Internationaal Klompenmuseum (International Clog Museum)

While they are almost extinct now, wooden shoes or clogs were once the main form of footwear in the country. These types of shoes were made by craftsmen, only a few of which still exist today. The International Clog Museum provides a glimpse into the history of the wooden shoe.

The museum was based on a collection once owned by the Wietzes brothers, the last clog makers of the town of Eelde. After their passing, a large collection of around 600 clogs and clog-making tools were left behind and a museum was constructed around them in 1990. 

Since then, the collection has grown through donations and acquisitions into a massive collection of over 2,000 pairs of clogs from 43 different countries. It is the largest and most complete collection in Europe. 

Only a small subsection of the clogs are displayed in the museum, but they are arguably the most interesting. Among this collection are clogs made to resemble dress shoes, smuggler’s clogs with an inverted profile, and clogs with built-in skates. There is also a room with several generations of clog-making tools, from old hand tools to modern machines.

The museum is run entirely by volunteers, and operates from donations and gift shop proceeds.