The best traffic-free bike rides around Emmen
4.5
(916)
10,628
riders
462
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Emmen are characterized by a generally flat terrain, making them accessible for various skill levels. The region features diverse natural landscapes, including extensive forests, heathlands, and distinctive peat bogs. Emmen is part of the Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark, an area shaped by glacial activity, offering unique geological formations and historical sites like dolmens. The well-developed network of cycle paths traverses these varied environments, providing dedicated routes for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic touring cycling…
Last updated: October 24, 2026
4.3
(4)
698
riders
47.0km
03:28
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.7
(50)
231
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.3
(29)
90
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
3.8
(5)
185
riders
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
3.0
(6)
181
riders
13.6km
00:50
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Traffic-free bike rides around Emmen
Traffic-free bike rides around Emmen
Other adventures around Emmen
Tips from the Community
The Protestant church of Zweeloo dates from the 13th century and stands on a rise on the edge of the village. It is a late Romanesque hall church with a steeple, which was thoroughly restored in 1929/1930. The 14th-century Maria bell in the steeple indicates a possible dedication of the church to Mary.[3][4] The interior features a pulpit from 1709 and a baptismal font of Bentheim sandstone that is as old as the church itself. Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zweeloo
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Zweeloo (Drents: Sweel) is an esdorp[2] in the municipality of Coevorden, in the Dutch province of Drenthe. Zweeloo, together with the neighboring village of Aalden, forms almost a single entity. On the south side, one finds the old esdorp Oud-Aalden, with Saxon farms that form a protected village view. Zweeloo is strongly geared towards tourism, due to the proximity of a bungalow park and a golf course. Annually (since 1982) the music festival "Sweelpop" and the equestrian event "Masters Springen" (since 2005) are organized in Zweeloo. Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zweeloo
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Beautiful, mostly quite straight cycling paths in the Bargerveen nature reserve that allow a good view of the diverse moor landscape.
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Enjoy a relaxing time watching the boats pass through the locks.
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After the peat bog was extracted in the 1960s, the Dutch Forestry Commission began the renaturation of what is now the Bargerveen nature reserve. Today, due to its exceptional diversity of flora and fauna, it enjoys special protection as a European bird sanctuary and an important wetland. You can explore the area on approximately 30 kilometers of hiking trails, enjoy panoramic views of the bog from the observation hill and tower, or experience the unique landscape on guided tours and accessible rides on the Veenland Express train.
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At the Van Gogh House in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord, you'll be drawn into the story of Vincent van Gogh during his time in Drenthe. His journey as an artist, his admiration for the Drenthe landscape, and the people and surroundings he captured in his sketches, paintings, and letters to his brother Theo. Only at this location is the only publicly accessible building where Vincent van Gogh actually lived, ate, and slept, still preserved in its original state. Vincent's room is a real draw. His bed, his wood-burning stove, and certainly his balcony with a view of the bridge he painted. That view is now even more special thanks to a large mural on the Veenoord silo. Source: https://www.drenthe.nl/locaties/903667940/van-gogh-huis
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Unfortunately the road surface is just as old, so bouncing
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I cycled from Hebelermeer to the museum in New Amsterdam. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Emmen?
Emmen offers a vast network of over 440 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes. These paths traverse diverse landscapes, ensuring a peaceful and scenic experience away from vehicular traffic.
What makes Emmen an ideal destination for no-traffic touring cycling?
Emmen, nestled in Drenthe, is renowned for its extensive, high-quality cycle paths that are often car-free. The region's generally flat terrain, combined with its diverse natural beauty—including forests, heathlands, and peat bogs—makes it perfect for relaxed touring. The Hondsrug UNESCO Global Geopark also offers unique geological and historical insights along its routes.
Are there family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in Emmen?
Yes, Emmen is very family-friendly for cyclists. With over 280 easy routes, many of which are flat and car-free, there are plenty of options suitable for all ages. Routes through the Emmerdennen Forest or around the Bargerveen Nature Reserve offer safe and enjoyable experiences for families.
Can I find circular no-traffic cycling routes around Emmen?
Absolutely. Many of Emmen's no-traffic touring cycling routes are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end your journey at the same point. For example, the Forest Path and Pond – Kibbelkoele Lake loop from Emmen offers a scenic circular tour through varied landscapes.
What kind of natural attractions can I see along these routes?
Emmen's routes are rich in natural beauty. You can cycle through the tranquil Emmerdennen Forest, explore the unique moorland of the Bargerveen Nature Reserve, or discover the geological formations of the Hondsrug Geopark. Keep an eye out for diverse flora and fauna, especially in protected areas like the Bargerveen Nature Reserve – Boundary Stone 160-V loop from Weiteveen.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks accessible by no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, Emmen's routes often pass by significant historical sites. You can encounter ancient dolmens (hunebeds) that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times. The Church of Zweeloo – Old Aalden Heritage Village loop from Nieuw Amsterdam, for instance, combines natural beauty with cultural heritage.
Where can I park my car when starting a no-traffic touring cycling route in Emmen?
Emmen and its surrounding villages offer various parking options, often near trailheads or town centers, providing convenient access to the no-traffic cycling network. Many routes, like the Ode to the Sun Sculpture – Forest Cycle Path loop from Emmen Zuid, start from easily accessible points with parking facilities nearby.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Emmen?
The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Emmen, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the region's extensive network of quiet, well-maintained paths, the diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, and the feeling of being truly immersed in nature away from traffic.
Are there any shelters or huts along the no-traffic routes for a break?
Yes, especially within nature reserves and forests, you can find various shelters and huts perfect for a rest or picnic. For example, the Bargerveen Nature Reserve – Thatched Shelter by the Lake loop from Zwartemeer passes by a charming thatched shelter, and the Thatched Shelter by the Lake is a popular spot.
Can I spot wildlife while cycling on these routes?
The no-traffic routes, particularly those through the Bargerveen Nature Reserve and Emmerdennen Forest, offer excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for various bird species, deer, and other local fauna in these peaceful, undisturbed environments.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic touring cycling in Emmen?
Spring, summer, and early autumn are generally the most popular times for touring cycling in Emmen, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. However, the well-maintained paths make cycling enjoyable even in milder winter conditions, especially through the forests.
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