Discover the legend of Ellert and Brammert in Schoonoord

Open Air Museum

Schoonoord

Drenthe Giants

legend

culture

Open Air Museum Ellert and Brammert in Schoonoord

At Ellert and Brammert in Schoonoord, you'll be introduced to a world where two gigantic Drenthe giants once lived. Like many other areas around the world, the surroundings of Schoonoord also have their own legend. This one is about the giants Ellert and Brammert, father and son, who stand guard at the entrance of the Ellert and Brammert open-air museum. Legend has it that these were by no means friendly giants. You can discover the full story and much more during your visit to this museum in Schoonoord. Do you dare?

The legend of Ellert and Brammert in Schoonoord

In the open-air museum's schoolhouse, the legend of father Ellert and son Brammert from Schoonoord is regularly read aloud. The story tells of two giants who lived here long ago. From an underground hut in the current Ellertsveld, both giants roamed the surrounding area. Because they had strung threads in every direction across the surrounding field, no one dared to cross the Ellertsveld.

However, one time, Ellert and Brammert discovered a young and attractive girl named Marieke. They dragged her off to their lair where the girl had to do chores for many years. One day, when Marieke was alone with father Ellert, she saw the opportunity to cut his throat while he was shaving. She narrowly managed to escape Brammert, who naturally wanted revenge. How the legend concludes will be told to you by volunteers in the schoolhouse of the open-air museum Ellert and Brammert in Schoonoord.

The life and living of Drenthe people in the past

In total, Ellert and Brammert in Schoonoord has 26 objects that reflect the past of the inhabitants of Drenthe. How did the Drenthe people live at the time and where did they live? The characteristic sod house is central to this. This was the most primitive form of housing. From here you can see the developments that led to contemporary housing. The open-air museum is accessible to everyone. For example, there is a large playground for children and also a lovely petting zoo. Moreover, the museum grounds are completely wheelchair-friendly, and you can even borrow a wheelchair at the entrance. Adapted toilets are also available.

From toll house to blacksmith's forge and more

In addition to the development in dwelling types, the open-air museum also features a toll house, a sawmill, and a smithy. Furthermore, there is a genuine prison, as well as a carpentry workshop, three different exhibition spaces, a small church, and a croft. The café-farm of Ellert and Brammert in Schoonoord is furnished as an authentic Drenthe farmers' inn. Here, conviviality prevails and there is a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy both food and drink.

Old-fashioned sweet shop in the almshouse

Fans of old-fashioned sweets can have their pick at the almshouse on the museum grounds. An old-fashioned sweet shop has been set up here where you can buy both delicious sweets and various souvenirs. As you will notice almost everywhere in this open-air museum, many attractions are manned by enthusiastic and passionate volunteers.

Demonstration of spinning on a real spinning wheel

Have you always wanted to know how spinning works? Then visit the Saxon farm with its privy at Ellert and Brammert in Schoonoord. Here you'll often find Ina Ottens-Weggen behind her spinning wheel. She learned this craft from home and can spin the most beautiful creations from both sheep's wool and alpaca wool in no time. She sometimes even uses dog hair. During the season, you can watch a spinning demonstration here in the afternoon. In addition, you can buy beautiful wool here, and this is also the right place for antiques and curiosities. Curious about the other activities in the Emmen area?

Need to relax after all the activities around Emmen? You can do that at Hotel en Cate, of course. Take a look at our rooms.

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