A famous saying from the comic strip character Olivier B. Bommel. Mr. Bommel is not a bear, but a gentleman of rank, born in Amsterdam in 1941. "If you know what I mean," could be a quote from Edwin Bomers of Marveld Recreatie. What drives this entrepreneur of a highly successful recreation company with hotel and bungalow accommodations in Groenlo? Jan Olthof of the RekreaVakkrant interviewed this passionate entrepreneur.
In short: “Residential recreation combined with day recreation will create synergy for the total business concept,” says the owner.
You won't understand it until you see it!
Bommelstein Castle can be seen from far and wide. Perched on a hill next to the N18 highway, its beautiful plantings will soon make it look wonderfully green, Mr. Bommel and his close friend Tom Poes happily survey the number of guests making their way up to the castle. The procession to Bommelstein will begin on October 3rd. Children, many children up to the age of 14, will be visiting Bommelwereld, cheered on by their parents and/or grandparents. After all, they know the creation of Marten Toonder and the adventures of Oliver B. Bommel and Tom Poes. Primary schools in the Netherlands and Germany will have a real challenge. Children from primary schools in Groenlo will soon be able to experience Bommelwereld for free. How fun is that! Day recreation at its finest in the indoor world of Rommeldam, the play city where it all happens.
Bommelwereld; a major theme attraction
"On the untrodden path of the Other World, I have observed the footsteps of an invisible hand, which I, Mr. Bommel, MUST bring to light. For if I were to remain silent, future visitors would remain unaware of my captivating indoor attractions." If you know what I mean… Welcome to the world of Olivier B. Bommel. Creator and initiator Edwin Bomers had long entertained the idea of linking a day attraction to his company, Marveld Recreatie. A successful company over the years, it grew partly through public-private partnerships. For example, the local swimming pool and tennis court were connected to the park. In addition, 'Apart Hotel Havezate Marveld' was added to the overall recreation concept. This was a foresighted move, as Groenlo had little to no hotel accommodations. A smart move to attract hotel guests to Marveld. The recreation concept can now accommodate approximately 4.000 guests per night. This also provides a fertile ground for Bommelstein.
Bomers didn't rush into the creation of Bommelstein. From concept to final completion, five years passed, with the final two years devoted to the construction of the castle and attractions. The land for this project had already been secured with the purchase of the garden center (which itself operated for another 10 years) and the adjacent riding school. The design and theming were developed in collaboration with the Toonder Compagnie and Jora Vision. Behind the scenes at Efteling and Plopsaland, the operation and tricks of the attractions were studied and translated into Bommel's own design. Attraction builders and decorators were selected, fitting and adding value to the Bommel concept. The castle and amusement arcade were born from the drawing board in search of a builder. Bomers emphasizes that once Bommel is in your DNA, you won't want anything else, and the total investment of over €30 million will soon bear witness to that. The project was financed from its own resources, without any subsidy or stakeholder involvement other than Rabobank.
Bommel concept
The castle houses a theater where the Bommel film is shown, the Bommelzolder, the Ollie B. Bommel museum, and the hall of fame featuring iconic comic book characters. The castle also serves as the entrance to Rommeldam. Visitors are welcomed by the loyal butler, Joost. A beautiful, eye-catching red staircase leads down to Bommelwalhalla, a true amusement park entirely in Bommel style, with twenty intricately detailed indoor attractions.
There's the thrilling Bulder roller coaster, the Raging Rommel boat ride on the Rommel River, set in a beautiful setting, the Oude Schicht with a ride in a Van Bommel racing car. There's also the duck carousel, the Flying Mushroom, and the haunted house. Too much to list. Total entertainment for all ages.
The catering area is also well-equipped, with seating for 500 guests. It's managed from a state-of-the-art kitchen. In short, a comprehensive concept to be proud of. Expansion potential to 24 attractions is possible. Executive director Bart Porskamp has been appointed to oversee everything. "We're looking forward to it," says Edwin Bomers, the rightfully proud owner of Bommelwereld. Year-round operation will also serve as an attraction for the entire region and even beyond. Exposure is certainly not lacking. Everyone is delving into Bommelwereld, seeing what it means for visitors and the added value it brings to the surrounding area. So, here's to a successful daytime amusement park for the entire Netherlands and beyond!
This article, written by Jan Olthof, previously appeared in the Rekrea Vakkrant – the oldest (printed) trade journal for the recreation sector in the Netherlands.
More information: www.rvk.nl
Recreation professionals will soon be given a glimpse into the history and a tour during the Countus Recreation Congress on Tuesday, November 4th.
More information: countus.nl/recreatiecongres-2025