Ter Apel

Ter Apel has the only remaining monastery in the north of the Netherlands. In 1465 the monastery was built by the order of the Holy Cross, and subsequently greatly expanded. Under the influence of the monastery, the settlement grew into a town. After the Reformation in 1594, most monasteries were demolished, but fortunately the monastery in Ter Apel was preserved. In the 18th and 19th century, various parts of the complex were lost, but the main building was preserved. It is a museum since 1990. In 2000-2001, a new west wing was added, fitting in with the old building so that the monastery has regained its original shape. The monastery is now a museum where you can see how the monks lived. On the inner courtyard a historical herb garden is laid out. Art exhibitions regularly take place in the monastery.Fairytale Forest Wonderland is also located in this village. This recreation park includes an insectarium, an adventurous tree trail, an owls castle, a subtropical greenhouse and a playground.Hotel-Restaurant Boschhuis is also situated in Ter Apel, and on the Hoofdstraat there is a tourist information office.