Emmen: Animal Worlds, Culture and Dune Forest

Culture in Emmen: Grote Kerk and Rensenpark

The Grote Kerk brings together two very different periods of construction. The church building dates from 1856 and belongs to the 19th century, while the tower is dated to the 12th or 13th century. In this one structure, more recent and medieval history stand side by side. The church is also used for concerts, readings and exhibitions organised by Stichting Grote Kerk Cultureel.

A recurring concert event is Orgelzomer Emmen. It takes place annually in July, August and September, with concerts scheduled for Friday evenings and/or Saturday afternoons. Exact dates may vary, so it is worth checking the current programme before your trip. Another cultural landmark is Rensenpark, a creative meeting place in the centre of Emmen.

Animal worlds at WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo

Jungola, Nortica and Serenga are the three themed worlds at WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen. Together, they are home to more than 250 animal species in habitats inspired by their natural environments. The three names give the visit a clear thematic structure; if you are especially interested in animals, this offers a distinct focus for your stay in Emmen.

The covered Rimbula jungle includes two connected viewing towers linked by a bridge. Visitors have been able to use the towers since 4 July 2026. This detail offers a closer look at the design of the jungle area, alongside its themed animal worlds. Together, the three worlds and Rimbula offer a different kind of outing from the city’s historical and cultural attractions.

Forest and trails in the Emmerdennen

The Emmerdennen lie beside the centre and combine a forest with ancient sand dunes. Along the Boom tot bos Emmerdennen route, QR codes on the trail posts provide additional information about the forest. This adds an element of discovery to the walk: you can take in the landscape and access extra information along the way.

The Emmerdennen family trail is a separate route. This paved, family-friendly walking route is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs, among other things. This is a practical consideration for families who rely on these features when planning their day. The Emmerdennen therefore offer both a forest setting and a route specifically described as having these features.

Friday market and planning your stay

The Emmen market takes place every Friday from 08:00 to 14:00 on Marktplein and in Hoofdstraat, in the centre. More than 100 stalls offer fresh vegetables, fruit, bread and cheese; the selection may vary by date. Check the market hours before travelling if the market is important to your stay.

The market and Orgelzomer follow different schedules: the market is a weekly morning event, while the concert programme runs across July, August and September, and individual dates may change. This can help with planning if you want to time your stay around one of these events. When choosing your holiday rental, you can then consider whether city life, culture, WILDLANDS or the Emmerdennen will shape your holiday most, and choose the accommodation’s location based on the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations

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

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