Our restaurant is an ode to Johannes

Dining

Our menu is a tribute to the vision of the founder of the Colony of Benevolence. In 1818, he laid the foundation for this unique landscape, and we continue that tradition of self-sufficiency and care for the land on your plate. We cook with deep respect for the origin: honest, pure, and with an indestructible connection to the Drenthe soil.

Deluxe rooms

The Deluxe room is our most spacious hotel room. You stay in a former living quarter of the physician-director, the pharmacist, or the head nurse, in one of the three historic service residences: Toewijding, Bitter & Zoet, or Plichtgevoel. Historic details preserved, modern comfort added.

Rent a meeting room

In the former sick wards of Veenhuizen, where peace and recovery once were central, you now find the ideal breeding ground for new ideas and sharp visions. A meeting at Bitter & Zoet is more than a business gathering; it is an inspiring experience in a place that invites relaxation and connection.

Meeting Breaks

After a morning of meetings, a refreshing break is not a luxury but a necessity. Bitter & Zoet organizes various activities in and around Veenhuizen, both independently and in collaboration with local partners.

Business Stays

A business stay in Veenhuizen without the anonymous hotel feeling. You sleep in a monument full of stories, start the day with a generous regional breakfast and simply sit down for dinner in our restaurant. Business guests always get a reduced rate.

National Prison Museum

In the nearby National Prison Museum, history comes to life. In the permanent exhibition, you not only unravel the fascinating development of Dutch criminal law but also discover the secrets behind Veenhuizen's thick walls.

Walking and Cycling

Veenhuizen and the surrounding nature offer endless possibilities. Walking through the UNESCO World Heritage site, cycling through Fochteloërveen, or simply reading in the garden. From Bitter & Zoet, you're quickly everywhere.

De Slokkert Stream Valley

The Slokkert is not the most famous stream valley in Drenthe, but certainly worth a visit. A meandering stream valley with wildflowers, birds, and large grazers, within cycling distance of Bitter & Zoet.

Fochteloërveen

The Fochteloërveen is within walking and cycling distance of Bitter en Zoet. A vast raised bog area with a silence and ruggedness you won't find anywhere else in the Netherlands.

Adventure with children

Veenhuizen is a playground for curious children. The forest, the Prison Museum, the outdoor swimming pool, and endless cycling and walking routes: there's always something to discover.

The village of Veenhuizen

Veenhuizen is not just any village. It was built in 1823 as a social colony, grew into a closed penal colony, and was completely cut off from the outside world until 1980. In 2021, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bitter en Zoet is at the heart of that story.

Maallust Brewery

A stone's throw from Bitter en Zoet, you'll find a place where craftsmanship literally bubbles: Brouwerij Maallust. Located in the old grain mill of the Colony, this brewery exudes the robust, industrial atmosphere of yesteryear. Here, beer is brewed with the sobriety and passion that characterize Veenhuizen.

On the go with guide Peter

Discover the secrets of the prison village through the eyes of a true insider. Guide Peter grew up in Veenhuizen and worked there for years; he knows the stories hidden behind the closed doors and monumental walls. From the turbulent history of the Colony to exciting anecdotes about life today: Peter brings the past to life in a way you won't find in any history book.

Inspiration Trip Koloniën van Weldadigheid

A two-day inspiration trip especially for governments and organizations active in the social domain. The story of the Koloniën van Weldadigheid as a mirror for today's challenges.

Accessibility

Bitter & Zoet has given a modern interpretation to the former care function of the hospital. Guests with reduced mobility or those needing home care are warmly welcome.

Comfort rooms

The Comfort room is smaller than the Deluxe, but certainly no less special. You sleep in one of the historic service residences of the former hospital complex, surrounded by details that make the past tangible.

Apartments

The apartments are located on the first floor of the former hospital. Modernly furnished with art from Outsider Arthouse, large French windows, and views of the vegetable garden and orchard. There's space for everyone.

