Museum Village of Orvelte in Drenthe, Netherlands

Apart from the famous museum village ‘Zaanse Schans’ near Amsterdam – which is the day trip destination (including Volendam) for all tourists with an extra day to spend – did you know as well that there is another museum village in the Netherlands?

I learned about Orvelte a while back but I can’t remember how I found the village. I have been wanting to visit for years but just didn’t really had the chance. The Dutchman has an aversion to visiting villages and cultural related activities, well due to a childhood overdosis, so I have to do this all by myself, or I have to go with friends.

The opportune time came last March when I planned a long weekend road trip in Drenthe. I quickly made an agenda on what to do and see in Drenthe. I stayed in the village of Westerbork and visited Assen, the capital of the province, Meppel, the Westerbork Memorial Camp and Museum and for my last item, Orvelte.

I will be meeting with girlfriend Bru who lives in the east for lunch here in Orvelte. It’s like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone, having a catch up lunch with Bru, and finally visiting the historical museum village.

[To read the rest of the post and see more pictures, click the Read more link below]

The name of the village came from the phrase, ‘Over het veld’ (across the field) because this area in Drenthe before had a large expanse of heather growing on its fields. The village is said to go back to the 11th century and farm life and sheeo herding were some of the popular livelihoods back then.

Since 1967 Orvelte has been designated the title ‘museum village’. The character of the village was beautifully restored and coalesced as it should have been in 1832. Thatched-roof barns, Saxon-style farm houses and the reintroduction of artisanry and locally produced organic products. Visitos can visit some of the farms for live demonstrations on the making of wooden shoes and cheese for example. Similar to Zaanse Schans, normal people, just like you and me, live and work here in Orvelte.

Because of its museum village status, Orvelte holds special events and markets throughout the year, but most of them takes place during spring to autumn.

Bru and I had lunch at De Schapendrift, a sheep’s barn converted into a restaurant, its original structure preserved making the place really traditional yet very cushy. After lunch we strolled to the real sheep’s barn across and were lucky enough to witness 2 baby lamb births! That was a first for me.

Although you can visit Orvelte throughout the year, it is best to come here in spring and summer when themed events and special markets kicks in the agenda. The village shall I say has more life compared to a quiet March when we came here.

And oh, this was something we thought a bit out of the ordinary. There is an Apple Museum here! The Apple from the Mac and iPhone. This was totally something we did not expect.

How to get to Orvelte:

The best way to get to Orvelte is by car. Below is an idea how far Orvelte is from Amsterdam. Approximately 2 hours without traffic.

Important things to know about Orvelte:

• The village is car free and only locals who live here have access to the village streets.
• Parking is €3,00 per day outside the village. It is not too far.
• Parking is free on Mondays and during school holidays.
• A map of the village is available on Orvelte’s website.
• Orvelte can even send you a map (brochure) per post mail as well. To request this, please go to their website.
• There are B&B’s here so one can stay overnight if desired.

The map of Orvelte village:

To see the map in detail, tight click and on the file on another window.

Orvelte Village Picture Gallery:

Dorpscafe Warmolts. It's nice to have a cup of coffee or tea here by the outdoor terrace.

The horse (tram) carriage of the village is popular with the kids of course, but you do not really need this as the village is very small.

Bru trying to be friends with the horse.

There are restaurants (Schenkerij & Lunch in the photo) and shops ('t Bakkershoes in the photo) in Orvelte so its a good place for a day out, or least half a day.

A new born baby lamb! 

This is one of the shops selling local organic products.

Travel Period: March 2016
Destination: Orvelte, Midden Drenthe (Drenthe), Netherlands

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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)

All pictures were taken by a point and shoot pocket camera or a smartphone.

~~~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~~~

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