Museum De Oude Aarde
Discover a world of minerals, fossils, and gemstones at Museum De Oude Aarde, a unique gem in Giethoorn since 1969.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Museum De Oude Aarde
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a world of minerals, fossils, and gemstones at Museum De Oude Aarde, a unique gem in Giethoorn since 1969.
"A lovely shop with a lot of collections, great for kids and adults alike!"
💎 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fossilized Egg
Museum
See a rare fossilized egg from Madagascar, one of only seven ever found, even David Attenborough has one!

Geode Breaking
Activity Area
Experience the thrill of cracking open a geode to reveal its hidden crystal treasures.

Impressive Mineral Collection
Museum
Marvel at a vast array of minerals, gemstones, and petrified wood from around the world.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Giethoorn's Gemstone Gem
Family Fun & Fair Prices
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💎 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:
🕰️ Check Winter Hours
Winter hours differ (Oct-Mar). Always check their website before visiting! :calendar:
✨ Unique Souvenirs
The gift shop offers beautiful gemstone jewelry and unique gifts. :gift:
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:
💰 Fair Prices for All
Affordable entry and souvenirs make it great for families and budget travelers. :moneybag:
🕰️ Check Winter Hours
Winter hours differ (Oct-Mar). Always check their website before visiting! :calendar:
✨ Unique Souvenirs
The gift shop offers beautiful gemstone jewelry and unique gifts. :gift:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Activities like 'goud pannen' (gold panning) and geode breaking are a hit with kids. :child:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 💎 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💎 Gemstone Enthusiasts
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.
🚶 Day-Trippers to Giethoorn
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fascinating World of Minerals
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.
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.
Interactive Fun for All Ages
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.
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit