Frederiksoord combines a defining founding history with a colonial landscape that is still described today. The town was established in 1818 as the oldest of the Colonies of Benevolence; at the same time, Frederiksoord was the original headquarters of the Society of Benevolence. Those interested in the history of these colonies will find various ways to explore it here: from farms and avenues to historic buildings, museum experiences and routes.
Colonial History in the Landscape
The Proefkolonie Frederiksoord was founded with 52 small farms. They were intended to house poor city dwellers. Frederiksoord-Wilhelminaoord is a so-called “free” colony: small farms lie along planted avenues. The colonial landscape also preserves straight roads and a network of main and side roads. This makes it possible to explore the history not only through individual buildings, but also through the described layout of the landscape.
The central buildings in the heart of the Proefkolonie included the Kolonieschooltje, which stood next to the communal kitchen. At the time, children in the colony were required to attend school from the age of six. The Koloniehuisje also offers a glimpse of the former building style: originally, it consisted of a simple brick living area with box beds and a wooden rear section with a threshing floor and stable. This description refers to the house’s original layout.
Museum, Gardens and Guided Experiences
The De Proefkolonie Museum presents the story of the first colonists as a multimedia journey through time. An exhibition complements the experience of the Colonies of Benevolence and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is worth checking the current opening hours in advance of your visit. The Tuinen van Frederiksoord include De Fruithof, De Tuin zonder Drempels and the Tuinbouwschooltuin—three named gardens within the grounds.
The Elektrische Kolonie Express offers a guided tour through the Colonies of Benevolence. It can accommodate a maximum of 14 people. If you are planning this tour, check the capacity and practical details before booking. The Luistertocht door de Vrije Koloniën offers a different way to explore the area: this 26-kilometre cycle tour runs through the UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines stories, music, letters and re-enacted scenes. Here, history is conveyed not only through buildings or an exhibition, but also along the way through a variety of storytelling formats.
Compare Walking and Cycling Routes
There are two fully paved routes of different lengths to choose from for a walk. The Sterrebosroute Frederiksoord runs for three kilometres through the Sterrebos. The Monumentenroute Frederiksoord is eleven kilometres long and passes various monuments of the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid. The main differences are therefore the distance and theme: a shorter route through the Sterrebos or a longer walk with monuments as its focus. The 26-kilometre Luistertocht offers a separate cycling option, combining the ride with stories, music, letters and re-enacted scenes.
For travel-planning information, the TIP Frederiksoord provides details about events, accommodation, cycling, walking and horse-riding routes, attractions and museums. Check opening hours before you travel. The Fietstransferium Frederiksoord serves as a starting point for routes in the region and offers route advice; if you would like to use this service, check the current operating information in advance.
Discover more destinations: Uffelte, Wapserveen, Diever, Oude Willem, Dieverbrug, Vledderveen, Havelte, Vledder.
Return to the regional travel overview: Westerveld.
