Aerial view of Bitter en Zoet and the monumental hospital complex in Veenhuizen

Experience

A village that was closed until 1980

That history still hangs tangibly in the air. Walk the landscape, visit the museum or explore nature on the border of three provinces.

Nearby

What you can do

National Prison Museum

Stories from then and now

Within walking distance: the full story of punishment and reform in the Netherlands.

Maallust Brewery

The beer from the village

Craft beer from the former grain barn, guided tour included.

Out with guide Peter

Discover Veenhuizen

A walk along the avenues, institutions and facade inscriptions of the Colony.

Cycling through three provinces

Drenthe, Friesland, Groningen

Routes through forest, peatland and open fields start right at the door.

World Heritage Colony

UNESCO since 2021

The social experiment of Johannes van den Bosch, still visible today.

New visitor centre

Opening in 2027

A brand-new visitor centre will soon open in our old hospital.

Guided tour past the historic Bitter en Zoet buildings in Veenhuizen

Podcast

Bittere historie

Gertjan and Suzan set off on an adventure through the rich history of Veenhuizen. From 1 December they bring the unique stories of this special village to life.

Gertjan & Suzan - Owners, family business Bitter & Zoet
Veenhuizen has a rich history and many nature reserves - the perfect combination to slow down.

Gertjan & Suzan - Owners, family business Bitter & Zoet

Why Bitter en Zoet

Sleep in a monument that shaped Dutch history

Our hotel and restaurant occupy the monumental hospital of Veenhuizen - a place that wrote a century of the Dutch story. You sleep among the original walls, corridors and windows of that story, with every comfort of today.

Living history

A national monument in the unique colony village of Veenhuizen, UNESCO World Heritage.

Food with a story

Kitchen led by Chef Peter and Sous-Chef Jos: local, organic and full of character.

Space and quiet

Green avenues, forests and silence - right outside the monument's door.

RoomReserve table