Campingplatz Meppen

As well as being a famed watersports cente, Meppen's also home to an archaeology museum (the Exhibition Centre for the Archaeology of the Emsland; try saying that after a local ale or two), with exbhibirs on the region from the Stone Age to medieval times. Arty sorts can browse the arts centre on the same street (Koppelschleuse street), while thespian types – and families – should have a dramatically fine time at the summer performances in nearby Esterfeld Forest. Just outside town (10 minutes' drive from the site), have a more peaceful few hours at the Borkener Paradies nature reserve. Emsland's biggest town, the handsome riverside settlement of Lingen (20 minutes) is a top spot for a resftul day wandering along the Ems river or around its Old Town; if you're feeling energetic, set off from here along the 220 kilometres of signposted bike trails into the surrounding countryside.