Veenpark
Drenthe
Veenpark is a vast open-air museum near the village of Barger-Compascuum in Drenthe, the Netherlands. Established in 1966 to commemorate the centenary of the Barger-Compascuum peat colony, it spans approximately 160 hectares, making it the largest open-air museum in the country. The park vividly illustrates the history of peat extraction and life in the peat colonies through reconstructed villages such as 't Aole Compas, depicting the early peat-digging period around 1870 with sod houses, and Bargermond, showing developments from 1920 to 1966. Visitors can explore a variety of historical buildings including a church, bakery, blacksmith's workshop, a brown café, a school, and the smock mill De Berk, relocated here in 1983. The museum also features permanent exhibitions like "Veenomenale Hondsrug," which presents the peat history along the Hondsrug ridge and showcases pre-peat buckwheat cultivation. A narrow-gauge steam train operated by the Eerste Drentse Vereniging van Stoomliefhebbers (EDS) transports visitors around the park, which is intersected by the Runde river, with recreated islands and a playground. From 2001 until 2024, the park housed the Harmonium Museum, once home to the world's largest collection of pump organs. Veenpark offers a unique immersive experience into the peat colony culture and the transformation of the region's landscape over time.
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Tip: The best time to visit Veenpark is during the summer months when the park hosts the lively Compascumer Days on Wednesdays and Thursdays over four consecutive weeks, featuring volunteers reenacting history and various activities. It is advisable to check opening hours and consider purchasing tickets in advance during these busy periods. Visitors can also enjoy boat rentals and use the canal connections established by the Veenvaart project for a scenic visit. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children. Booking guided tours or the narrow-gauge steam train ride enhances the experience.
Interesting facts
- •Veenpark is the largest open-air museum in the Netherlands, covering around 160 hectares.
- •The smock mill 'De Berk' was relocated to Veenpark in 1983 from Drantum, Germany.
- •From 2001 to 2024, Veenpark housed the Harmonium Museum, with the world's largest collection of pump organs, including one dating back to 1840.
- •The park features a narrow-gauge steam train operated by the Eerste Drentse Vereniging van Stoomliefhebbers (EDS).
- •The Veenvaart canal project connects various peat colony villages and includes waterways running through Veenpark.
History
Barger-Compascuum, where Veenpark is located, was founded in 1866 after the Treaty of Meppen resolved border disputes between Germany and the Netherlands over the Bourtange moor, a peat-rich raised bog.
Initially a common pasture area used by shepherds from both countries, permanent settlement was prohibited until 1866.
Early settlers, mainly farmers from Hannover, began peat excavation, canal digging, and buckwheat farming, living in sod houses.
The village developed linearly along canals, with a Catholic church established in 1872 and replaced by the current building between 1923 and 1925.
Veenpark opened in 1966 as an open-air museum commemorating the centenary of Barger-Compascuum, preserving and showcasing this peat colony heritage.
Place Guide
't Aole Compascirca 1870
A reconstructed peat village representing the early period around 1870, featuring authentic sod houses (plaggenhutten) used by the first settlers.
Bargermond Village1920-1966
A recreated settlement depicting life from 1920 to 1966, including key buildings such as a church, brown café, school, bakery, blacksmith's workshop, and the smock mill De Berk.
Smock Mill De Berk19th century
A traditional smock mill originally from Drantum, Germany, relocated to Veenpark in 1983. It is a key historical landmark demonstrating traditional milling techniques.
Permanent Exhibition 'Veenomenale Hondsrug'
An exhibition detailing the history of peat extraction along the Hondsrug ridge and the agricultural practices preceding peat cultivation, such as buckwheat farming.
Narrow-gauge Steam Train
Operated by the Eerste Drentse Vereniging van Stoomliefhebbers, this steam train offers visitors a scenic ride around the park, connecting various exhibits and reconstructed areas.
Contact
Phone: 0591 349 877
