive breakfast buffet is included in the packages, as is free use of the hotel's fitness facilities and free Wi-Fi. You can also make use of the hotel's parking facilities free of charge. This means you save €10 in parking fees at Wildlands.
Besides a visit to the zoo, you can choose from a wide range of other activities within Hotel ten Cate's Wildlands packages. Explore the beautiful surroundings by bike or on foot, for example. You can ask the friendly hotel staff for cycling and walking routes. Additionally, there are numerous attractions in the area such as the Sculpture Garden in Gees, the Gardens of Mien Ruys in Dedemsvaart, the Hunebed Centre in Borger, and the STAR Steam Railway Museum in Stadskanaal. Especially for children, there is also Kabouterland in Exloo and Plopsa Indoor in Coevorden. At the Veenpark in Barger-Compascuum and the Monastery of Ter Apel, you can discover more about the history of this region. On the Hotel ten Cate website, you will find a detailed description of these and many other activities you can do here.
Curious about Boutique Hotel ten Cate in Emmen? Would you like more information or to make a reservation? Please contact our friendly reception. They will tell you everything you want to know about the accommodation options, the restaurant, and other hotel facilities. They are also true experts on everything you might want to know about the surrounding area. Call us at +31 (0)591 726 796, or send an email to [email protected].
Curious about Boutique Hotel ten Cate in Emmen? Would you like more information or to make a reservation? Please contact the friendly reception.
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