National Prison Museum
Stories from then and now
Within walking distance: the full story of punishment and reform in the Netherlands.

Experience
That history still hangs tangibly in the air. Walk the landscape, visit the museum or explore nature on the border of three provinces.
Nearby
Stories from then and now
Within walking distance: the full story of punishment and reform in the Netherlands.
The beer from the village
Craft beer from the former grain barn, guided tour included.
Discover Veenhuizen
A walk along the avenues, institutions and facade inscriptions of the Colony.
Drenthe, Friesland, Groningen
Routes through forest, peatland and open fields start right at the door.
UNESCO since 2021
The social experiment of Johannes van den Bosch, still visible today.
Opening in 2027
A brand-new visitor centre will soon open in our old hospital.

Podcast
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.

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
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.
A national monument in the unique colony village of Veenhuizen, UNESCO World Heritage.
Kitchen led by Chef Peter and Sous-Chef Jos: local, organic and full of character.
Green avenues, forests and silence - right outside the monument's door.