History in many forms
Museum De Tien Malen presents the history of Putten through archaeological finds. A prehistoric collection of pottery and stone tools is on display in an archaeology room. The museum also exhibits household, craft and farming objects from the setting of an earlier Putten farm culture. Archaeological evidence and objects from rural daily life thus offer different perspectives side by side.
Museumboerderij De Mariahoeve also tells the story of rural life. It is a fully authentic Veluwe farm dating from 1907. At its heart is the sisters’ nearly self-sufficient way of life: examples include butter made in a churn, vegetables from the kitchen garden, and meat and dairy products from their own animals. Guided tours and a multilingual audio tour are available for visitors. Check current visiting arrangements before setting out.
The Gedachtenisruimte offers another perspective on Putten’s history. It recounts the story of the raid in words and pictures; panels list the names of the deported men who lost their lives. The Gedachtenisruimte has been open to the public since 1992. The listening posts on the Liberation Route Europe also bring history to life through sound: there have been three posts in Putten since 2016, each with an audio drama to listen to. The sandstone statue De Vrouw van Putten depicts a grieving woman in traditional dress.
Estates, tree gardens and trails
The Oldenaller estate lies near Putten. It includes a 17th-century castle: Kasteel Oldenaller was built in 1655 on the orders of Johan van Wijnbergen. The castle’s landscaped park features winding paths and bodies of water. Oldenaller’s landscape also includes heathland, woodland, streams, hedgerows and farmland. A heron colony has nested there for many years.
The Klompenpad Oldenaller starts at Broekermolenweg 7 in Putten. From Putterbos, a walk can be extended towards Krachtighuizerheide and Landgoed Schovenhorst. Note that these are separate destinations: the route starts at the address given, while the extension is described as starting from Putterbos.
Landgoed Schovenhorst was established in 1848. Its five tree gardens grew out of 19th- and 20th-century nursery and forestry experiments with conifers. Visitors can explore the tree gardens on themed walks; guided tours are also available. The seasonal family programme includes themed days, workshops, children’s treasure hunts and indoor and outdoor theatre performances.
Bostoren Schovenhorst is 40 metres high and has 235 steps to the top. From there, the view stretches across Amersfoort and the Veluwe. The tower is connected to signposted walking trails of 2.5, 4 and 8.5 kilometres. De Boswandeling is a signposted, four-kilometre walk through Landgoed Schovenhorst that passes four tree gardens. The cultural heritage route Wandelen op Schovenhorst is about eight kilometres long and marked in red. The distances vary considerably; check the markings and access before setting out.
Water, nature and technical discoveries
Bosbad Putten offers a variety of swimming areas: a subtropical swimming pool with a 110-metre wild-water ride and a slide with light effects, as well as an outdoor pool with diving boards and a slide. There is also a toddler pool and a spray park with various water features. Those interested in native birdlife will find a large birdwatching hide at Delta Schuitenbeek, on the edge of the nature development project. The project combines cleaning water flowing in from the Schuitenbeek with creating new habitats for numerous birds.
Discover the history of technology at Putter Stoomgemaal, the most recently restored scoop-wheel pumping station in the Netherlands. Visitors can tour it on Wednesday mornings during maintenance work and on special operating days. On these occasions, the fireman and engine operator explain the history and workings of the steam engine. Check visiting arrangements before setting out. Korenmolen 't Hert also still turns regularly and offers guided tours; operating and tour arrangements may change.
Pluktuin het Platteland offers a seasonal experience: you can pick your own vegetables, fruit and flowers. There is also a coffee garden and a shop selling regional products. What is available to pick depends on the season; opening times and the selection may also change.
Practical information
Putten railway station is outside the town centre. From there, you can continue by bus or OV-fiets; check the current options before your trip. This makes it easy to combine cultural attractions, walking trails, swimming facilities and scenery to suit your interests, while keeping in mind the different visiting arrangements and trail lengths.
Discover more destinations: Putten, Buren, Oldebroek, Berkelland, Renkum, Barneveld, West Maas En Waal, Wageningen
For the overview of the wider region: Gelderland.
