Meppen Town Hall Kirmes
Autumn kirmes in the city centre around the third Sunday in October. Fairground rides, carousels and sweet stalls plus a large fireworks display on Friday evening draw visitors from the Emsland region.
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Meppen
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Meppen
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Höltingmühle on weekends to enjoy coffee and cake inside a historic windmill located right between the river and the canal.
- Take a walk or bike ride along the ramparts, a green belt that follows the old star-shaped fortress walls around the old town.
- For the best view of the confluence where the Hase flows into the Ems, head to the wooden bridge at the end of Kanalstraße.
- Look out for the cooling tower of the former power plant in the north, which features the world's largest painted world map.
- Explore the Borkener Paradies nature reserve nearby, where you can see semi-wild horses and cattle in a prehistoric landscape.
🍽 Food
🍽
Buchweizenpfannkuchen
A hearty buckwheat pancake, traditionally served with bacon or lingonberries in local country inns.
🍽
Emsland Spirits
Sample high-quality grain brandy (Korn) from the traditional distilleries in the nearby town of Haselünne.
🍽
Emsland Asparagus
If visiting in spring, try the fresh white asparagus served with melted butter or ham in restaurants around the market square.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Town Hall Market
Buy regional products like honey and cured meats at the weekly market in front of the historic red-brick town hall.
🛍
Emsstraße & Market Square
The main pedestrian zone features local boutiques and department stores set in characterful historic buildings.
🧘
Borkener Paradies
A vast nature reserve located in a loop of the Ems river, handy for peaceful wildlife spotting and hiking.
🧘
Hase River Path
Follow the winding path of the Hase river away from the city center for total silence and nature.
Water temperature…
Meppen, the capital of the Emsland district, is a historic city located at the junction of the Ems and Hase rivers. With its origins dating back over 1,200 years, it was once a significant fortified stronghold, a legacy still reflected in the park-lined moats surrounding the old town. Today, Meppen serves as a vital economic and administrative hub in western Lower Saxony, benefiting from its position along the Dortmund-Ems Canal. The city is characterized by its welcoming brick architecture, most notably the 15th-century town hall. It has a blend of industrial strength and natural beauty, making it a popular starting point for exploring the Emsland cycling routes. The local economy is driven by mechanical engineering, agriculture-related industries, and a robust retail sector, ensuring its status as a leading middle-order center.
- Location: Lower Saxony, Germany
- Top sights: Historic Town Hall · St. Vitus Church · Koppelschleuse
- Nearby: Haselünne (12 km)
- Population: ~36.137
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 57 | 52 | 38 | 58 | 61 | 74 | 77 | 58 | 62 | 66 | 73 |
Geography
Facts
- First mention: Officially recorded in 834 AD.
- Total area: Approximately 188 square kilometers.
- Town Hall: Built in 1408, the city's oldest landmark.
- Waterways: Junction of the Hase and Ems rivers.
- Population density: Approx. 192 inhabitants per km².
- Parks: The former fortifications are now green belts.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Meppen (14)
Frequently asked questions
What is the landmark of Meppen?
The historic town hall from 1408, built from boulders and brick, is the most famous building on the market square.
Where do the rivers meet in Meppen?
In Meppen, the Hase flows into the Ems. The Koppelschleuse is a popular cultural meeting point by the water.
Which local specialty should you try?
Try buckwheat pancakes (Buchweizenpfannkuchen), a traditional Emsland dish, often served with applesauce or syrup.
Is Meppen easily accessible by bike?
Yes, Meppen is located on the Ems Cycle Path. The city provides flat paths, well-suited for tours through the Emsland region.
How far is it from Meppen to Osnabrück?
By regional train RE15, the journey takes about 50 minutes. The A31 motorway connects both cities.
Meppen: where is it located?
Meppen is located in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Meppen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Historic Town Hall, St. Vitus Church, Koppelschleuse.
Meppen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Meppen: why is it worth visiting?
Meppen, the capital of the Emsland district, is a historic city located at the junction of the Ems and Hase rivers.
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