The best traffic-free bike rides around Emmen
4.5
(884)
10,415
riders
481
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: July 7, 2026
4.3
(4)
755
riders
48.6km
03:35
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(63)
301
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(38)
189
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(27)
88
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
174
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Emmen
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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 southern Barger Veen is currently impassable. The nature reserve is being expanded, which may take some time. From Twist-Bült, you cannot drive directly into the moor via nodes 89 and 98. A detour is required from node 89 via point 88 (Nieuw Schoonebeek) to point 33 (Weiteveen). Also closed is the southbound direction from point 63 (observation tower) towards points 98 and 61. From point 63 (observation tower) you can only drive north towards points 85, 67, 64. It is currently not possible to drive completely around the moor.
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On the east side of the NSG Bourtanger Moor, the path runs exactly along the German-Dutch border
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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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Beautiful, mostly quite straight cycle paths in the NSG Bargerveen that allow a good view of the diverse moorland landscape.
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On the east side of the Bourtanger Moor nature reserve, the path runs exactly along the German-Dutch border
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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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Nooit Gedacht is located in Veenoord on the waterfront, diagonally across from the Van Gogh House. This is where Vincent van Gogh slept and reached by barge. This waterfront location has become even more important in recent years. A few years ago, the Veenvaart canal opened, allowing boaters to take a "tour of Drenthe." Anyone who does this tour will encounter this windmill, and there's a good chance it's turning! This windmill has a long history of relocation. A previous windmill had stood on this site, but the current one was built here in 1916. It was originally built in Leeuwarden, then moved to Heerenveen, and then stood in Hankate. Its current location is therefore the fourth such mill. In the world of windmills, it's believed that no other smock mill has moved so often. Source: https://www.drenthe.nl/locaties/1454076968/molen-nooitgedacht
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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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