Our products

Just as the Kolonie van Weldadigheid was once conceived based on self-sufficiency and local labor, we at Bitter & Zoet believe in the power of proximity. Everything that ends up on your plate or sharing platter comes as much as possible from the region. We consciously choose Dutch products and work with passionate producers from the Northern Netherlands who practice their craft with dedication.

Our restaurant is an ode to Johannes

At Bitter & Zoet, history lives in every detail. In our restaurant, located in the monumental sick ward of the 1893 hospital, the stories of the Kolonie van Weldadigheid seamlessly blend with today's hospitality.

Vegetable Garden

Veenhuizen used to be self-sufficient, and we continue that spirit. The vegetable garden and orchard daily supply the kitchen with fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits, organically grown without artificial fertilizers or pesticides.

High Tea

At Bitter & Zoet, we believe in the power of craftsmanship. No rush job, but attention you can taste. Our classic high tea is a tribute to the seasons and the rich history of Veenhuizen.

Drinks

Whether you settle down on our terrace or find a spot in our atmospheric restaurant, the drinks menu tells a story of craftsmanship.

Lunch

Whether you settle down after a walk through the Kolonie or want to catch up extensively in a historic setting; lunch at Bitter & Zoet is a moment of pure relaxation. Our menu offers something for everyone: we proudly serve a selection of perfectly executed classics, but we also like to challenge you with creative dishes you've never tasted before.

Lunch Bag

A well-filled bag with fresh sandwiches, salads, cheese, charcuterie, fruit, our famous butter cake, and something to drink. Vegetarian options are also available. Perfect for a day of cycling or walking in and around Veenhuizen.

On the Drenthe Path

Hike the iconic Drenthe Path without worrying about logistics. Bitter & Zoet arranges the transfer to the starting point, your meals, and comfortable overnight stay. You walk, we take care of the rest.

2-Night Special

Two nights in Veenhuizen is enough for a nice weekend getaway. Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the Prison Museum, or explore with our Heritage Guide. And benefit from a discount on your stay.

3-Night Special

You don't truly relax in just one night. With the 3-night special, you'll stay longer in Veenhuizen and benefit from a great discount. Time for a bike ride, a walk, and simply doing nothing.

World Heritage by Bike

Drenthe has some of the most beautiful cycling paths in the Netherlands, and UNESCO World Heritage Veenhuizen is right in the middle of it. This package combines three nights' accommodation, daily dinners, and two days of cycling through an unparalleled landscape.

Our four meeting rooms

We have four meeting rooms for up to 30 people in the former hospital wards of the 1893 complex. Modern meeting rooms with digital whiteboards, in a monumental setting that invites focus and good conversation.

Flex workspaces

We have two flex workspaces in the former nurses' room. Plug in your laptop and get to work, right in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Veenhuizen.

The attic

A unique meeting venue for up to 30 people, completely renovated in summer 2026. Meet in the main room, enjoy coffee in the private lobby and then split into smaller groups.

The nurses' room

In one of the small nurses' rooms you can meet with up to 6 people. An intimate space for a discussion, an interview or a focused working session.

Parties and celebrations in the attic

A birthday, anniversary, baby shower or simply a party with family and friends? The attic at Bitter en Zoet is an atmospheric, fully renovated space with its own lobby, right inside the monument. Venue hire from € 195, catering fully arranged by us or by you.

Our offer

Our restaurant is an ode to Johannes

Dining

Deluxe rooms

Rent a meeting room

Meeting Breaks

Business Stays

National Prison Museum

Walking and Cycling

De Slokkert Stream Valley

Fochteloërveen

Adventure with children

The village of Veenhuizen

Maallust Brewery

On the go with guide Peter

Inspiration Trip Koloniën van Weldadigheid

Accessibility

Comfort rooms

Apartments

Our products

Our restaurant is an ode to Johannes

Vegetable Garden

High Tea

Drinks

Lunch

Lunch Bag

On the Drenthe Path

2-Night Special

3-Night Special

World Heritage by Bike

Our four meeting rooms

Flex workspaces

The attic

The nurses' room

Parties and celebrations in the attic

Sleep in a monument that shaped Dutch history

Living history

Food with a story

Space and quiet