Museum De Oude Aarde - Image 1
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Museum De Oude Aarde

4.5
·2k reviews·Giethoorn, Netherlands

Discover a world of minerals, fossils, and gemstones at Museum De Oude Aarde, a unique gem in Giethoorn since 1969.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, 10 AM - 12 PM

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
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Museum De Oude Aarde - Image 1

Museum De Oude Aarde

Best Time

Weekdays, 10 AM - 12 PM

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a world of minerals, fossils, and gemstones at Museum De Oude Aarde, a unique gem in Giethoorn since 1969.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A lovely shop with a lot of collections, great for kids and adults alike!"

Vertical photo
TIP

💎 Break a Geode!

Don't miss the chance to crack open a geode for a surprise crystal reveal! :gem:

💰 Fair Prices for All

Affordable entry and souvenirs make it great for families and budget travelers. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fossilized Egg

Fossilized Egg

Museum

See a rare fossilized egg from Madagascar, one of only seven ever found, even David Attenborough has one!

Geode Breaking

Geode Breaking

Activity Area

Experience the thrill of cracking open a geode to reveal its hidden crystal treasures.

Impressive Mineral Collection

Impressive Mineral Collection

Museum

Marvel at a vast array of minerals, gemstones, and petrified wood from around the world.

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Planning Your Visit

Giethoorn's Gemstone Gem

Discover Museum De Oude Aarde, a unique stop in the 'Venice of the Netherlands'. It's a compact museum showcasing stunning minerals and fossils, perfect for a quick, educational detour.

Family Fun & Fair Prices

This museum offers an engaging experience for all ages, with affordable entry fees and activities like 'bol kraken' (breaking geodes). It's a great way to introduce kids to geology.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, 10 AM - 12 PM
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for a cool indoor escape
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is a must do when you’re in Amsterdam . It is an immersive walk in museum of the Dutch masters in Amsterdam @fabriquedeslumieres I highly recommend if you love the work of Van gogh , Vermeer , Rembrandt & Mondriaan . This exposition was powerful & beautiful . A must visit ! #amsterdam #thingstodo #amsterdamguide #fabriquedeslumieres
@zimeee1
170.8K likes • 3.4M views

💎 Break a Geode!

Don't miss the chance to crack open a geode for a surprise crystal reveal! :gem: Instagram

💰 Fair Prices for All

Affordable entry and souvenirs make it great for families and budget travelers. :moneybag: Reddit

Don’t miss your chance to visit a digital ocean in the heart of Amsterdam! ✨ The Sea: Dive Into the Magical Deep is the newest immersive exhibition at Fabrique des Lumières, offering an unforgettable experience for all ages among whales, sea turtles, jellyfish and many more sea creatures. 🪸🐚🦑🐠 🎟️ Book your tickets via link in bio. #fabriquedeslumieres #immersiveexperience #digitalocean #museumtok...
@fabriquedeslumieres
132.1K likes • 1.2M views
📍Museum de Oude Aarde Giethoorn, Overijssel Netherlands Angel beeld van Hoorn, NH #gemstones #gemstonejewelry #amethyst #stones #gemsandminerals #gems #giethoorn #angel #earth #heavenonearth #overijssel #nederland #echtnederland #girlthatwander #girlsthatwander #girlsthattravel #splendid_earth #nederland #netherlands #overijssel #travelphotography #relaxing #niksen
g.b.huy
11 likes • 109 views

🕰️ Check Winter Hours

Winter hours differ (Oct-Mar). Always check their website before visiting! :calendar: Reddit

✨ Unique Souvenirs

The gift shop offers beautiful gemstone jewelry and unique gifts. :gift: Instagram

Hollanda’nın Venedik’i Giethoorn 🇳🇱🌷 ✔️Museum De Oude Aarde ✔️Doopsgezinde Gemeente (kilise) ✔️Museum Giethoorn‘t Olde Maat Uus (7,5 €) ✔️Gloria Maris Giethoorn (Deniz ürünleri mağazası) ✔️Punterwerf Wildeboer (tersane, tekne üretimi) ✔️Henri Willig Cheese Farm (ücretsiz peynir tadımı yaptık) ✔️Lekkers&Zoo (hediyelik eşya için) ✔️PLUS Giethoorn ( 2 saatlik ücretsiz park yeri) ✔️Grand Café Farfare ...
dytgokceozdemir
109 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💎 Break a Geode!

Don't miss the chance to crack open a geode for a surprise crystal reveal! :gem: Instagram

💰 Fair Prices for All

Affordable entry and souvenirs make it great for families and budget travelers. :moneybag: Reddit

🕰️ Check Winter Hours

Winter hours differ (Oct-Mar). Always check their website before visiting! :calendar: Reddit

✨ Unique Souvenirs

The gift shop offers beautiful gemstone jewelry and unique gifts. :gift: Instagram

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

Activities like 'goud pannen' (gold panning) and geode breaking are a hit with kids. :child: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Museum De Oude Aarde for its fascinating collection of minerals and fossils, friendly staff, and engaging activities like geode breaking. It's considered a great value for money, offering unique souvenirs and an educational experience for all ages, making it a charming stop in Giethoorn.

"Museum De Oude Aarde in Giethoorn is a small but fascinating museum specializing in minerals, fossils, and gemstones. The collection includes rare and impressive specimens, such as large geodes and petrified wood. Visitors can learn about the origins and properties of these natural treasures. The museum also has a gift shop with unique gemstone souvenirs. It is a great stop for geology enthusiasts and families visiting Giethoorn. The museum is compact but well-organized, making it a quick yet interesting visit.

Opening Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Note: During the winter season (October 1 to March 31), the museum may have different opening hours, typically Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's advisable to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most current information.

Entry Fees:

Adults: Approximately €3.50

Children: Approximately €2.50

Please note that admission prices may vary, so it's recommended to verify the current fees before planning your visit."

Mrigankamouli Banerjee

"Friendly people, the woman aswell as the guy that worls there are super friendly and tried their best to speak and explain things. All the History and stories !!! A must see"

Lindi Swart

"Gorgeous shop with a museum on one site and huge collection of stones& jewellery with stones for sale on other site. Really impressive pieces and beutiful presentation and friendly service. Thank you for pleasant time and lovely necklace!"

Jana T

What People Like

Fascinating mineral collection
Friendly and helpful staff
Engaging geode breaking

What People Dislike

Can be small for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Museum De Oude Aarde is located in Giethoorn, often called the 'Venice of the Netherlands'. If you're arriving by car, there are parking facilities available near the village center. From the parking, it's a pleasant walk to the museum. Public transport options include taking a train to Steenwijk or Zwolle and then a bus to Giethoorn. Many visitors explore Giethoorn by boat, so arriving by water taxi or rental boat is also a charming option. Instagram

Yes, Giethoorn is famous for its canals, and Museum De Oude Aarde is accessible by boat. Many visitors arrive by renting a boat or taking a canal cruise, which offers a unique perspective of the village and the museum's location. Instagram

The best way to explore Giethoorn is by foot or by boat. Walking allows you to discover the charming bridges and canals, while a boat tour provides a different view of the village and its surroundings. The museum is centrally located within the village, making it easy to combine with other attractions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Typically, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, during the winter season (October 1 to March 31), hours may be reduced, often Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always best to check the official website for the most current opening hours before your visit. Reddit

Admission fees are quite reasonable. Adults typically pay around €3.50, and children around €2.50. These prices can vary, so it's advisable to confirm the exact entry fees on their website. Reddit

For Museum De Oude Aarde, advance booking is generally not required, especially outside of peak tourist seasons. However, if you are visiting during a busy period or with a large group, it might be a good idea to contact them to inquire about group bookings or to ensure availability. Instagram

While specific discount programs aren't widely advertised, the already low admission prices make it a very budget-friendly option. Families often find the prices very accessible for a fun outing. Reddit

🎫 💎 Onsite Experience

The museum features a fascinating collection of minerals, gemstones, and fossils, including rare specimens like a fossilized egg. You can also participate in activities like breaking geodes to discover crystals inside and learning about gold panning. The adjacent shop offers a wide selection of gemstone jewelry and souvenirs. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The museum is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy the interactive activities like breaking geodes and learning about different stones. The gift shop also has affordable items that kids can choose from. InstagramReddit

The gift shop at Museum De Oude Aarde offers a diverse range of items, from affordable gemstone souvenirs and jewelry to more exquisite pieces. You can find items like amethyst, polished stones, and unique mineral specimens. It's a great place to find a memento of your visit. InstagramReddit

