Veenhuizen was established in 1823 with three institutions, each designed for 1,200 residents. Until 1983, Veenhuizen was a closed, self-sufficient prison village. The history of the place can be explored through historic buildings, exhibitions and a variety of routes.
Prison History and Architecture
The Nationaal Gevangenismuseum is housed in the preserved Second Institution. Its permanent exhibition covers both the history of Dutch criminal law and the history of Veenhuizen. This brings the history of a specific institution and the development of criminal law together in one exhibition.
A tour with a heritage guide explores Veenhuizen’s history and passes several monuments. The Boevenbus also passes monumental buildings in Veenhuizen and goes by prisons such as Esserheem and Norgerhaven. Check the latest operating information before your ride so you can plan accordingly.
Routes with Different Perspectives
The signposted Gestichtsroute Veenhuizen – Blue Route is 2.2 kilometres long and runs through Veenhuizen. Blue posts mark the way. The 20-kilometre hike is considerably longer. It runs from Veenhuizen through the Slokkert Valley, past the Spanish Cemetery, along streams and through forests to Norg and back to Veenhuizen. The distances make the difference between these two options clear without specifying a walking time.
There are several formats for experiencing the stories: the Ooggetuigenroute can be explored on foot or by bicycle and includes ten video stories based on conversations with eyewitnesses. A theatrical audio route also takes you through Veenhuizen on foot or by bicycle. If you prefer a guided experience, you can learn about the history and monuments on a historical tour with a heritage guide.
The Veenhuizen Tourist Information Centre offers extensive information on walking and cycling routes. It’s a useful starting point if you’re choosing between a marked route, a longer hike and exploring by bicycle. The routes differ not only in length: the Ooggetuigenroute features video stories, while the theatrical audio route offers a different form of storytelling.
Landscape, Brewing Culture and Craftsmanship
A planned landscape developed around the institutions, distinct from the Fochtelooërveen and the landscape of the esdorpen. The Fochtelooërveen, one of the last raised bog areas in Western Europe, is nearby. Walking and cycling trails run through the area around the raised bog.
The brewery offers another way to discover Veenhuizen’s history and craftsmanship: Bierbrouwerij MAALLUST is housed in a former grain mill. Visitors can see the brewing process and sample specialty beers. The building’s former use and its present-day role as a brewery add a culinary perspective to the museum and route experiences.
A restoration studio and museum for Graftrommels in Veenhuizen showcases special tools and how they are used. Graftrommels are restored and exhibited there to keep the tradition alive. Alongside the history of criminal law, you’ll also encounter practical craftwork and the preservation of a unique tradition.
Search for Hotels by Travel Profile
The 2.2-kilometre route and the 20-kilometre hike offer two very different distances, while the video stories and audio route provide different ways to explore. This makes it easy to tailor your hotel search to the interests that matter most on your trip to Veenhuizen.
Discover more destinations: Roden, Zuidvelde, Westervelde, Roderesch, Roderwolde, Alteveer, Een, Norg
For the overview of the wider area: Noordenveld.
