Misscityhopper

Last Saturday, my husband and I decided to do something a little different and spend the day at the Openluchtmuseum in Arnhem. We left home at 9 a.m., hoping to beat the afternoon crowds, and I’m so glad we did. There’s something special about setting off early in the morning when everything still feels calm and full of possibility. It already felt like a mini adventure before we had even reached our destination.

The morning drive itself was relaxed. As we left, the flat fields of North Holland slowly gave way to greener, slightly hillier landscapes as we headed toward Gelderland. The change in scenery made the journey feel like part of the experience. By the time we arrived in Arnhem, we were both fully in day out mode, phones away, no rush, just ready to explore.

The museum is located near the Veluwe, and the setting alone makes it worth the trip. It does not feel like a typical museum the moment you arrive. Instead of a single large building, you are greeted by open space, trees, and historic looking structures scattered across the grounds. It feels more like stepping into a small village than entering a museum.

As soon as we got inside, we decided to start with the historic tramway. It seemed like the perfect way to get an overview of the entire park before walking around. Climbing into the vintage tram felt charming and slightly nostalgic, even though neither of us had ever ridden one from that era before. The wooden interior and the gentle rattling as it moved along the tracks all added to the atmosphere. As the tram made its way around the grounds, we passed farmhouses, windmills, workshops, and little streets that looked like they belonged in another century. It was such a relaxing way to begin the day, and it helped us decide which areas we wanted to explore more closely later.

After the tram ride, we started wandering on foot. One of the first buildings we stepped into was an old farmhouse from Drenthe. With its thatched roof and heavy wooden beams, it immediately made us imagine what life must have been like for families living there in the 19th century. The low ceilings, the hearth at the center of the home, and the simple furniture all felt so different from modern life, yet strangely cozy.

What I loved most about the museum is how alive it feels. It is not just buildings standing quietly behind ropes. There are people dressed in historical clothing demonstrating traditional crafts and daily activities. In one area, we watched someone making cheese the traditional way. In another, we saw old fashioned woodworking techniques being demonstrated. The interpreters were friendly and happy to answer questions, which made everything feel more personal and engaging.

We spent hours just strolling from one area to another. The Zaanse section, with its windmills and early industrial workshops, was particularly interesting. It showed a completely different side of Dutch history, less rural and more focused on trade and industry. Seeing the machinery in action made it easier to understand how innovative the Netherlands has been for centuries.

By early afternoon, we realized we were getting hungry. Instead of leaving the grounds, we decided to have something light at one of the museum cafés. We ordered poffertjes, small, fluffy mini pancakes dusted generously with powdered sugar and topped with strawberries. They arrived warm and slightly golden, and honestly, they tasted even better than they looked. Sitting outside with our plate of poffertjes, surrounded by historic buildings and the gentle buzz of other visitors enjoying their day, felt incredibly gezellig. It was simple, sweet, and perfectly Dutch.

After lunch, we continued exploring at a slower pace. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with gardens, ponds, and shaded walking paths. At times, it did not even feel like we were in a museum. It felt more like a countryside park where history just happens to live. We took our time, reading signs, stepping into houses, peeking into workshops, and occasionally just sitting on a bench to soak it all in.

One of the things that struck me most was how thoughtfully everything has been preserved. The museum was founded in 1912 to protect Dutch rural heritage at a time when industrialization was changing the country rapidly. Walking through the different sections, you can really sense that mission. It is not just about showing old buildings. It is about telling the story of how people lived, worked, and adapted over time.

By the time late afternoon rolled around, we were pleasantly tired, the good kind of tired you get after spending hours outdoors. We slowly made our way back toward the entrance, talking about our favorite parts of the day. For me, it was the farmhouse interiors and the tram ride. For my husband, it was the working mills and craft demonstrations. It felt nice to share the experience and compare impressions.

The drive back to home was quiet. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the fields, and we both felt that content, peaceful feeling that comes after a day well spent. Once home, neither of us felt like cooking, so we ordered dinner and continued the relaxed vibe of the day. Sitting on our couch and enjoying our food, we could not help but reflect on the contrast between our modern conveniences and the simpler lives we had just been learning about.

Visiting the Openluchtmuseum was not just educational. It was grounding. It reminded us how much has changed over the years, but also how certain things remain the same, community, hard work, family life, and the importance of adapting to new circumstances. It gave us a deeper appreciation for Dutch culture and the generations who shaped it.

All in all, it was one of those Saturdays that feels both productive and restful. We learned something new, enjoyed good food, spent quality time together, and returned home feeling refreshed rather than exhausted. It was not an extravagant trip or a faraway holiday, just a simple day out from Purmerend to Arnhem, but sometimes those are the most meaningful ones.

It is safe to say we will be back again someday. There is still more to see, and now we know that arriving early, starting with the tram, and finishing with poffertjes makes for a pretty perfect day.