Step back in time
Visit museum village Orvelte
Less than five kilometres from our holiday park in Westerbork is one of the most beautiful and authentic villages in the Netherlands: Orvelte. This special village, hidden between the Drenthe ash villages and woods, is not an open-air museum but a lively village where the past is still tangible every day.
Orvelte is a so-called museum village, where the character of 19th-century Drenthe village culture has been carefully preserved. As you stroll over the cobblestones and past centuries-old Saxon farmhouses, you feel as if you are in another time. Old trades come to life in workshops where blacksmiths, woodworkers and clog makers still demonstrate their craft daily.
For young and old
Experience and see
A visit to Orvelte is fun for the whole family. Children can explore the historic farms, take a ride on the horse-drawn tram, or playfully learn about farm life of the past. During the summer months, demonstrations and theme days are regularly organised - from old-fashioned hooping to wool spinning.
Besides culture and history, you can also enjoy Drenthe hospitality in Orvelte. Take a seat on one of the cosy terraces, sample local produce or browse around the shops selling local delicacies, handicrafts and antiques.
Some tips for a day visit to Orvelte:
- The Ottenshoes and Orvelte Poort, a beautiful startingpoint for a day trip to Orvelte
- Theodoor's Wooden Path, a beautiful walking route with challenging obstacles.
- The professor Pannenkoek pancake store, voor information and items regarding this (Dutch) delicacy
- Zoobizar, the smallest zoo in the Netherlands
