Emmen: Moorlands, Culture and History

Moorland trails, forests, museums and cultural venues offer different ways to experience Emmen. The Bargerveen is all about trails through the moor, while museums offer insights into regional history and art. Other special places include the Van Gogh Huis Drenthe and WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen.

Moorland, Forest and Trails

The Bargerveen is accessible year-round on designated roads and paths; access rules may change in sensitive habitat areas. Hiking and cycling junction networks run through and around the area and continue across the German border. An approximately 14-kilometre cycling route crosses distinctive boardwalks and passes viewpoints. It is suitable for e-bikes and adapted bicycles. Check route details and path conditions before setting out.

A section for wheelchair users and mobility scooter users is also designated. It runs from the Bargerveen-Noord car park to the birdwatching hut and the top of the Verlengde Noordersloot viewing hill. Check the accessibility information again before your trip. The Emmerdennen offer a different kind of landscape: the forest is among the oldest in Drenthe, with sand dunes, pine trees, viewpoints and family-friendly paths. A hiking route there is about nine kilometres long and forms part of the Drenthe hiking network. An approximately six-kilometre hiking route runs around the Grote Rietplas, where you can picnic, swim and play. Conditions on site may vary.

Museums, Art and History

In Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord is the Van Gogh Huis Drenthe, the only publicly accessible building in the Netherlands where Vincent van Gogh lived and worked. The house is about a four-minute walk from Nieuw-Amsterdam station. The Museum voor Hedendaagse Tibetaanse Kunst in Emmen’s Rensenpark presents art from another part of the world, including artworks, ritual objects and paintings from Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. The museum is wheelchair accessible and about a ten-minute walk from Emmen station. An audio guide provides recorded commentary in Dutch, English and German. Live performances are held regularly, and workshops are also offered.

The Veenpark depicts the lives of peat workers around 1920. Visitors can explore villages and the raised bog area by train and peat boat. The experience includes two narrow-gauge railway lines and many kilometres of navigable canals used for passenger transport. The only surviving peat-cutting site can also be seen there, and visitors can experience how peat was cut for themselves. Check operating details before visiting. The Industrieel Smalspoor Museum also offers narrow-gauge train rides and activities in a natural moorland area. Rides stop at the Fijnfabriek or the historic engine shed; the schedule may vary.

De Nabershof is a farm museum dating from 1681, with the exhibitions “Boeren op het Noordeind” and “Boeren op de Nabershof”. The museum explains how “Empne” developed into the farming village of Emmen in the Middle Ages, and provides an almost complete overview of its farms, owners and residents. Museum Collectie Brands takes a broader historical approach: its collection includes objects, artworks and keepsakes relating to the history of the region and beyond. At Museum Janning, around twenty life-size illustrations depict the ecclesiastical history of Nieuw-Schoonebeek.

Wildlife and Culture in the City

WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen is divided into three themed worlds: Jungola, Nortica and Serenga. More than 250 animal species live there in habitats inspired by natural environments. The ATLAS Theater is right next to WILDLANDS. Its programme includes cabaret, classical music, family shows, dance, theatre and music. The theatre is within walking distance of Emmen station and the shops; you can check upcoming performances in advance.

Rensenpark occupies the former site of Noorder Dierenpark and is now a city park for art, culture and creativity. DIEP Emmen is also located there, alongside the Museum voor Hedendaagse Tibetaanse Kunst. Educational projects and art activities take place regularly; visitors can take part in workshops or educational projects. These cultural venues complement the museums with recurring opportunities to participate and attend events.

Getting Around

Emmen station is directly accessible by train and is within walking distance of the city centre and WILDLANDS. If you are planning routes and walks, Tourist Info Emmen is a starting point for cycling and hiking tours; maps for routes in the surrounding area are also sold there. Before setting off, check train timetables and the details for your chosen routes and activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Emmen, Erica, Nieuw-Amsterdam, Roswinkel, Schoonebeek, Zwartemeer, Emmer-Compascuum, Weiteveen

Return to the main travel overview: Drenthe.