Discover Haren / Ems

Ancient beeches, a restored windmill and a range of activities on the water give Haren / Ems many different facets. The Tinner Loh nature reserve, Mersmühle, St. Martinus and Dankernsee each appeal to different interests. When planning your trip, consider which of these aspects you would like to focus on — this can also guide your search for suitable accommodation in Haren / Ems.

Nature at Tinner Loh

The 13-hectare Tinner Loh nature reserve is characterised by ancient beech forest. The trees there are between 200 and 500 years old; the area provides a habitat for birds and wood-dwelling insects. During your visit, stay on the paths and keep dogs on a lead. This lets you explore the forest while respecting the guidance for the protected area.

Water and activity

At Dankernsee, you can water-ski, use pedal boats, try stand-up paddleboarding or go swimming. These are different ways to spend time by the water. Passenger boat trips on the MS Amisia are also offered in Haren, and private motorboat trips are possible too. If you are planning a trip on the MS Amisia, check the current timetable beforehand.

The Haren-Rütenbrock Canal runs through Haren and connects to the Dutch canal network. North of the Rhine, it is the only navigable link between Germany and the Netherlands. This special role makes the canal a distinctive part of the waterways associated with Haren.

Mill history and church architecture

At the Haren Mill Museum, the restored Mersmühle offers a clear insight into the history of milling: the smock windmill, built in 1825, is fully operational. The museum presents grain production through the themes “Sowing, harvesting, milling, baking” and “From grain to bread” — with the journey from field to finished loaf as its guiding thread. Visits are currently only possible as part of a guided tour, which you must book in advance through the Haren Tourist Information Office.

St. Martinus Church also offers a distinctive cultural point of interest: its architecture was inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and it is often called the Emsland Cathedral. It can be viewed from the outside at any time. Even so, check the latest information about this option before your trip.

More experiences and a cycling route from Haren

Schloss Dankern features the Motorik-Fun Park, the medieval Drago fortress with more than 60 obstacles, and a fire station-themed playground. The three attractions each have a different focus: movement, obstacles and themed play. When planning your day, you can choose which of these facilities appeals to you.

The Dörfer-Tour starts in Haren and is an easy 38-kilometre cycling route. Its length and stated difficulty give you a clear guide when choosing a ride for your stay. Check route details before setting off, as route information may be updated.

More nature and cycling in the Emsland

In the wider destination of Emsland, Hümmling Nature Park covers around 580 square kilometres in the north-east of the district. Cycle and hiking trails, with information points along the way, pass historical sites, megalithic tombs and Schloss Clemenswerth. The palace park covers 42 hectares and includes the Gloriette, Elector Clemens August’s garden pavilion. The Theikenmeer loop is one of the nature park’s trails that meets the German Hiking Association’s quality criteria.

The Kranichpfad leads about 2.5 kilometres into the Theikenmeer nature reserve; you return along the same route, making the total walking distance around 5 kilometres. The Kranichpfad includes a viewing platform with panoramic views of Lake Theikenmeer and the Wehmer Dose moorland, as well as a birdwatching hut on the lakeshore.

For a longer cycling trip in the wider destination of Emsland, the 395-kilometre Emsland Route offers a different scale. This circular route passes through five landscape regions: Northern Ems Valley, Hümmling, Bourtanger Moor, Hasetal and Southern Emsland. It connects 19 towns; any of the towns in Emsland along the route can serve as a starting or finishing point. The route is very well signposted, mostly flat, paved and traffic-free, making it particularly suitable for beginners and families with children. By comparison, the Dörfer-Tour, starting in Haren, is a much shorter, easy cycling route at 38 kilometres.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bawinkel, Geeste, Dohren, Surwold, Lahn, Niederlangen, Salzbergen, Heede.

Back to the main travel overview: Emsland.