Gorredijk: History, Greenways and Waterways

Local history, greenways, waterways and markets give Gorredijk several distinctive focal points. If you are looking for a hotel in Gorredijk, you can use these themes as a starting point for planning your trip. Depending on whether you are mainly interested in exhibitions, walking or cycling routes, boating or a market, you will find different ways to shape your stay.

Museum and Local History

Museum Opsterlân is housed in a listed school building dating from 1887. It presents the history of Gorredijk through frequently changing themed exhibitions. The permanent exhibition covers five timeless themes.

As a tourist information centre, the museum provides information on regional activities, other museums, leisure opportunities and events. This also includes guidebooks, souvenirs, maps and brochures.

Gorredijk grew out of peat extraction. In the historic centre, old canal houses shape the townscape; they were built when the town was founded. The Friese Waterlinie was established in the 16th and 17th centuries, and remains of this line can still be found in Gorredijk. The town therefore brings together connections to its origins, historic buildings and the Waterlinie.

Greenways and Walking

The Groene Long route passes through Gorredijk’s green spaces and also includes the Gordykster Bos. The Gordykster Bos is the only forest in Gorredijk. The name is used locally but is not official. The Gordykster Feitjes link around 20 information boards along three walking routes in Gorredijk. The two walking options have different focuses: the Groene Long is characterised by green spaces and woodland, while the Feitjes features information boards and three routes.

South of Gorredijk, beside the Dwersfeart, is a historic Jewish cemetery. It makes a suitable stop on a walking or cycling tour.

Waterways and the Turfroute

The Turfroute runs directly through Gorredijk and is now used by recreational boats. Both the long and short loops pass through the town, where boats can moor at several locations. The lock in Gorredijk is one of three entrance locks to the official sections of the Turfroute.

The section of the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart from Gorredijk via Donkerbroek to Sluis III near Oosterwolde is 20 km long. It has four locks, 22 movable bridges and one fixed bridge. When distinguishing between the waterways, it is important to note which route is being described: the long and short loops, mooring places and entrance lock relate to the Turfroute; the 20 km and the bridges and locks listed belong to the described section of the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart.

Markets in Gorredijk

Gorredijk’s Wednesday market has been held since 1694. The Gordykstermerke takes place twice a year. If you want to plan your trip around the Gordykstermerke, check the current dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Wijnjewoude, Olterterp, Jonkerslan, Tijnje, Beetsterzwaag, Hemrik, Frieschepalen, Lippenhuizen.

For the broader travel overview: Opsterland.