10 Things to Do in Open Air Museum Arnhem, Netherlands
Open Air Museum Arnhem is the largest open-air museum in the Netherlands, and one of the largest in Europe. Located in the beautiful city of Arnhem, the museum covers an area of more than 40 hectares, and is home to over 80 historical buildings from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. It is an amazing place to explore Dutch history and culture, and here are 10 things to do when visiting the museum.
1. Visit the Old Dutch Farmhouses
One of the highlights of Open Air Museum Arnhem is the collection of old Dutch farmhouses. These houses have been carefully reconstructed using original materials, and they are a great way to experience how rural Dutch people used to live. You can explore the houses and gardens, and learn about the various tools and equipment used in farming back in the day.
2. Tour the 18th Century Village
The museum also features an 18th century village that has been reconstructed to look like it would have in the 1700s. You can explore the cobbled streets and visit the various buildings, such as the church, the school, the bakery, and more. There are also demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as blacksmithing, that you can watch.
3. See the Windmills
The museum is home to two working windmills, which are a great way to learn about the history of wind power in the Netherlands. You can explore the interiors of the windmills, and see how the sails and gears work.
4. Take a Ride on the Museum Train
The museum has its own train that you can ride around the grounds. This is a great way to get a different perspective of the museum, and to get to some of the more remote parts of the grounds.
5. Check Out the Carriage Collection
The museum also has a large collection of horse-drawn carriages, which you can explore. You can learn about the various types of carriages, how they were used, and how they have changed over time.
6. Learn About Dutch Life in the 19th Century
Open Air Museum Arnhem has a large collection of 19th century buildings, which you can explore to learn about how life in the Netherlands used to be. You can visit the school, the bakery, the doctor’s office, and more.
7. Visit the Old Dutch Inn
The museum also features an old Dutch inn, which you can explore to learn about the history of hospitality in the Netherlands. You can visit the bar, the kitchen, and the guest rooms, and learn about the different types of food and drink that were served in the inn.
8. Explore the Craftsmen’s Houses
The museum also has a number of craftsmen’s houses, which you can explore to learn about the various trades that were practiced in the Netherlands in the past. You can visit the carpenter’s house, the blacksmith’s house, and more.
9. Enjoy a Meal at the Museum Restaurant
The museum has its own restaurant, which serves traditional Dutch food. You can enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful views of the museum grounds.
10. Shop at the Museum Store
The museum also has its own store, where you can buy souvenirs and gifts to take home with you. You can find a wide range of items, from books and toys to traditional Dutch crafts.
Open Air Museum Arnhem is a great place to explore Dutch history and culture. Whether you’re interested in the old Dutch farmhouses, the 18th century village, the windmills, or the craftsmen’s houses, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re ever in the Arnhem area, make sure to pay a visit to this amazing museum.