Orvelte (the village as an open-air museum)

Orvelte is a village in the Dutch province of Drenthe that has been kept as a living museum, and it gives a rare chance to walk through a traditional Drenthe settlement. It lies on sandy ground in the south-west of the province, near Westerbork, surrounded by heath, woodland and the fields that once supplied it. The village has been a farming community for many centuries, and its structure follows the pattern typical for the region, with farms grouped around an open green known as the brink, with the tracks and lanes radiating outwards to the common fields and meadows.

What gives Orvelte its special character is the architecture. The farmsteads are of the Saxon type, long buildings with great overhanging roofs, traditionally thatched, in which the family, the livestock and the harvest all lived under one roof. Walls are of brick with timber frames, with wide barn doors and small windows. The farms stand among old oaks and hedges, with sandy lanes between them, and the whole village is closed to traffic, so the only sounds are those of footsteps, birds and, in places, the clink of a craftsman's hammer. A walk through it feels like a short step back in time.

Several buildings are open to the public, with furnished interiors and displays that show how families lived and worked. Craftspeople use some of the farms and workshops, and visitors can see traditional trades at work, among them the forge, wood and metal craft, baking and others. Details change with the season, so it is worth checking what is happening on the day. Rare breeds of sheep and other farm animals graze on the green, which adds to the sense of an old working village, and the traditional Drenthe heath sheep are part of the local heritage.

The village is a pleasant place for families, because the car-free lanes are safe for children and there are activity trails, events and demonstrations. Seasonal events and markets are held through the year. A cafe and shops sell regional products and gifts, and it is possible to stay overnight in historic accommodation. The surrounding landscape is excellent for walking and cycling, with heath, forest and the traces of prehistoric peoples.

Orvelte suits families, craft lovers, photographers and anyone interested in rural history. Allow half a day. Opening times and ticket details vary with the season, so check before you go. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, with soft light and fewer visitors than in the high summer.