Veenhuizen, a Reflection of the Netherlands Through the Years

Peter moved to Veenhuizen with his parents when he was five years old, after his father started working as a guard at Esserheem prison. Living in the last house on the edge of the village, Peter — like other children who lived far from school — was transported by the famous “criminal bus” to school each day. Growing up in the “k’lonie” during the 1970s was a great adventure for children: endless freedom, abandoned buildings, vast forests, and — perhaps most remarkably — no police presence. From an early age, Peter became fascinated by the village’s buildings and stories. Later, he worked for the Dutch Custodial Institutions Agency’s Transport and Support Service, giving him access to the prisons from the inside, including the notorious Roode Pannen. This unique combination of personal memories, historical knowledge, and practical experience makes his tours exceptionally authentic.