The 'Dutch Kremlin' and Museum 'de Turfschuur'

Hey there, stranger.

When I moved to The Netherlands I never thought I could visit the Kremlin. Of course, it's not the Russian one (although I hope to see that one in the future) but the one located in the little village of Winkel. 

The Dutch Kremlin only open its doors four times per year (June 7, July 12, August 16 and September 13 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm), but if you're around, it's worth visiting.

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Ger Leegwater, a retired sheet metal worker, began building this installation in the early 90s. He's not an architect, but an enthusiastic inspired by classical and Russian Orthodox architecture. Using recycled materials and coax sheet metal he started to build this place, a private garden full of beautiful statues with the Little Kremlin as the epicentre of it all. 

When you enter the gardens you don't expect to find a dragon and St. George there, hidden into the Little Kremlin, but I was amazed by it and surprised in a very good way. The details and care that Ger has put on this beautiful place are palpable in every corner. Again, if you're able to visit on one of their opening dates (or set a visit, since you can contact them through their website or Facebook page), do it!

From here we took the car and ride towards Kolhorn, a lovely village a little bit up north. I've been here once before when one of Thijs' sisters were living in a beautiful house, during summer they do a night market full of interesting stalls. But our destiny was the local museum, 'de Turfschuur', where you can see and experience the struggle of the provincial and local people to keep their heads above water, literally and figuratively.

The museum opens from mid-April to October on Saturdays and Sundays (1 pm to 4.30 pm.), but for groups of more than 6 people, you can visit the museum by appointment outside opening hours, and also combine the visit with a tour of the village, a boat trip with the Kolhorner 'Staverse Jol' or a combination of both. We only could visit the museum since it was late for us for the rest of the activities, but it's a great excuse to come back, right? You can find all the information about the museum here.

Isn't it nice for a Sunday plan?