Openluchtmuseum De Spitkeet
Open-air museum in Harkema showing simple rural life in Friesland from 1850 to 1950 with a peat hut, forest houses and a poorhouse.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The open-air museum came into being around 1989/1990 on a site with former social housing from the early 20th century. When house no. 30 was to be demolished, three local organisations saved it and founded a museum foundation. In 1990 the Friesch-Groningsche Heide foundation joined, which is still the owner of the site today.
The museum tells the story of development from primitive living in a "Spitkeet", a hut built from sods, to simple stone houses in the years 1850 to 1950. On view are a sod hut from 1964, a 19th-century forest house (Jehannes-Hinke Hûs, rebuilt in 1998), a cave dwelling, a bell tower, a hiding place, a mortuary and the poorhouse "De Malmoune" (2015) with four one-room dwellings. The houses are furnished in period style and accessible inside and out.
The site also includes an old paupers' cemetery (1870–1920). The museum grew through a great deal of volunteer commitment and donations; in 2002 the reception building "It Skieppehok" was added, later two play areas and an escape tour for children.
Highlights
- Sod hut ("Spitkeet") and 19th-century forest house
- Poorhouse "De Malmoune" with four one-room dwellings
- Cave dwelling, bell tower, hiding place and mortuary
- Escape tour and treasure hunt for children
- Café "It Skieppehok" with covered terrace
- Founded
- 1990
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3.50Children aged 4 to 17 |
| Children & teens | €3.50free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 17 €3.50, under 4 free. |
| Groups | –Group rates on request. |
| Families | €20Day ticket for 2 adults and a maximum of 2 children. |
| Guided tour (per guide) | €25Book in advance |
Free admission with the Museumjaarkaart and for donors from €30. Dogs on a leash are free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €20 · Day ticket for 2 adults and a maximum of 2 children. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Playground / play area
Play meadow with climbing frames, slide and swings next to the terrace, free escape tour ("Jelle and Aaltsje") and a treasure hunt with a small prize.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Own free car park for cars, coaches and bicycles; charging stations for e-bikes.
The museum is on the N369 in Harkema; follow the signs "De Spitkeet" or "Toeristisch Overstappunt".
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Café "It Skieppehok" (about 70 seats) with covered terrace, also accessible without museum admission, with lunch and cake; group packages with buffet possible.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Rooms for meetings, workshops and courses; wedding photography in the park possible.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group tours with experienced guides; day package combined with an animal care station in Ureterp; educational programmes for schools. Group enquiries at afspraak@despitkeet.nl. |
