Heart of Drenthe and Monument Village Orvelte

The Landscape

The Heart of Drenthe boasts a vast and continuous natural landscape, featuring woods, heathlands, drifting sands, and stream valleys. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the constant changes in this landscape, where nature and farmland intertwine. Each day feels different: the sounds and rustling of flora and fauna, the scents of nature and farm life, the changing landscapes, the views over lush pastures and thatched-roof farms, quiet country lanes lined with flowers, and grazing sheep herds on the heathlands.

The village of Orvelte is a living open-air museum where time seems to have stood still. In 1967, Orvelte was officially designated as a protected village view. The entire village and its farms were restored to resemble how they would have looked in 1832. The monumental farms and cobblestone streets, lined with old bricks, give the village its unique atmosphere. In artisan workshops and traditional shops, the past comes to life, allowing you to experience the authentic charm of bygone eras.