WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen

WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo in Emmen is not just a zoo, but a unique space where the world of wildlife meets exciting adventures. Located in the heart of Emmen in the Netherlands, this modern theme park offers guests a real trip around the world in a single day. Here, you don't just observe animals; you become part of an expedition to different corners of the planet.

The park's territory is divided into several impressive themed zones, each recreating natural landscapes and climates with striking accuracy. You can go on an expedition through the tropical jungle in the Jungola zone, where you can take a boat ride on a river among elephants and see fluttering butterflies. Then, a truck safari through the African savanna awaits you in the Serenga zone, where giraffes, zebras, and rhinos roam freely. And in the arctic zone Nortica, you can cool off while watching polar bears and penguins.

WILDLANDS places a special emphasis on interactivity and immersion. In addition to observing animals, visitors can enjoy various attractions, playgrounds, and even virtual flights. For children, there are rope bridges, treehouses, and a large indoor play area called Animazia, making the park an ideal place for family vacations. This is a place where a love for nature grows with every minute, and you return home with a bag full of vivid stories and impressions.

To make your visit to WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo as comfortable as possible, it is recommended to check the current information in advance. Operating hours, ticket prices, and the schedule of special events are subject to change, so for the most accurate details, it is best to visit the park's official website. You can also find useful information at tourist centers in the city of Emmen.

At WILDLANDS, your adventure unfolds in three unique worlds, each offering its own distinctive experiences. In the Jungola zone, you'll go on an expedition through the world's largest indoor jungle, where you can stroll through the rainforest or boat down the Rimbula River, spotting elephants and alligators. The next stop is the African savanna of Serenga, where an exciting truck safari awaits. During the trip, you'll be in close proximity to giraffes, zebras, and rhinos roaming freely across the spacious grounds. Your journey concludes in the icy world of Nortica, where you can observe polar bears, penguins, and seals in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.

Besides exploring the themed zones, WILDLANDS offers a variety of interactive entertainment. The park regularly hosts fascinating shows and educational programs that provide deeper insight into the animal world and their behaviors. Of special note are the contact zones, where visitors, especially children, have a unique opportunity to get up close with some of the park's residents. These interactive routes and encounters turn the visit into more than just a walk, but a true educational adventure that will be long remembered.

The park is perfect for family vacations. For young explorers, there are numerous themed playgrounds, including the large indoor play paradise Animazia with rope bridges and slides. While the children play, adults can relax in one of the cozy restaurants or cafes, enjoying the wildlife atmosphere. WILDLANDS is designed so that every guest, regardless of age, finds something interesting and takes home plenty of bright impressions from meeting the amazing world of animals.

WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo is conveniently located almost in the center of Emmen, making it easily accessible for visitors. One of the most convenient ways to get here is by train. Trains run regularly to Emmen from major cities in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Groningen. A nice bonus: the train station is within walking distance of the park, so you can enjoy a short stroll through the city immediately upon arrival.

For those who prefer to travel by car, there is convenient parking near the park. WILDLANDS is also easy to reach by public transport. Buses run from various parts of the city and its surroundings, stopping near the entrance, making the park accessible to all tourists regardless of their chosen mode of travel.

The history of WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo is inextricably linked to its predecessor, Dierenpark Emmen, which was founded back in 1935 and was considered one of the best in Europe for decades. The old zoo, also known as Noorder Dierenpark, was famous for its success in breeding rare animals, especially Asian elephants, and was much loved by the people of the Netherlands. However, by the early 2010s, it faced financial difficulties, which served as the impetus for creating a completely new and ambitious concept.

The decision for transformation was massive: instead of reconstructing the old site, it was decided to build a completely new park from scratch at a new location. Thus, in March 2016, WILDLANDS opened to the public—the result of a colossal project costing around 200 million euros. The new park, spread over 22 hectares, was conceived not just as a zoo but as an adventure theme park, where visitors become participants in expeditions to different climate zones. This idea was part of a larger plan to revitalize and develop the city center of Emmen.

The new concept combined advanced technology, interactive attractions, and meticulously recreated natural landscapes. Instead of traditional enclosures, massive themed worlds appeared, such as Jungola, the world's largest indoor jungle. Thanks to this innovative approach, WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo quickly gained popularity and became one of the main attractions not only in Emmen but in the entire province of Drenthe, attracting tourists from all over Europe. Meanwhile, the site of the old zoo was transformed into Rensenpark, preserving the green heritage in the heart of the city.

When planning a visit to WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo in Emmen, you should be prepared for an action-packed day. To explore all the themed zones without rushing, participate in activities, and enjoy the atmosphere, it is recommended to set aside at least 4–6 hours. This is enough for a basic introduction to the park's main worlds and its amazing inhabitants.

However, many guests spend the entire day here, and for good reason. In addition to exploring the vast animal territories, the park features many attractions, interactive areas, and shows that also take time. If you want to get the most out of the experience without rushing, especially when traveling with family, feel free to plan on spending the whole day at WILDLANDS. This way, you'll have the chance not only to see all the highlights but also to relax and grab a bite in one of the themed restaurants.

WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo is typically open to visitors year-round, but operating hours may vary depending on the season. Generally, you can expect the park to be open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. During the summer months and school holidays, hours are often extended to give guests more time for exploration.

Since the schedule can change, it is highly recommended to check the latest information on the official WILDLANDS website immediately before your planned visit. This will keep you informed of any changes. We also suggest purchasing tickets online in advance—this will help avoid queues at the entrance and guarantee your visit on popular days.

A visit to WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo is a highlight in itself, but you shouldn't stop there. The surroundings of the park in Emmen offer many other interesting places that can complement and enrich your trip. A walk through nearby attractions will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of this cozy corner of the Netherlands and turn your zoo visit into a full introduction to the city.

Thanks to the park's convenient location, many interesting spots are within walking distance. This is a great opportunity to combine wildlife adventures with shopping, gastronomic discoveries, or visiting other unique sites. Below is a list of nearby locations that might interest you.