The Peat History of Drenthe: Peat Park in Barger-Compascuum

Open Air Museum

Veens history

Veenpark

Barger-Compascuum

Province of Drenthe.

Drenthe's Peatland History: The Peat Park in Barger-Compascuum

In the Veenpark at Barger-Compascuum, you can discover all about the peat history of the Drenthe province. Time seems to have stood still as you drive and sail through nostalgic villages. In addition, there is a natural raised bog area where peat is still being excavated. Every day you can see the peat cutter at work, and the same applies to the baker, the clog maker and the grocer. There is also plenty to see and do for children. In short, a visit to this magnificent Veenpark is great fun for everyone.

The largest open-air museum

When the peat colony of Barger-Compascuum celebrated its centenary in 1966, an open-air exhibition was organised to mark the occasion. This formed the basis for the open-air museum as we know it today. With an area of a full 160 hectares, the park can call itself the largest open-air museum in the Netherlands. Thanks to government support, the number of old dwellings was further expanded, and numerous authentic tools and implements were donated to the museum.

It started with buckwheat farmers

Something few people know is that the first inhabitants of this area were buckwheat farmers, not peat cutters. Only after 1850, when the “attack on the Emmense Venen” began, did these buckwheat farmers start working in the peat. You can experience this atmosphere in the sod hut village of Aole Compas, which depicts the early period of peat extraction. The period between 1900 and 1966 is recreated in the peat colony village of Bargermond. This village arose at a crossroads of roads and waterways and, in addition to a church, features a school, a brown cafe, a mill, a blacksmith's shop, and a bakery.

Peat cutting by peat cutters

The “veenput” (peat bog) at the Veenpark in Barger-Compascuum is the last place in our country where peat is still dug. In this peat excavation, until the 1960s^e euw still worked. Besides the steam engine, you will meet a real peat cutter here who will show you how this heavy work was done by hand in those days. Only the tools, the “oplegger” (a type of spade), the 'stikker' (a pushing tool), and the "krooie" (a barrow) were used for this.

Permanent exhibition in collaboration with Geopark

You can enjoy a lovely walk there, but a visit to the Veenpark in Barger-Compascuum is also highly recommended on rainy days. In the various buildings, you can visit, among other things, the permanent exhibition Veenomenale Hondsrug. This exhibition tells the story of the peatlands located along the Drenthe Hondsrug. The park is collaborating with Geopark on a 400 m2 exhibition space for this. Furthermore, a section of the oldest peat road in the Netherlands can be seen in the exhibition. The Neolithic Peat Road is approximately 4500 years old and was discovered last century a short distance from the park during peat cutting.

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

A special museum

The park is also home to a special museum, the Harmonium Museum. Here you will find more than 250 harmoniums and this museum is freely accessible to every visitor. Jan Vos's collection has been on display in the park since 2001 in one of the most striking buildings. In addition to exhibition space, it also has a small amphitheatre where performances are staged. It therefore forms an integral part of the park.

For more information and opening times

Are you also enthusiastic about the Veenpark in Barger-Compascuum? Then visit the park's website for more information: www.veenpark.nl. The park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

You will also find a comprehensive description of all children's activities on the website. For example, there is a large playground called “Speulland” and the story of Lieske and Geert is depicted in large books along the park's paths. Would you like to go on a boat trip or a train ride together? Everything is possible in this unique park in the Netherlands. Looking for related activities in the Emmen area?

Need to relax after all the activities on offer nearby? You can certainly do that with us. Take a look at our rooms and book a wonderful weekend away.

Rooms