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

The ideal area to stay in Ermelo is the city center, where you'll find convenient access to key landmarks like Sint-Janskerk Church and the Ermelo Market Square. Stay at Hotel De Kromme Rijn, a charming boutique hotel with historic architecture and modern amenities, located just steps from the Ermelo River. It’s perfect for exploring on foot.

Alternatively, choose B&B De Vliet, housed in a restored 19th-century grain warehouse, offering rustic charm and quiet surroundings. Both hotels are within walking distance of the Gelderland Museum and the scenic Stadspark park. For travelers seeking authenticity and convenience, this central location delivers the best balance between culture, nature, and comfort.

Visitors to Ermelo should experience the annual Lentebloesemfeest (Spring Blossom Festival), where streets bloom with tulips and hyacinths, and local artisans showcase crafts alongside live folk music. The Gelderland Museum offers immersive exhibits on regional agriculture, industrial heritage, and traditional Dutch life, including a recreated 18th-century farmhouse.

Don’t miss a hands-on workshop at a traditional clog-making studio, where you can craft your own wooden shoe as a souvenir. In the evenings, relax at a riverside café near De Grote Kerk, enjoying local brews and the tranquil atmosphere. These authentic activities provide deep insight into Ermelo’s rural Dutch identity and community spirit.

The best time to visit Ermelo for sightseeing is spring (March to May), when the Lentebloesemfeest (Spring Blossom Festival) transforms the town with vibrant tulips and hyacinths along the streets. The Ermelo River is especially picturesque during this period, perfect for walking or cycling trails.

Summer (June to August) offers warm weather and outdoor events like Zomerconcerten (Summer Concerts) held in Stadspark park. Autumn brings a serene beauty to restored granaries turned art spaces, ideal for quiet exploration. Winter, though chilly, features a cozy Christmas market with local treats and handmade gifts. Spring, summer, and autumn all offer distinct charms, making them ideal seasons for travel.

The best area for hotel stays in Ermelo is the city center, offering walkable access to major attractions like Market Square, Sint-Janskerk Church, and the Gelderland Museum. Stay at Hotel De Kromme Rijn, a historic boutique hotel located on the main street, blending classic Dutch architecture with modern comforts. Many rooms offer views of the Ermelo River.

Alternatively, B&B De Vliet, housed in a renovated 19th-century granary, provides a peaceful retreat with a unique heritage vibe. Both locations are near bus stops, making day trips to other parts of Gelderland easy. The city center combines convenience, charm, and local flavor—ideal for first-time visitors.

Top photo spots in Ermelo include Sint-Janskerk Church, whose Gothic spire and stained-glass windows create striking visuals, especially at sunrise. The Ermelo River Promenade offers lush greenery and reflective waters, perfect for candid and landscape shots.

Marktplein (Market Square), with its cobblestone streets and century-old shops, becomes even more photogenic during seasonal festivals with flags and flower displays. The reconstructed granary art spaces, featuring graffiti-covered walls and ironwork details, provide a modern contrast to old-town charm. For panoramic views, climb the observation deck in Stadspark park, where you can capture the entire town framed by rooftops and trees—ideal for wide-angle compositions.

Visitors to Ermelo should try bitterballen, crispy deep-fried meat croquettes, available at food stalls in Marktplein. For a taste of tradition, sample a Hollandse Kaas Assortiment (Dutch cheese platter) from Bakkerij de Vlieg, served with homemade jam—fresh and richly flavored.

Stoofvlees (braised beef stew) is a regional favorite, offered daily in limited quantities at Hotel De Kromme Rijn’s restaurant. Tender, savory, and served with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a comforting classic. Don’t miss poffertjes, tiny fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, best enjoyed warm. These local specialties reflect authentic Dutch cuisine and make excellent souvenirs.