Erm combines medieval village history with waterside recreation and routes through the countryside. This gives you different options for your stay: the history of the esch village, activities at Ermerstrand, or walking and cycling routes in the Ermerzand area.

Between esch fields and stream valleys

Erm lies on the edge of the Drenthe Plateau, between two esch fields and two stream valleys. In the Middle Ages, the village developed as an esch village on sandy soils at the edge of the Sleenerstroom stream valley.

A historic spot in the village

A remnant of a brink has been preserved at the intersection of Oostereind and Oosterlangen. This spot adds a tangible historic remnant in the village to the picture of Erm as a medieval esch village.

Ermerstrand: lake, beaches and water sports

Ermerstrand lies on the edge of Erm and is an 80-hectare nature and recreation area. About 40 hectares of it is water—approximately half of the total area. The large recreational lake and its surroundings feature wide beaches, islands and extensive sunbathing lawns. Water and open recreational spaces are therefore equally part of the area’s character.

Water skiing and wakeboarding are available at Ermerstrand. Instructors are on hand to teach participants the techniques. You can choose between spending time on the beaches and sunbathing lawns or taking part in instructed water sports. As activities may change, check what is currently on offer before your visit.

Walking, cycling and historic places

There are many walking and cycling routes in the area around Ermerzand. They pass through forests, across open land and through nearby villages. If you like to include a variety of landscapes in your plans, this offers a different focus from spending time at the lake and along the shore of Ermerstrand. The Ermerzand area was excavated in 1973.

A historic walking route runs through Erm and Achterste Erm. There are around 20 selected historic sites in each village. A brochure compiled in 2020 presents the route and historic sites with texts and photographs. It also lists a plaque with a description and photograph for each site. It is best to check before your visit whether the brochure is currently available.

Travel information

Bus route 29 runs between Emmen and De Kiel and is listed at the Erm starting point of the Drenthepad route. Check the current timetable before travelling, as service information may change.

When looking for a hotel in Erm, you can start by asking yourself what you want your stay to focus on: village history, time at Ermerstrand, or routes in the Ermerzand area.

Discover more destinations: Wezup, Zweeloo, Oosterhesselen, Stieltjeskanaal, Noord-Sleen, Gees, Aalden, Dalen

For the overview of the wider area: Coevorden.