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. 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 Koloniën van 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 been preserved 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.

Arrangements

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.

Overnight

Spend the night in Drenthe at Onder de Linden. The cosy and atmospheric family hotel is perfect for an overnight stay or long weekend.

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Summer agenda

With the holidays approaching, we introduce our summer calendar. Even more fun every weekend at Hotel Onder de Linden from 5 July to 5 September 2021.

The Loop of Roden

On Saturday 8 July, the cycling event of the North will again take place. The Loop van Roden is a prominent name on the list of northern criteriums and enjoys national recognition. It also brings with it a lot of Rôner sociability, with packed terraces and a lot of happy faces. Especially on the terrace of Onder de Linden, where you will find a real VIP tent.

North Dutch Neutjee Shooting Championship at Onder de Linden

Fine traditions should be cherished. The Vereniging voor Volksvermaken Roden traditionally organises the neutjesschieten at Onder de Linden every year on Easter Monday. A game for young and old that involves precision and tactics. This year there will be a very special edition of this old Drenthe-Groningen tradition; the North Dutch Neutji Shooting Championship!

From tree to bar table

At Onder de Linden, we value history and the story behind our place. A great example of this is the old lime tree. The iconic lime tree was always an important part of our terrace. Unfortunately, the tree had to be cut down recently. But instead of saying goodbye, we gave it a new purpose: as a robust bar table on our terrace.