Fochteloo: Cultural Heritage, Nature and Routes

Visitors choosing Fochteloo for a stay will find a range of points of interest: historic buildings, memorial sites, art connected with the area’s former wildlife, and routes through the Fochteloërveen. If you are looking for a hotel in Fochteloo, these themes can help you plan your trip—for example, depending on whether you are especially interested in local history, nature or cycling.

Historic Traces and Memorial Sites

The bell tower in Fochteloo contains two bells dating from the 14th century. The outlines of the former church are marked in the Fochteloo cemetery, where a bell tower has been preserved. The Jacobahoeve is also among the village’s historic buildings. Built in 1708, it is the only surviving example of this building type in Fochteloo. The farmhouse is no longer in its original condition. These buildings therefore represent different periods: the bells date from the 14th century, while the farmhouse was built in 1708.

The monument in the Tiesinga bosje near Fochteloo commemorates resistance fighter Taeke Schuilenga from Surhuisterveen. It is located between Oosterwolde and Veenhuizen, at the turn-off to Fochteloo. Another work with local connections is “Het Korhoen van Anne Woudwijk” (The Black Grouse by Anne Woudwijk). It consists of three blocks of Belgian hardstone and depicts the black grouse, which became extinct in Fochteloo in the 1980s. The subject connects art with the area’s wildlife history.

The history of the former NAD labour camp Jan van Brakel is also linked to Fochteloo. The camp was later called Oranjekamp (Kamp Oranje) and was established in 1942 by the Rijksdienst voor de Werkverruiming to provide employment for young men. Its names and historical purpose help place the site in its original context.

Fochteloërveen and Routes

All three Dutch snake species are found in the Fochteloërveen: the smooth snake, adder and grass snake. For cyclists, the Bonghaar is a named point of reference in the area: visitors can cycle along this centrally located sandy ridge. In the Fochteloërveen, this specific landscape feature and diverse wildlife offer different ways to experience nature.

The historic cycling route “Historische fietsroute RAAF-dorpen – Fochteloo” (Historic Cycling Route: RAAF Villages – Fochteloo) presents the history of Ravenswoud, Appelscha, Appelscha-Boven and Fochteloo. Its themes include peat extraction, the Second World War and traditional village occupations. The RAAF route passes through the Fochteloërveen and by various historic sites in these four villages. The Swalkroute Fochteloo is 29 kilometres long. The routes can be distinguished by their different details: the historic cycling route focuses on historical themes, the RAAF route is defined by its course and historic sites, and the Swalkroute has a specified length.

Practical Information

There is an accessible parking space and an adapted picnic area at Kamp Oranje. Near Fochteloo, the paved path of the walking route to the former Oranje and Ybenheer camps can be reached via Veenweg; you can park your car there. For both locations, the information concerns specific facilities and path conditions. Check these details locally again before travelling.

In the wider region around the destination, the 18-metre-high “De Zeven” observation tower stands in the Fochteloërveen. It offers views over the raised bog landscape. The views and route itineraries thus complement the historical themes with a landscape perspective.

Discover more destinations: Nijeberkoop, Elsloo, Haule, Langedijke, Ravenswoud, Oldeberkoop, Donkerbroek, Waskemeer.

For the broader travel overview: Ooststellingwerf.