While some exhibits are for viewing only, interactive elements like geode breaking are encouraged. It's always good practice to observe any signage regarding touching exhibits to ensure their preservation. Instagram

A visit to Museum De Oude Aarde is usually quite brief, often taking around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in the exhibits and if you participate in the activities. It's a perfect stop to add to a day exploring Giethoorn. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside Museum De Oude Aarde for personal use. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially if using flash, which can sometimes be discouraged to protect the exhibits. Instagram

The most photogenic aspects are the stunning mineral and gemstone displays, especially the large geodes and unique formations. The fossilized egg is also a unique subject. The charming canals and bridges of Giethoorn surrounding the museum also offer beautiful photo opportunities. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Museum De Oude Aarde is a fantastic stop for families visiting Giethoorn. The interactive activities, like breaking geodes and gold panning, are a huge hit with children and provide hands-on fun. The museum's collection of minerals and fossils is also visually engaging for kids, sparking curiosity about the natural world. Instagram

With affordable entry fees and a gift shop offering reasonably priced souvenirs, it's a budget-friendly option for a family outing. The staff are friendly and helpful, making the experience enjoyable for everyone. It’s a great way to break up a day of exploring the canals and add an educational element to your trip. Reddit

💎 Gemstone Enthusiasts

For those with a passion for minerals and gemstones, Museum De Oude Aarde offers a delightful collection. You'll find a variety of rare and impressive specimens, including large geodes, petrified wood, and unique crystal formations. The museum's history, dating back to 1969, means it has a well-curated selection. Instagram

The adjacent gift shop is a must-visit, featuring a wide array of gemstone jewelry, polished stones, and mineral samples for sale. Whether you're looking for a special piece of jewelry or a unique mineral to add to your collection, you're likely to find something here. The friendly service adds to the positive shopping experience. Reddit

🚶 Day-Trippers to Giethoorn

If you're visiting Giethoorn for the day, Museum De Oude Aarde is a perfect, compact addition to your itinerary. It's easily accessible within the village and offers a unique, educational experience that doesn't take up too much time. You can easily fit it in between boat tours or walks along the canals. Instagram

It provides a nice contrast to the natural beauty of Giethoorn, offering a glimpse into the Earth's geological treasures. The affordable entry and the opportunity to purchase a small souvenir make it a worthwhile stop for any day-tripper looking for something a little different. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Fascinating World of Minerals

Museum De Oude Aarde is a treasure trove for anyone interested in geology. The museum showcases an impressive collection of minerals, gemstones, and fossils sourced from around the globe. Visitors can marvel at the natural beauty and intricate formations of these geological wonders. From vibrant amethysts to ancient petrified wood, each piece tells a story of the Earth's history. InstagramReddit

One of the most talked-about items is the fossilized egg found in Madagascar, a rare find that even piqued the interest of naturalists like David Attenborough. The museum also features large, impressive geodes, which are hollow rocks lined with crystals. These exhibits offer a glimpse into the planet's dynamic past and the incredible processes that create such beauty. Instagram

The museum's collection is not just for viewing; it's an educational experience. Visitors can learn about the origins, properties, and significance of various minerals. This makes it an engaging stop for both casual visitors and serious geology enthusiasts, providing a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Reddit

Interactive Fun for All Ages

Beyond its static displays, Museum De Oude Aarde offers engaging activities that make learning fun, especially for younger visitors. A highlight for many is the geode-breaking experience. For a small fee, you can select a geode and, with a bit of effort, crack it open to reveal the sparkling crystals hidden within. This hands-on activity is always a hit and provides a memorable takeaway. Instagram+1

Another popular activity is 'goud pannen' (gold panning), where participants can try their hand at sifting through sand to find small flecks of 'gold'. This playful activity offers a taste of historical prospecting and is particularly enjoyable for families. The museum aims to make geology accessible and exciting, ensuring that even the youngest visitors leave with a sense of wonder. Instagram

The gift shop complements the interactive experience by offering a range of affordable gemstone souvenirs and jewelry. This allows visitors to take a piece of the museum's magic home with them. The combination of educational exhibits and hands-on activities makes Museum De Oude Aarde a well-rounded destination for a family outing. Reddit

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