Colonies of Weldadigheid on UNESCO World Heritage List
The Colonies of Weldadigheid have finally been added to the World Heritage List after a long wait. This is the 11th Dutch entry in this list. Veenhuizen, Wilhelminaoord, Fredriksoord and Wortel may officially call themselves World Heritage Sites. But what exactly are the Colonies of Weldadigheid? And what can still be seen of them today?
The origins of the Colonies of Weldadigheid
In 1818, Johannes van den Bosch launched an ambitious project, the Society of Weldadigheid. Poor families, beggars and vagrants, also known as Paupers, could go to work in one of the Colonies of Weldadigheid through this project. In return, they were given their own home and a piece of land to cultivate. It was a hard existence.
Through labour and schooling, the Colonists were taught discipline so that over time they could be self-sufficient.
Social experiment
The Colonies of Weldadigheid were a social experiment to end poverty. From all over the country, large numbers of people and families were sent to the Colonies to engage in agriculture, go to school and learn discipline. The basis of this initiative was, on the one hand, the major social problem of poverty and, on the other, a belief in the social engineering of man and the landscape.
The project is considered to be the beginning of the Dutch welfare state, because for the first time a large-scale government effort was made to improve the lot of the poorest people.
The Colonies of Weldadigheid project just did not turn out to be very successful. The intention was to make the project profitable, but money had to be added each time.
What are the Colonies of Weldadigheid now?
The Koloniën van Weldadigheid produced a typical landscape that is still recognisable after more than two hundred years. This is the result of human reclamation.
The important parts of two centuries of buildings have also survived all this time.
Even today, the former Colonies still fulfil social, judicial and welfare functions and people still do agriculture and forestry there.
The vast areas with the quirky landscape invite you to go hiking, cycling and even horse riding!
Crowds at the World Heritage Site
After the Colonies of Weldadigheid were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in July 2021, people have become curious. The time slots for the Prison Museum in Veenhuizen were completely booked the same week, and that rush will continue for the next few weeks.
The Colonies of Weldadigheid and Onder de Linden
Would you like to visit the Colonies of Weldadigheid? Combine it with a lovely overnight stay or package at Hotel Onder de Linden.
Centrally located
Just 15 km from Veenhuizen. It is great for cycling through the beautiful Fochteloërveen nature reserve.
Combine a visit to the Colonies with one of our packages or book an e-bike with your stay.
Parking
At the back of our own premises, we have a spacious car park where cars and bikes can be parked for free and safely.
Spend the night in Drenthe at Onder de Linden. The cosy and atmospheric family hotel is perfect for an overnight stay or long weekend.
