4.4
(1436)
8,648
hikers
753
hikes
Hiking around Kleine Rietplas, located in Emmen, Drenthe, features routes centered around an artificial recreational lake. The terrain includes sandy beaches, sunbathing lawns, and reed beds, connecting to the larger Grote Rietplas. An elevated grass hill offers panoramic views over the water and surrounding green spaces, providing a varied landscape for walks.
Last updated: June 4, 2026
4.0
(6)
53
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(6)
45
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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21
hikers
4.66km
01:10
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
17
hikers
5.38km
01:22
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
hikers
5.31km
01:21
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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De Kleine Rietplas is located on the edge of the Wijk Rietlanden in Emmen. In addition to a sandy beach with a sunbathing lawn, you will find a restaurant and snack bar with a beautiful view of the lake from the terrace. There is also a playground, zip line, skateboard ramp, raft in the water, panna cage, observation tower, and canoe rental. In short; there is plenty to do for the whole family! There is free parking and showers are available. The area is cleaned regularly. De Kleine Rietplas is connected to the Grote Rietplas. The Grote Rietplas recreational area includes a surf and sailing lake, among other things. There are also beaches, sunbathing lawns, small harbors, a campsite, parking lots, a canoe course, and walking and cycling paths through the area. Various events are organized annually in the recreational area, such as RetroPop, the international Kite Festival, and the Rietplasloop. Parc Sandur is located on the southeast side of the lake. Source: https://www.drenthe.nl/locaties/226344250/kleine-rietplas
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De Kleine Rietplas is located on the edge of Wijk Rietlanden in Emmen. In addition to a sandy beach with a sunbathing area, you will find a restaurant and snack bar with a beautiful view of the lake from the terrace. There is also a playground, zip line, skateboard ramp, raft in the water, pannakooi (enclosed football pitch), lookout tower, and canoe rental. In short; plenty to do for the whole family! There is free parking and showers are available. The area is cleaned regularly. De Kleine Rietplas is connected to the Grote Rietplas. The Grote Rietplas recreational area includes, among other things, a lake for surfing and sailing. In addition, there are beaches, sunbathing areas, marinas, a campsite, parking spaces, a canoe course, and walking and cycling paths through the area. Various events are organized annually in the recreational area, such as RetroPop, the international Kite Festival, and the Rietplasloop. Parc Sandur is located on the southeast side of the lake. Source: https://www.drenthe.nl/locaties/226344250/kleine-rietplas
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From the other side of the Grote Rietplas you can look out over Parc Sandur. At this location there is also a parking lot, beach and playground
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A charming drawbridge over the water at the Grote Rietplas, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding nature reserve. This picturesque bridge is perfect for a short stop during a walk, with a view of reed beds, water birds and the calm water.
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Spring is at its best here in May.
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Bring your swimwear for a nice splash. Or you skate in the winter.
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Wonderful to take a dip in the water.
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The hiking terrain around Kleine Rietplas is generally flat and accessible, centered around an artificial recreational lake. You'll find paths traversing sandy beaches, sunbathing lawns, and areas with reed beds. The landscape is characterized by water views, green spaces, and an elevated grass hill with a lookout tower offering panoramic vistas. Most routes are well-maintained, making for a pleasant walking experience.
Yes, the Kleine Rietplas area offers a wide selection of hiking trails. There are nearly 750 routes available, catering to various preferences. Over 540 of these are rated as easy, with about 190 moderate trails and a smaller number of more challenging options.
Yes, many of the trails around Kleine Rietplas are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Kleine Rietplas – View of De Rietlanden loop from Zuidbarge is an easy 2.8 km circular trail, perfect for a shorter walk.
Kleine Rietplas is ideal for easy and beginner-friendly hikes, with over 540 routes rated as easy. A great option is the Beach at Grote Rietplas – View of Sandur Park loop from Parc Sandur, an easy 2.8 km route that offers pleasant views and a gentle gradient.
While the guide data doesn't specify dog-friendly rules, the natural and recreational character of Kleine Rietplas, with its open spaces and paths, generally suggests it's a suitable area for walking dogs. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially near water, residential areas like De Rietlanden, and to respect local signage regarding pet access.
Absolutely! Kleine Rietplas is very family-friendly. Many of the easy trails are suitable for families, such as the Sandy Beach at the Lake – View of Parc Sandur loop from Prysmian, a 5.4 km easy route. Beyond hiking, the area offers playgrounds, a cable car, and a skateboard track, along with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing at the beaches, making it a great destination for all ages.
Hikers can enjoy diverse views, including the expansive Kleine Rietplas and the connected Grote Rietplas. Key features include sandy beaches, reed beds, and the adjacent residential area of De Rietlanden. An elevated grass hill with a lookout tower provides panoramic views over the water and surrounding green spaces. You'll also get glimpses of Parc Sandur, a nearby residential and recreational park.
Yes, given its popularity as a recreational area, Kleine Rietplas offers parking facilities for visitors. While specific locations aren't detailed in the guide, ample parking is typically available near the main recreational access points to accommodate hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The trails in Kleine Rietplas are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 1200 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied landscape, the well-maintained paths, and the pleasant views of the lakes and green areas, making it a popular choice for outdoor activities.
Yes, the Kleine Rietplas area is well-equipped with amenities. You'll find a restaurant, a snack bar, and terraces with views of the lake, providing convenient options for refreshments and relaxation after your hike.
Kleine Rietplas is enjoyable year-round, but the best time to hike often depends on your preference. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for combining hiking with swimming and other water activities. Even in winter, the flat terrain can be suitable for a crisp walk, though facilities might have reduced hours.
While many routes are shorter, there are longer options available. For instance, the View of Sandur Park – View of De Rietlanden loop from Zuidbarge is a moderate 10.5 km path that typically takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete, offering extensive views.


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