Back in time...
About the Betteld Zelhem
De Betteld has a remarkable family history that dates back to the countryside of Zelhem. Where there used to be a cattle farm, a simple farm campsite was established in 1972, marking the beginning of something special. Gerhard Hobelman, the current owner, led this venture and saw how the campsite grew over the years into a popular holiday park.
Today, De Betteld Zelhem has grown into the largest Christian and most enjoyable holiday park in the Netherlands, with 430 camping pitches on a site covering no less than 21 hectares. The Christian identity is at the heart of the park: visible in the daily Bible studies, inspiring conferences and the desire to be a place of rest, encounter and deepening of faith for families from all over the country.
The most enjoyable Christian holiday park for over 50 years!
Before 1972, Bertus Hobelman asked his sons if they wanted to take over the farm. Gerhard saw the potential in turning it into a campsite. This is how camping on the farm, with a Christian character, came into being. The farm slowly became a campsite and gained more and more camping spots. Over the years, it grew into what is now Betteld Zelhem. We would like to take you on a journey through our history and our story! Will you join us?
Since 1972
So we started in '72, as a mini campsite. One field with a few tents. At that time, the land was still ploughed with horse and cart. There was a large tent on the field where services were organised. After a few years, the Foundation was established. From there, the programme was organised, such as the infamous droppings, fox hunts and the well-known hexathlon in which all fields competed against each other for the win. The Foundation was also involved in providing assistance at the campsite.
From campsite to holiday park
Over the years, the campsite grew into a holiday park with permanent pitches, mobile homes and later chalets. Over the years, 10 additional plots of land were purchased. At the beginning of this century, the Bertuskamp, named after founder Bertus, was constructed and the recreational lake was dug. At the same time, the Witte Herberg was built on the site of the old canteen. The Ichtuszaal was built and the Betteld grew into a conference centre where we can offer a unique combination of recreation and events.
We are here for everyone
Since 1972, we have wanted everyone to feel at home at our campsite. Young and old alike enjoy a safe place where you can truly relax and where children and teenagers can do their own thing. God is central to everything we do. Our programme is not standard entertainment, but playful and in-depth Bible teaching. Children learn about God through play, teenagers grow in faith and friendship at Royal Adventure, and adults are edified by inspiring Bible studies.
From generation to generation
Our focus on young and old stems from who we are: a family business. De Betteld is now run by the third generation of the Hobelman family. In 1979, the baton was passed on to Gerhard and Marty, and in 2024, their son Bas and his wife Veronique took over the business. Throughout De Betteld's history, the Hobelman family as a whole has always been involved, and that is still the case today.
