Emmen(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Emmen, top picks for families include Hotel de Loo, a charming boutique hotel nestled in the city center with a garden terrace and dedicated kids' activities. Located near the Eemskanaal Canal, it’s ideal for exploring local markets and the Children's Museum. The hotel offers free bike rentals and partners with nearby nature trails like Drentsche Aa National Park, perfect for outdoor adventures. With spacious family rooms and multilingual staff, it ensures comfort and convenience for travelers of all ages seeking an authentic Dutch northern countryside experience.

The city center of Emmen is the prime area for accommodations, offering easy access to landmarks like the Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church, and local restaurants. This quiet, historic district provides a peaceful atmosphere ideal for solo travelers or couples. From here, guests can conveniently reach attractions such as De Kromme Heide Forest and Drents Museum via public transport or on foot. With well-lit streets and a strong community feel, it’s also safe and welcoming for overnight stays, blending urban charm with rural tranquility.

Visitors to Emmen should explore the Drents Museum, home to extensive collections from the Neolithic to medieval eras, including famous Drents Stone Age artifacts. Every summer, the Gouden Roos Festival brings together artisans, folk musicians, and local food vendors, showcasing traditional crafts and heritage. For deeper immersion, join a farm tour in the Agrarische Streek region—experience milking cows, cheese-making, and harvesting crops firsthand. These authentic activities, organized by local cooperatives, support sustainable tourism and preserve northern Dutch rural traditions.

Yes, many hotels in Emmen provide bicycle rental services. Hotel de Loo and B&B De Gouden Vleugel both feature secure bike storage and assist with HopeGoo e-bikes. Given Emmen’s flat terrain across Drenthe Province, scenic routes abound—from the Eemskanaal Canal to Drentsche Aa National Park. Some hotels even supply customized maps and GPS devices for cyclists. Whether you're chasing forest trails or river views, cycling is a perfect way to explore northern Netherlands’ natural beauty at your own pace.

The most photogenic spots in Emmen include the St. Nicolaaskerk (St. Nicholas Church), a 13th-century Gothic gem with striking brickwork and a tall spire, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The Eemskanaal Canal bridges and old watermills along the banks offer serene backdrops with willow trees and rippling waters. For panoramic views, visit the lookout tower in De Kromme Heide Forest, where you can capture sweeping vistas of pine-covered hills. The sculpture garden at Drents Museum and seasonal floral displays also make excellent photo locations, blending Dutch architectural heritage with natural scenery.

Yes, most hotels in Emmen are within walking distance of Emmen Train Station, which connects to major cities like Amsterdam, Enschede, and Groningen via NS trains. The city also features an extensive network of trams and buses linking to key destinations such as Drentsche Aa National Park, De Kromme Heide, and Drents Museum. Hotels like Hotel de Loo offer complimentary shuttle services to popular sites. For seamless travel, consider the Drents Pass, which includes unlimited transit and entry to museums—ideal for visitors aiming to explore Drenthe Province efficiently and affordably.

For couples, B&B De Gouden Vleugel stands out as a romantic retreat housed in a 19th-century farmhouse. Each room features a fireplace and private balcony overlooking the Eemskanaal Canal, perfect for evening views. The hotel arranges private candlelit dinners with regional wines and handmade desserts. Guests can also book a nighttime canal boat cruise or a stargazing session in the secluded De Kromme Heide Forest, where clear skies reveal the Milky Way. It’s an ideal escape for lovers seeking intimacy, history, and the poetic essence of northern Dutch landscapes.

Winter in Emmen shines with snowshoeing and the festive Emmen Winter Market, held each December in the city square. Vendors sell handmade crafts, mulled wine, and traditional Dutch speculaas cookies. The Drentsche Aa National Park opens snow sledging tracks for families and thrill-seekers. Hotels like Hotel de Loo provide warm gear rentals and guided tours through snowy pine forests to ancient stone hut ruins. At night, enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace with local folklore recordings, embracing the quiet magic of Dutch northern winters.

Absolutely. Many Emmen hotels curate immersive culinary experiences. Hotel de Loo hosts monthly "Drentse Tafel" dinners featuring regional dishes like Hachee (beef stew with mashed potatoes), Poffertjes, and Bitterballen. Prepared by local chefs with generational recipes, these meals highlight authentic Drents cuisine. Some B&Bs offer hands-on cooking classes—learn to make Dutch cheese platters or potato soup using ingredients from their own gardens. Meals are served in rustic farmhouses with original wood beams and hand-painted murals, turning dining into a cultural journey through northern Dutch gastronomy.

Hotels in Emmen often assign personal travel consultants to assist guests with custom itinerary planning. B&B De Gouden Vleugel provides free printed guides to Drenthe Province, including hiking trails, museum hours, and hidden gems. Staff can arrange bike rentals, farm visits, or night sky observation sessions based on guest interests—such as visiting Serpentinen burial mounds for history buffs or birdwatching in Drentsche Aa National Park. Some hotels even offer a mobile app with integrated navigation, tickets, and real-time updates, making exploration smooth, efficient, and truly personalized—turning every trip into a seamless, memorable adventure.