Emmen

Emmen, the largest municipality in Drenthe with a population exceeding 100,000, is best known for its outstanding zoo, Wildlands Adventure Zoo, one of the top family attractions in the northern Netherlands. While the city itself is primarily a modern commercial and industrial centre, its zoo — a completely rebuilt, theme-park-inspired attraction that replaced the old Dierenpark Emmen in 2015 — draws visitors from across the country and beyond. The city also serves as the main shopping and service hub for southeastern Drenthe.

The town consists of several suburbs including De Rietlanden, Bargeres, Delftlanden, Parc Sandur, Angelslo, Emmerhout, and Emmermeer, with the oldest quarters being Noordbarge and Zuidbarge — formerly independent villages. Emmen is well-connected by road and rail to the rest of the Netherlands and neighbouring Germany.

By Plane

Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ IATA) is about 45 minutes' drive north of Emmen. Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS IATA) is roughly 2.5 hours by train via Zwolle.

By Train

Emmen has two railway stations: Emmen (the central station, terminus of the line from Zwolle) and Emmen Zuid (in the south of town). Both are served twice hourly by regional trains from Zwolle. The journey from Amsterdam takes about 2.5 hours with a change in Zwolle.

By Car / Road

The A37 motorway runs east–west past Emmen, connecting to Hoogeveen and the A28 (west) and crossing into Germany as the B402 toward the A31 Autobahn (east). The N34 expressway heads north to Groningen (45 min) and south to Coevorden (20 min), while the N381 connects to Assen and Drachten to the northwest. Bus connections from Assen (routes 21, 22, hourly), Hoogeveen (route 27, hourly), and Groningen (route 300, up to 6x/hour) are available.

The city centre and the zoo are within walking distance of the train station (about 15 min to the zoo). Buses from the station serve the suburbs and surrounding villages. Bicycles can be rented at the railway station. For visitors primarily here for the zoo, walking from the station or taking a short bus to the Centrum or Weerdingerstraat stop is easiest.

• Wildlands Adventure Zoo (Raadhuisplein 99, +31 591-850855) — The main attraction in Emmen, this immersive zoo combines animal exhibits with theme-park elements including a desert zone with camels viewed from derailed train carriages, a river ride, a rollercoaster, and a 4D cinema. Excellent indoor play areas and a rope-bridge course in the jungle section. Daily 10:00–17:00 (until 18:00 Jul–Aug). From €22 (ages 3–9) or €25 (ages 10–64) online.

• Grote Kerk — The 12th-century Roman church tower is the oldest structure in Emmen.

• Pauluskerk — A national monument built in 1949, appearing older than it is due to its traditional design.

• Synagogue — Built in 1878, it retains its original interiors — unique in the region.

• Saxon farm buildings — Two preserved farmhouses in the city centre, one on the market square now housing a café.

• FC Emmen football — The local professional club plays in the Eerste Divisie (Dutch second tier) at De Oude Meerdijk stadium (capacity 8,600), 3 km east of the town centre.

• Hotel Restaurant Ten Cate (Noordbargerstraat 44, +31 591 617600) — Excellent food in an artsy hotel setting, one of the best dining options in town.
• Indianspices (+31 591 619835) — Highly rated Indian restaurant with friendly service and great curries. Mains from €12.
• Met Stroop Ofzo (Matissepassage 22, +31 591 531068) — Popular pancake restaurant serving traditional Dutch poffertjes and a wide variety of pancakes. Loved by families.
• Grandcafé Markant (Marktplein 62, +31 591 646045) — Solid bistro-style food, salads, and sandwiches at good value. Mains from €15.

Emmen's main street (Hoofdstraat) has multiple bars and restaurants. The Brasserie is the most popular bar, while De Zwetser is the go-to nightclub-like venue.

• Budget: Camping Emmen (Angelsloërdijk 31, +31 591-612080) / Minicamping De Emmerdennen (Oude Roswinkelerweg 118, +31 6 25300564).
• Mid-range: Hotel Ten Cate (Noordbargerstraat 44, +31 591-617600, €70) / Stads Hotel Boerland (Hoofdstraat 57, +31 591 613746, €65) / Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Emmen (Van Schaikweg 55, +31 591 642002, €65).
• Budget B&B: De Sponde Bed & Breakfast (Ensingwijk Zuidzijde 21, Erica, +31 591-302637, €45).

Emmen boasts one of the largest shopping malls in the northern Netherlands, with a pleasant city centre offering a wide range of shops. Many locals from the region prefer Emmen over Assen for shopping, considering it more gezellig (cosy). The main shopping area centres on the Hoofdstraat. An Albert Heijn supermarket is at Baander 165.

• Coevorden (20 min by car) — Historic fortified town with a castle and the Openluchtmuseum Ellert en Brammert.
• Meppen, Germany (30 min by car) — Popular shopping destination just across the border.
• Assen (40 min by car/bus) — Drenthe's capital with the Drents Museum and TT Circuit.
• Ter Apel — Monastery and museum in the eastern part of the province.
• Drents-Friese Wold National Park — A mixed forest and heathland park straddling the Drenthe–Friesland border.