Kameleondorp Terherne
Fryslân
Kameleondorp Terherne is a charming theme park dedicated entirely to the popular Dutch book series "De Kameleon" by Hotze de Roos. Located in the Frisian village of Terherne, the park brings the adventures of the twin brothers Hielke and Sietse to life through immersive attractions and authentic recreations of locations from the books. Visitors can explore the recreated village of Lenten inside the Kameleonboerderij, where a small cinema shows the latest Kameleon film. A highlight is the boat "De Kameleon," which pushes a traditional flat-bottomed boat on scenic cruises across the Frisian lakes, with storytelling about the series and the local area. The Kameleon Adventure Island offers natural play areas where children can engage in activities like pole vaulting, mud digging, and cooking on an open fire, inspired by the stories' four elements of nature. The park also features a smithy, a town hall, a windmill named "de Woudaap," and a fire truck, all designed to closely resemble the book's settings. Since 2013, the park operates year-round, including winter events with themed stories and workshops. Recognized as Friesland's most enjoyable outing by the ANWB in 2014, Kameleondorp Terherne offers a delightful blend of education, adventure, and nostalgia for families and fans of the series.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during the warmer months to enjoy the outdoor activities on the Kameleon Adventure Island. Booking tickets and boat cruises in advance is recommended, especially for groups and school trips. The park offers educational programs and themed events, including winter activities from November onward. Note that the Kameleonboerderij has some steep stairs, which may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges. Children aged 6 and above will find the island's play areas most enjoyable. Food and drinks are available on-site, including options to prepare meals on an open fire.
Interesting facts
- •The boat "De Kameleon" pushes a real flat-bottomed boat for lake tours, replicating the adventures from the books.
- •The park includes a working smithy, town hall, and windmill modeled after those in the stories.
- •Since 2013, Kameleondorp is open in winter with special themed events and workshops.
- •In 2014, the park was recognized by the ANWB as the most enjoyable outing in Friesland.
- •Scenes from the 2018 TV series about the Kameleon were filmed on the park grounds.
History
The idea for Kameleondorp originated in 1980 when Hotze de Roos received a silver pen from a primary school whose students adored his "De Kameleon" stories.
Inspired by their enthusiasm and the writer's remark that the tales could be set in Terherne, a group called the "friends of the Kameleon" formed to create a village reflecting the books.
Plans were unveiled in 1991, and the park opened over three years later.
In 2010, the attraction was revitalized under the name Kameleon Terherne, expanding into three parts: a boat tour, the recreated village of Lenten, and the Kameleon Adventure Island.
Since 2013, the park has been open during winter, featuring themed stories and workshops.
In 2014, it was named Friesland's most enjoyable outing by the ANWB.
Place Guide
Kameleonboerderij (Kameleon Farmhouse)1994
A life-size recreation of the village of Lenten from the books, featuring authentic interiors and a small cinema showing the latest Kameleon film, "De Kameleon op schattenjacht."
Boat "De Kameleon" and Flat-Bottomed Boat Cruise
The iconic boat from the series pushes a traditional flat-bottomed boat on a scenic cruise through the Frisian lakes, narrated by a local character who shares stories about the books, films, and TV series.
Kameleon Adventure Island
A natural play area where visitors can engage in activities inspired by the books, such as pole vaulting, mud digging, crossing floating lily pads, and cooking on an open fire. It also features games like Klinkhamergolf and a wheelbarrow race.
Smithy of Klinkhamer
A replica of the smithy belonging to the father of the main characters, where visitors can learn about traditional blacksmithing and even participate in workshops during special events.
Town Hall and Windmill "de Woudaap"
Authentic-looking buildings from the stories that can be viewed within the park, adding to the immersive village atmosphere.
Contact
Phone: 0566 689 910