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Kabouterland

Children

mysterious world

inside and out

Drenthe gnomes

Come along on an adventure at Kabouterland in Exloo

Children come face-to-face with a variety of animals, gnomes and trolls at Kabouterland in Exloo. They step into a mysterious world where gnomes can be seen up close, but there's much more to experience. Both indoors and outdoors, a very fun adventure awaits them, ensuring unforgettable, beautiful moments. They can visit the enigmatic castle ruins, discover special plant species, and admire exotic animals. In short, a visit to Exloo, the birthplace of the Drenthe gnomes, is highly recommended.

Mysterious rabbit hole of Gnome Land in Exloo

In the rabbit hole, children can observe the gnomes up close. What are they all doing? Wandering through a mysterious rabbit hole, your child will embark on a well-arranged adventure and have a fantastic time. Meandering through the underground passages of the rabbit hole, your child will get acquainted with the world of gnomes and all their friends. The fairytale-like atmosphere is one of a kind, and in every passage and after every small staircase, your child will discover a new and mysterious scene.

Embark on a thrilling expedition through the troll cave

At least, if you dare. The trolls certainly don't look friendly. Yet something very special is happening in Exloo. Only here do gnomes get along well with trolls. That's not the case anywhere else in the world. Isn't your child's visit to the troll cave exciting enough? Then don't forget to check out the castle ruins. A mysterious atmosphere prevails here, leaving you in a state of constant surprise.

The Story of the Magic Stone

Every month, a celebration is held in Gnome Land in Exloo during a full moon. This has been happening for many thousands of years, and the reason is very special. Gnomes from all over the world gather here to dance and sing together. There are also gnomes who tell impressive stories. The story continues about the special cooperation between gnomes and animals, and why it is that gnomes only get along well with trolls here. Want to know more about the Story of the Magic Stone? Then come to Exloo and let yourself be carried away by the stories of the gnomes.

Mien Ruys was nicknamed ‘Bielzen Mien’ (Sleeper Mien) due to her use of railway sleepers in her garden designs. This trend was very popular throughout the Netherlands in the 1970s. She therefore enjoyed working with straight shapes such as rectangles and squares.

Countless animal species

The great variety of animal species alone makes a visit to Exloo more than worthwhile. For instance, there are small exotic animal species such as the wallaby, the coati, the meerkat and the amusing black-eared marmoset. In addition, various bird species can also be found. Think of the kookaburra, the lovebird, the barred owl, but also the parakeet. More familiar animal species for children at Kabouterland include guinea pigs, rabbits and Flemish giants. Walking along a covered footpath, your child will also become acquainted with a wide range of special plants.

In short, Mien Ruys' Gardens offer a fantastic experience for everyone.

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Multiple playgrounds

Besides gnomes, trolls, plants and animals, Exloo's Kabouterland also offers plenty of playground fun. Slides, climbing frames, scrambling equipment, you name it. There's even a gnome maze in the middle of the park. And if it unexpectedly rains, there's a large indoor play barn where there's all sorts to experience.

To unwind in the Gnome Village

After so many impressions at Kabouterland in Exloo, the children can relax and recover in the authentic Kabouterie. Of course, you can also grab a bite to eat and a drink here while the children are playing. The menu has something tasty for everyone, from poffertjes to toasted sandwiches and numerous other delicious dishes. In good weather, you can sit outside on the spacious terrace or choose a cosy picnic spot in the park.

Gnome Village

For children who just can't get enough of gnomes, there's also an underground shop. The shop is freely accessible and has the same opening hours as the attraction itself. A huge variety of gnome merchandise can be found here. Gnome cups and mugs, soft toys, books, cutlery, clothes, and much more. This way, your child will have a very nice souvenir of their adventure in Kabouterland in Exloo. For more activities, check our Overview page!

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