Veldwijk is a historic psychiatric institution that played a significant role in the evolution of care for individuals with mental health conditions in the Netherlands. Veldwijk was established in 1886 as a psychiatric hospital. The old cemetery was put into use in the same year. The first burial took place on 23 August 1887.

In 1965, the management of Veldwijk requested the municipality of Ermelo to close the cemetery. The last burial had taken place in 1942 and no more burials or interments were expected.

Approximately 365 people are buried on Veldwijk's old cemetery; patients, but also employees and family members of employees. Today the cemetery is in a state of disrepair, but it is an atmospheric place that breathes history.