Discover Hemrik: Landscape, Turfroute and Culture

Hemrik brings together green pastures with Houtsingels, a tourist waterway and culture at the Witte Kerk. Speelbos Sparjebird and a walking route along the Turfroute add to the options. This means you can consider nature, local history and winter events as different focal points for your trip.

Landscape between pastures, heathland and a river valley

Green pastures are bordered by wooded banks known as Houtsingels. Hemrik lies between areas of heathland and close to the valley of the small river It Alddjip. As a result, the landscape includes open pastures, tree-lined boundaries and a river valley. The wooded banks divide up the pastures, while the heathland and nearby valley add to the landscape. If you are looking for a destination with a rural setting, these features can help you assess whether Hemrik is right for you.

Turfroute and transport history

The Opsterlânske Kompanjonsfeart runs past Hemrik and is part of the Turfroute, a tourist waterway through Zuidoost-Friesland. This places the canal both within the local landscape and on a regional route. Construction of the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart began in 1630 at Gorredijk to transport peat. The canal’s historical purpose and its present-day inclusion in the Turfroute give it two distinct meanings: it is associated both with the former peat industry and with a tourist waterway.

The Trambrug tells another story of transport. The bridge in Hemrik crosses the Opsterlânske Kompanjonsfeart and was part of the former Oosterwolde-Gorredijk tram line. The canal’s peat transport and the former tram line thus represent two distinct historical connections.

Witte Kerk: Building history and winter programme

The Witte Kerk Hemrik was built in 1739 on the foundations of a medieval church dedicated to Saint Andrew. Masonry from the older church was probably also used in its construction. The year 1739 therefore marks the construction of the later church; the dedication to Saint Andrew belongs to the history of its medieval predecessor. The possible reuse of the masonry connects the two building phases, but remains a conjecture.

During the winter months, a cultural event is held every week at the Witte Kerk. The programme includes classical, modern or world music, performances in Frisian and choir concerts. If you would like to combine your trip with an event, check the specific dates in advance.

Play forest, walking route and outdoor pool

At Speelbos Sparjebird in Hemrik, children can climb, scramble, build huts and play in nature. The different activities combine movement with free play in the forest. The Hemrik walking route along the Turfroute also starts and ends at the play forest, making it both the starting point and the finish.

When planning the walk, bear in mind the described ground conditions: parts of the route are unpaved, and some forest paths can be muddy. Shoes suitable for unpaved and occasionally muddy paths may be helpful. An outdoor pool is located near the start of the Turfroute. If you want to include it in your travel plans, check the opening hours before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Wijnjewoude, Gorredijk, Jonkerslan, Tijnje, Bakkeveen, Beetsterzwaag, Frieschepalen, Olterterp

For the broader travel overview: Opsterland.