Dantumadiel: Hedgerows, Moorland Paths and Cultural History

Dantumadiel lies in the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden and features a characteristic bocage landscape with embankment hedgerows and alder hedges. Walking and cycling are the main leisure activities; water-based recreation plays a smaller role. Those looking to explore the area will therefore find plenty of opportunities in the landscape and along its paths.

Experience Moorland and Nature

Bûtefjild is a 322-hectare nature reserve. Many waterbirds spend the winter there; in spring, reed warblers return and meadow birds settle in the area. Thanks to the good water quality, otters thrive there. Roe deer and foxes are regularly seen along the edges of the grasslands, and almost all birds of prey can also be spotted.

The Ottema-Wiersmareservaat has its own distinctive landscape: its moorland encompasses lakes, pools, reed beds and wet hay meadows that remained after extensive peat extraction. The landscape therefore combines bodies of water and wet areas with stretches of countryside divided by hedges. Bûtefjild has a total of 16 kilometres of walking paths, including a waymarked route through the Bouwepet and a circular trail in the northern part of the Ottema-Wiersmareservaat.

The Houtwiel area can also be explored on foot from the De Falom landing stage. The route passes partly through moorland and by a viewing mound. When planning, you can take account of the different kinds of paths: routes through the nature reserve, a circular trail and a stretch through moorland each offer a different experience.

Paths and Cultural History

In Feanwâlden, the Historical Route combines a ten-kilometre walking and cycling route with cultural and historical points of interest. It passes buildings and notable places of cultural and historical value; information panels explain their past. The route offers a way to get to know the town on foot or by bike and explore its buildings and public spaces.

The Schierstins in Feanwâlden is the only surviving medieval stone defensive building in Friesland and a national monument dating from the 13th century. The building houses a museum with changing exhibitions on history, art and culture. Lectures, concerts and other cultural events are also held there regularly. Nature trails and cultural visits can therefore be considered as different focal points for a stay in Dantumadiel.

In Rinsumageast, Alexanderkerk has the only church crypt in the northern Netherlands. Construction of the church began in the 11th century; the nave dates from the 12th century. The former Klaarkamp monastery is also near Rinsumageast. It is an archaeological national monument and was the largest monastery in Friesland.

The medieval Kloosterkapel Sibrandahûs is believed to have been an outlying estate of the former Claercamp monastery. The Sibrandahûs–Claercamp–Burdaard–Rinsumageast route is a 16.5-kilometre walking trail through the history of monasteries and churches. To compare the route options: the ten-kilometre Historical Route in Feanwâlden is shorter and also designated for cycling, while the longer route is described as a walking trail.

Where to Stay and Practical Information

A concert is held once a month on a Sunday afternoon at Kloosterkapel Sibrandahûs, with a programme ranging from classical music to rock. Check the concert programme before setting out. The chapel offers pilgrims a simple overnight stay; check availability in advance.

Feanwâlden railway station has a car park and charging points for electric vehicles. As this provision may change, check availability before you arrive. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you could first consider whether nature trails, places of cultural and historical interest or events are your main focus; the experiences described offer different options.

Discover more destinations: Broeksterwald, Sibrandahûs, Rinsumageast, Veenwouden, De Falom.

Back to the main travel overview: Friesland.