Ellert en Brammert

Description

If you’ve ever wondered how people in the Dutch province of Drenthe lived centuries ago, a day spent at Ellert en Brammert Open Air Museum in Schoonoord is like taking a gentle step back in time. This isn’t your typical museum bound by walls and glass displays – here, the stories of the region’s rural past unfold outdoors and all around you. Authentic turf huts, humble cottages, traditional workshops, and a lively children’s corner are dotted across a sprawling, easy-to-explore site.

The museum is named after two mythical giants, Ellert and Brammert, who, according to local legend, once roamed the surrounding moors. Their story sets just the right mood for the adventures within. As you wander from a smoke-blackened plaggenhut (peat hut) to the sturdy Saxon farmhouse, or peek inside the old schoolroom, you’ll notice how the museum is carefully staged to reveal the gradual shift from rough, basic living to increasing modern comforts.

For me, the beauty of Ellert en Brammert is the feeling that you’re genuinely part of a living, breathing Drenthe village from days gone by. You won’t just see artifacts; you might smell the woodsmoke from the baker’s oven, hear the clang from the blacksmith’s forge, and chat with friendly volunteers in period costumes tending to gardens or demonstrating traditional crafts. Kids find their own adventures in the playground and petting zoo, while adults can linger in the cozy café or take a closer look at antique printing presses in the graphic print shop.

Key Features

• Original and reconstructed buildings: Includes authentic turf huts, Saxon farmhouses, a working sawmill, smithy, typical Drenthe cottages, an old inn, and a village church.
• Interactive demonstrations: Volunteers often run live demos in the bakery, smithy, and carpentry shop, showing off old trades and tools in action.
• Family-friendly amenities: A thoughtful playground, petting zoo, and space to roam keep young visitors content and curious.
• Accessibility: The pathways are largely wheelchair-friendly, and accessible toilets and loaner wheelchairs are available at no charge.
• Special exhibitions: Rotating displays in the exhibition buildings dive into different aspects of rural Drenthe life, from folk costumes to local legends.
• Village café: The on-site café, styled like an old countryside inn, serves snacks, lunch, and local treats – I recommend the apple pie and coffee for a mid-morning break.
• Free parking: Ample parking is provided on the museum grounds, so there’s never a rush or inconvenience at arrival or departure.

Best Time to Visit

The Ellert en Brammert Open Air Museum is at its best from spring through early autumn – typically April to October. During this time, nearly all buildings are open, volunteer guides are out in full force, and the gardens and meadows are at their greenest. I once visited late in April just after opening for the season, and the whole place had a lovely sense of anticipation and a carpet of wildflowers.

Weekends and school holidays can be lively, especially with families enjoying the playground and the farm animals. If you’re hoping for a quieter stroll, weekday mornings are peaceful and ideal for photography. Not every demonstration or workshop is held daily, but you’ll find most activities—and the full charm of the site—waiting for you between May and September.

The museum sometimes hosts seasonal special events, such as craft markets, traditional music, or historical re-enactments. If you’re a fan of local folklore or want to see the volunteers in full costume, it’s worth checking ahead for event dates and planning accordingly.

How to Get There

Ellert en Brammert is located at Tramstraat 73, 7848 BJ Schoonoord, in the province of Drenthe, Netherlands. If you’re exploring the northern Netherlands, it’s quite accessible whether you’re arriving by car, bike, or public transport.

• By Car: The museum is easy to reach from the N376, with clear signage as you get close. Free on-site parking makes arriving and leaving a breeze.
  From Emmen, it’s about a 20-minute drive north; from Assen, expect around 35 minutes by car.
• By Public Transport: You can take the train to Emmen or Assen, then transfer to a regional bus (such as line 21 or 24) toward Schoonoord. The nearest bus stop is a short, level walk to the entrance.
• By Bicycle: The museum sits on one of Drenthe’s renowned cycling routes. A scenic ride through forests and heathlands is the perfect way to arrive, with plenty of bike parking available at the entrance.

I’ve visited by car and by bike, and both were convenient – though cycling through Drenthe’s peaceful landscapes set the tone for a day spent outdoors among old farmsteads.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan at least half a day: There’s a surprising amount to see, and children may want extra time for the petting zoo and playground. Take your time in each building – the interiors reveal details that reward patient exploration.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The grounds are relatively flat, but most of the paths are gravel or grass. Comfortable walking shoes will make your visit much more pleasant, especially if you want to wander into every nook and cranny.
• Accessible for all ages and abilities: If you or a travel companion have mobility needs, the staff are helpful and used to accommodating diverse needs. The loaner wheelchairs and accessible toilets are a thoughtful touch that makes the experience relaxed and inclusive.
• Pets welcome (on a lead): Your dog can join you on a lead throughout the site, making it a good day out for the whole family.
• Bring a camera: The photo opportunities are endless – from the atmospheric peat huts to the suitably stern “village jail.” Early morning or late afternoon light brings out textures and shadows in the wooden buildings.
• Check the schedule: Don’t miss out on live demonstrations or guided tours! Check the information at the entrance or ask staff for times when bakers, blacksmiths, or printers are “in residence”.
• Food and drink: The café is worth a stop, but you’re also welcome to bring a picnic. There are plenty of spots to sit, whether you want to watch kids in the playground or take in views of the countryside.
• Respect the atmosphere: Many volunteers dedicate time to preserving and sharing Drenthe’s history – feel free to ask questions and really engage with their stories.

My own visits to Ellert en Brammert Open Air Museum have always left me both relaxed and inspired. Whether you’re keen on history, traveling with children, or looking for an immersive stop between bigger Dutch cities, this outdoor museum in Drenthe offers a hands-on connection to the rural Netherlands of yesteryear.