Meppen is where the Hase and Radde rivers meet the Ems and the Dortmund-Ems Canal. These waterways give the city a geographic reference point; its history can also be read in its buildings and fortress complex. There are different ways to explore the city: its townscape and architecture, museums and art, summer musical theatre, and cycling tours.
Townscape and Architectural History
The Höltingmühle stands on a spit of land between the Hase and the Dortmund-Ems Canal. The old town is framed by the ramparts and moat of the historic fortress. The historic town hall contributes to the character of the pedestrian zone around the market square: it dates from 1408 and has a distinctive stepped gable. Together, the fortifications and this building with a specific date offer different perspectives on the city’s history.
Explore History in Different Ways
The Tourist Information Office offers guided city tours that explore Meppen’s more than 1,200-year history. Another option is the GPS-guided History Tour, which covers buildings, sights, historic sites and the history of the fortress. The MEPPEN 1638 tour uses VR and AR to reconstruct fortress walls, moats, bridges, gates, defensive structures and buildings such as Paulsburg. While the city tours cover a broad historical period, MEPPEN 1638 focuses on individual elements of the fortress. You can use the tour on your own mobile device or a device borrowed from Meppen Tourist Information. Check the current availability of the digital tours and the loan option in advance.
Museums, Art and Theatre
The Emsland Archaeology Museum displays a replica of a Stone Age megalithic tomb and illustrates prehistoric times. The Arenberg estate museum provides information about the region’s history. The Emsland Archaeology Museum displays a replica of a Stone Age megalithic tomb and illustrates prehistoric times. The Arenberg estate museum provides information about the region’s history. The Koppelschleuse Art Centre presents regional and national contemporary art in its exhibition programme. Together, these offer a range of subjects, from prehistoric and regional history to contemporary art.
The open-air theatre presents musical theatre during the summer months. Its programme also includes an annual musical production for families; the productions vary from year to year. If you would like to include an evening at the theatre in your trip, check the current performance dates in advance.
Cycling Routes and a Regional Outlook
There are different options for cycling, too: themed circular routes for day trips and long-distance cycle routes pass through Meppen. The Hümmlinger Hügel-Tour starts in Meppen. This lets you choose between a themed day loop, a long-distance cycle route that passes through Meppen, and a tour with a named starting point. Check the latest route information before setting out.
The Emsland offers a broader perspective on the natural and cultural landscape. In the northeast of the district, Hümmling Nature Park covers around 580 square kilometres. Cycling and hiking trails, with information stations along the way, pass historic sites, megalithic tombs and Schloss Clemenswerth. Another hiking option in the Emsland is the Kranichpfad: it runs about 2.5 kilometres into Theikenmeer Nature Reserve; the return journey follows the same route, making about five kilometres in total. The trail has a viewing platform with panoramic views of Lake Theikenmeer and the Wehmer Dose moorland, as well as a birdwatching hide on the lakeshore.
Discover more destinations: Lingen (Ems), Emsbüren, Lathen, Haselünne, Sögel, Düthe, Dörpen, Lünne
For the main travel overview: Emsland.
