Things To Do
in Epe
Epe is a small, picturesque town in North Rhine-Westphalia near the Dutch border, known for its relaxed pace, low-rise historic centre and surrounding farmland. The Vechte river and a patchwork of cycling and walking routes make it popular with outdoor enthusiasts and families. Local life revolves around weekly markets, neighborhood pubs (Gaststätten) and community events that reflect traditional Westphalian culture.
Epe is also a convenient base for cross-border day trips into the Netherlands and to larger German cities by regional train or motorway.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, where you can enjoy fresh pastries and coffee while soaking in the quaint atmosphere. Afterward, wander through the cobblestone streets of Epe's historic center, taking in the charming architecture and historical landmarks. Be sure to visit St. Vitus Church, an impressive structure that showcases the rich history of the town.
In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional German lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local specialties such as schnitzel or bratwurst. After your meal, visit the Epe Museum, where you can learn about the town's cultural heritage through engaging exhibits. A stroll through the surrounding parks will offer a refreshing break, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
As the sun sets, head to a popular local beer garden for a taste of Epe's craft brews paired with hearty German fare. Engage with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughter in a lively atmosphere. End your evening with a peaceful walk along the scenic paths, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin your day with an energizing breakfast at your accommodation before setting off to explore the stunning nature trails surrounding Epe. The early morning light enhances the beauty of the lush green landscapes as you hike through the nearby Epe Forest, where you can spot various wildlife. Take your time to appreciate the tranquility and perhaps catch a glimpse of deer or various bird species.
After your hike, enjoy a packed picnic lunch in one of the forest clearings, surrounded by nature's beauty. Spend the afternoon biking along the designated trails that wind through the countryside, taking in the picturesque views of fields and quaint farms. Stop at a local vineyard to sample some regional wines and learn about the wine-making process.
Return to Epe in the early evening for dinner at a cozy restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine. Savor a delicious meal while enjoying the warm ambiance and friendly service. After dinner, take a stroll along the canal, where the reflections of the lights create a magical atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pint) | $4-6 |
| 🚆Regional train ticket (short trip) | $4-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, safe town with authentic Westphalian character
- Excellent cycling and walking routes with easy cross-border access to the Netherlands
- Close-knit community feel and local markets with regional produce
- Good base for day trips to larger cities and nature areas
- Limited nightlife and cultural offerings compared with larger cities
- Fewer dining options for specialized diets (vegan, gluten-free) in town
- Public transport is regional—some destinations require careful planning or a car
- Smaller selection of tourist services and multilingual signage than in big tourist centres
- "Guten Tag" - Good day / Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Die Rechnung, bitte." - The bill, please.
- "Wo ist die Bushaltestelle?" - Where is the bus stop?
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Epe
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture historic façades, daily market activity and the relaxed rhythm of town life—best during golden hour or market mornings.
Picturesque riverside scenes with old bridges, reed beds and reflections—excellent for landscapes and wildlife shots.
Photograph architectural details, stained glass and the church tower against the town skyline.
Surrounding farmland, hedgerows and lone trees create classic Westphalian rural scenes at sunrise or sunset.
Cross-border villages offer different rooflines, windmills and canals—useful for varied compositions and cultural contrast.
Food in Epe
Epe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured smokey ham eaten thinly sliced; available at local markets and delis—great with bread and mustard.
Must-Try!
Kale cooked with smoked sausage, bacon and potatoes—classic cold-weather comfort, often found in local restaurants during late autumn and winter.
Braised, marinated beef or local beef stews served with red cabbage and dumplings or potatoes; a good example of regional hearty cuisine.
Local cafés serve a range of cakes—Streuselkuchen, Apfelkuchen and other seasonal tarts are popular with coffee (Kaffee und Kuchen).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typically held in the Markt area: stalls offer regional cheeses, breads, meats and seasonal produce—perfect for a picnic or tasting local specialties.
Small roadside stands or Hofläden sell eggs, milk, jam and honey produced in the surrounding countryside—ideal for fresh, local ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for appointments, guided tours and trains—punctuality is valued.
Respect midday rest and night quiet hours (usually after 10pm) and avoid loud noise on Sundays and public holidays.
Begin with a polite 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo' and use surnames with titles until invited to use first names.
Follow local recycling rules and separate waste correctly; communities take waste separation seriously.
Safety
Tipping in Epe
Ensure a smooth experience
Round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants for good service; pay the tip directly to the server when settling the bill. Small tips for taxi drivers and hairdressers are appreciated but not obligatory.
Cash (Euro) is widely used in small towns; Girocard (EC) and major contactless cards are accepted in many places but some small shops and markets may be cash-only. Mobile payments increasing but verify acceptance first.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and pleasant, great for cycling, river walks and beer gardens; expect occasional rain—bring lightweight rainwear and sunscreen.
Crisp air, colourful foliage and hearty food appear in menus—ideal for hiking and photography; temperatures drop in late autumn.
Cold and damp with occasional snow/freezing nights; many outdoor attractions are quieter and some small businesses have reduced hours—pack warm layers and waterproof footwear.
Flowers and budding trees return, markets feature fresh produce, and outdoor activities ramp up—weather can be changeable, so layer up.
Epe at Night
Hiking in Epe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy riverside walks following the Vechte with birdwatching opportunities and pleasant picnic spots—good for families and casual hikers.
Circular routes that take you across the German–Dutch border through fields, small forests and villages—signposted and bike-friendly.
Short, scenic trails around nearby woods and meadows suitable for half-day hikes and nature observation; best in spring and autumn.
Airports
How to reach Epe by plane.
About 60–80 km away (approximately 50–70 minutes by car); regional flights and some European connections; reachable by car or a combination of regional trains and buses.
Major international airport about 90–110 km away (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car), offering broad international connections and good rail links to the region.
Smaller low-cost airport approximately 50–70 km away; mainly seasonal and budget airline connections—convenient for some European routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in Epe and surrounding villages attracted by schools, green spaces and a community-oriented lifestyle.
A noticeable proportion of older adults and retirees contributes to a calm atmosphere and local volunteer networks.
Some residents commute to larger towns and cities for work while enjoying smaller-town living; there is limited cross-border commuting to the Netherlands.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur clubs are central to community life; matches and youth programs are common across towns and villages.
Both recreational and commuter cycling are widespread thanks to flat terrain and signed routes; touring cyclists often pass through the region.
Popular indoor sports with active local clubs and regular tournaments for children and adults.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Epe.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Small towns have fewer vegetarian-focused restaurants, but most cafés and Gaststätten offer salads, cheese-based dishes and seasonal vegetable mains—ask staff for vegetarian options (vegetarisch).
Vegan choices are limited but growing; bakeries and supermarkets stock plant milks and spreads. Inquire politely—many places will adapt dishes if given notice.
Specialty gluten-free bread and baked goods are less common in small places; larger supermarkets and health-food stores stock options. Communicate 'glutenfrei' clearly in restaurants and consider buying snacks in advance.