From family-friendly attractions to ancient archaeological sites, Emmen offers a wide range of experiences. Visit an award-winning zoo, relax in leafy urban parks and learn about the prehistoric burial chambers that dot the countryside. The city is a gateway to Drenthe, a picturesque corner of the Netherlands where you’ll find rolling farmland, chocolate-box villages and beautiful bike rides.
Things to do in Emmen
Travel to Africa, Asia and the Arctic at Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen. The world-class zoo is home to animals from across the globe and divided into themed zones. Drive past lions, giraffes, zebras and rhinos in the Serenga zone and board a riverboat to explore the lush Jungola zone. You can spot spider monkeys, gibbons, ring-tailed lemurs and elephants as you cruise along the river.
Entertain the kids at Plopsa Indoor Coevorden. The theme park is packed with family-friendly attractions, including an adventure playground, bumper cars track, petting zoo and climbing wall. Live shows starring beloved Dutch cartoon characters bring the experience to life.
Learn about the prehistoric burial chambers that dot Drenthe at Hunebedden Centrum. Exhibits unpack the history of the enormous stone megaliths called “hunebeds”, which are more than 5,000 years old. The museum is a short walk from one of the biggest and most impressive hunebeds. Bicycles are a great way to visit more of the megaliths.
Stroll along tree-lined paths and relax by the lake in Rensenpark. The former zoo is now a beautiful green space for all to enjoy. Many of the former zoo buildings are repurposed as cafes, galleries and artisan studios. Kids will love meeting rescued barnyard animals at the urban farm.
Getting around Emmen
Emmen is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. The city is in the province of Drenthe, a 45-minute drive from Groningen and two hours from Amsterdam. Trains run between Emmen and Amsterdam in 2.5 hours. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a 2.5-hour drive away.