Emsland

Emsland is a natural and cultural region in the northwestern part of Lower Saxony, Germany. It lies along the Ems River and is characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain, extensive networks of canals and rivers, and large peat bogs known as the Emsland moors. The core of the region is the rural district of Landkreis Emsland, with Meppen as its administrative center; other towns include Lingen, Papenburg, and Haren (Ems).

The name Emsland derives from the Ems River, which has shaped settlement and transport in the area since antiquity. In the 19th and 20th centuries, peat exploitation and drainage projects transformed much of the landscape into agricultural land. The region was affected by World War II, hosting a network of concentration labor camps known as Emslandlager. After the war it developed as a predominantly rural economy with agriculture, forestry, and small to medium-sized industry.

Economically, the district hosts the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, a major employer and shipbuilder that constructs large cruise ships. The region also engages in wind energy development and light manufacturing in several towns. Tourism focuses on nature reserves, cycling routes, and the scenic Ems River.

Transportation includes the Dortmund–Ems Canal and the Ems River, with railway and road links connecting to Münster, Osnabrück, and the Dutch border. The area is served by regional rail and bus services.