The magic of a hidden history
Veenhuizen is not just a village; it is a place with a soul. What many people don't know is that Veenhuizen was a completely closed village until 1980. Only residents, staff, and detainees had access to this unique enclave in the Drenthe landscape. This decades-long isolation has ensured that time seems to have stood still here.
Today, Veenhuizen has been crowned a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Bitter en Zoet is located in its beating heart.
The health cluster of 1893
Our location is unique in the Netherlands. Where you now sleep and dine, used to be the medical center of the Kolonie van Weldadigheid. The complex from 1893 consisted of:
The old hospital (now our restaurant and atmospheric hotel rooms)
The pharmacy and the pharmacist's residence
The stately house of the physician
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.
We are an independent family business where hospitality is the very reason we exist.
Gertjan & Suzan - Owners, family business Bitter & Zoet