Founded by Jan Albert Otermans in 1934 under the name Ontspanningsoord Natuurbad Valkenburg (English: Recreational natural pool Valkenburg) it was the oldest amusement park in the Benelux countries.

A rollercoaster and other mechanised entertainment was introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and the name of the park was changed to De Valkenier.

[3] This makes it the oldest amusement park in the Benelux countries, with Duinrell opening a year later.

Otermans expanded the park with non-mechanical attractions like slides and playground equipment.

After his death in 1975 his children continued the park, added mechanised attractions, and changed the name to its current name De Valkenier to fit the content.