Broeksterwald: Moorland, Mills and Cultural Heritage

When choosing a place to stay in Broeksterwald, the landscape, regional history and routes are particularly defining themes. De Houtwiel gives the natural landscape a distinctive character; mills and a monument add to the picture of the area’s history. Cycling and walking routes offer different points of reference for planning, and Teatertún Broeksterwâld has an events calendar. If you are looking for a hotel, you can plan your stay around these themes.

Moorland and birdlife

De Houtwiel is a rugged moorland area in Broeksterwâld and has the highest density of Eurasian bitterns in Friesland. Here, a distinctive landscape type and a unique feature of the birdlife come together. This gives the nature theme a clear regional connection and appeals to travellers interested in moorland landscapes and the Eurasian bittern.

Walking and cycling routes

A roughly 5-kilometre-long “Laarzenpad” (boot trail) runs through De Houtwiel. It is a walking route for boots or other waterproof footwear. The first section of the Bonifatius Monastery Trail runs alongside De Houtwiel. The Laarzenpad is therefore the option with an approximate distance and a note about waterproof footwear; for the monastery trail, the focus is on its route alongside De Houtwiel. Another walking option is Route 27, “Goddeloze Singel–Sijbrandahuis”: it runs via the Goddeloze Singel, past It Goddeloas Tolhûs and Broeksterwâld, towards Rinsumageast. Before setting out on this route, check access and trail conditions again.

For cyclists, the renewed cycle path between Damwâld and Broeksterwâld is another point of reference. The municipal update of 18 July 2025 describes it as a 3.5-metre-wide concrete path, suitable for comfortable and safe cycling in both directions. The routes described therefore also differ in their planning details: for the Laarzenpad, the approximate distance and footwear matter; for the cycle path, its width, surface and two-way traffic are key.

Mills and places of remembrance

The Broekmolen (Broekpoldermûne) drained the Broekpolder. The Grote Molen was rebuilt in 1887 by Gerben van Wieren from Janum, after being destroyed by a fire that same year. It was extensively restored in 2010/2011 because its sail stocks were in poor condition. The rebuild and subsequent restoration mark two distinct chapters in its history.

Another cultural and historical reference is the Bekeerlingen or Mormon Monument on Schwartzenbergloane. The artist Jan Bosklopper from Hilversum designed it in 1936. It commemorates three Frisian converts who were baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mills and monument thus represent different stories: polder drainage and rebuilding on the one hand, and religious remembrance on the other.

Events at Teatertún

Teatertún Broeksterwâld has an events calendar and offers online ticket sales for its events. The Simmer Event 2026 took place again on Saturday, 6 June 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This edition featured more than 40 stalls, food trucks and live music. The event has already taken place; if you are staying on another date, it is worth checking the calendar and the online ticket sales for the event in question.

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

For the overview of the wider area: Dantumadiel.