Emmen

Known as the zoo town of Drenthe, Emmen features the popular Wildlands Zoo with animals from around the world set in naturalistic habitats. Beyond the zoo, the town offers pleasant shopping districts and serves as a gateway to the eastern Drenthe countryside.

Things to do

• Wildlands Zoo — Explore naturalistic habitats housing animals from Africa, Asia, and South America in this acclaimed zoo that is Emmen's premier attraction.
• Emmen City Centre Shopping — Stroll through the pleasant pedestrian shopping district with Dutch and international retailers along the main streets.
• Hunebedden (Ancient Dolmens) — Visit the nearby megalithic tombs scattered across eastern Drenthe, some of which are accessible from Emmen as day trips.
• Cycling Through Drenthe Countryside — Rent a bicycle and explore the flat rural landscape of eastern Drenthe with its traditional farms, forests, and quiet villages.
• Ter Apel Monastery Museum — Visit this 16th-century monastery in nearby Ter Apel, now a museum showcasing religious art and monastic life, about 15 minutes from Emmen.

Food to try

• Boerenkool — A traditional Dutch comfort food of mashed potatoes with kale, typically served with smoked sausage, reflecting local Drenthe cuisine.
• Drents Graan Brood — Hearty rye or grain bread traditionally baked in local bakeries, perfect for breakfast or lunch in the countryside.
• Stamppot — A regional variation of mashed vegetables and potatoes, often made with mushrooms or local produce from Drenthe farms.
• Aardbeienfestival Local Strawberries — Fresh strawberries grown in nearby Drenthe fields, celebrated at local markets and farm shops throughout the season.

Local customs & good to know

• Cycling Culture — Emmen and Drenthe are deeply bicycle-oriented; locals and visitors alike use bikes for daily transport, and rental shops are plentiful.
• Dutch Directness in Service — Service staff and shopkeepers are characteristically frank and efficient rather than overly formal; this is normal and not considered rude.
• Gezelligheid Atmosphere — Embrace the Dutch concept of gezelligheid by lingering in cafés and enjoying social time; rushing is not the local style.