Hertme combines a large open-air theatre with a diverse architectural history. The Openluchttheater can accommodate 2,200 visitors, including 1,400 seated guests. Music is part of its current programme, alongside the Africa Festival and historic buildings with stories of their own. If you’re planning an overnight stay in Hertme, you can narrow down the reason for your visit: will a particular festival shape your stay, or are you mainly interested in the village’s architectural history?

Theatre and festival dates

The Openluchttheater is in the heart of Hertme, surrounded by woodland. Its current programme includes music. It was built in 1955 in the woods next to the church. This connects the venue’s present-day music programme with a history dating back to the middle of the 20th century.

The two-day Africa Festival Hertme takes place at the Openluchttheater. It grew out of the first Afrikadag, held in 1989; in 2024, the festival reached its 35th edition. The Africa Festival includes an African market with more than 100 stalls. The children’s programme includes face painting, puzzles, making music and dancing. Another event is Metropool Open Air: well-known artists perform over two weekends each year between May and September.

The events have different timings to consider when planning your trip: the Africa Festival lasts two days, while Metropool Open Air performances take place over two weekends between May and September. If your overnight stay depends on a festival, check the announced date before booking. This lets you plan your trip around the specific event format, rather than treating both events as the same occasion.

Architectural history: the church and Spookhuis

The H.-Stephanuskerk was built in 1902–1903 to a neo-Gothic design by architect Wolter te Riele. Its organ was made by Maarschalkerweerd and dates from 1904. Other features include a 17th-century candelabrum and a chalice dating from 1398. These dates span an interesting period: the organ followed shortly after the church was built, while the chalice comes from a much earlier time.

The Spookhuis, also known as ’t Oude Groothuijs, is a Rijksmonument and a rare example of a single-aisled half-timbered house. Its features include a hipped roof, an upper room and half-cross windows with shutters; it also has old glass, a new front façade and a rear extension. During its restoration, the house was moved and rebuilt stone by stone. Around 1615, the Spookhuis served as a clandestine Catholic church.

The two buildings offer different points of interest: the H.-Stephanuskerk is notable for its architect, construction dates and dated furnishings, while the Spookhuis stands out for its half-timbered details, restoration and former religious use. Those interested in Hertme’s architectural history will therefore find a range of historical themes here, rather than a single, uniform building style.

More local highlights

At Melktap Weleveld in Hertme, visitors can pour their own fresh milk. This activity adds another specific local experience to the cultural and architectural attractions. The surroundings also shape your arrival: whether you reach Hertme by car or on foot, you’ll pass through green countryside.

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