Discover Olterterp

Olterterp appeals to travelers who want to include parkland, Frisian culture and hiking trails in their travel plans. If you are looking for a hotel in Olterterp, you can choose your location based on specific themes: Park Huize Olterterp, the history of the villa or the different routes.

Park and nature

Park Huize Olterterp is characterized by winding paths, undulating terrain, a pond and beautiful vistas. The terrain describes the varied contours of the land; together with the pond and sightlines, it shapes the character of the paths. Old trees provide cavities where tawny owls, nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers and hawfinches nest. Thus, alongside the park’s design, old trees as nesting spaces for four bird species are also a focus.

Estate landscape and architectural history

The estate landscape of Beetsterzwaag and Olterterp lies on a sandy ridge by the valley of the Koningsdiep. It includes forests, heathland, pastures and hay meadows. The sandy ridge and its connection to the valley set the scene; the different landscape types describe the setting of the estate zone. For travelers interested in landscapes, this offers a broader perspective than the individual park alone.

In 1907, Huize Olterterp replaced the Boelensstate country house built in Olterterp in 1793. It is a white villa with a hipped roof in a restrained revival style. A hipped roof has sloping roof surfaces on all sides of the house; the term therefore describes a specific type of roof. The chronology distinguishes the older country estate from its replacement; the color, roof shape and style describe the villa itself.

Hiking trails by length and theme

Two hikes can be compared by distance and subject matter. The 4 km route “Als bomen konden spreken” passes along paths and forest trails and by wooden figures depicting, among others, Grutte Pier, Redbad and Boniface; it starts at Het Witte Huis. The 7 km Harinxma-Ommetje also starts at Het Witte Huis in Olterterp and leads through woodland and past estates. The Ommetje is therefore the longer of the two routes described. Their themes also differ: wooden figures on one route, forest and estates on the other.

Frisian stories and practical information

The Beeldenroute Olterterp features figures from Frisian myths and legends on the estate. The accompanying stories are included in a booklet in Dutch and Frisian. “In adellijke voetsporen,” by contrast, is a historical walking route through Olterterp and Beetsterzwaag. The two routes therefore have different focuses: the Beeldenroute centers on Frisian stories, while the other route is distinguished by its historical character and its course through both towns.

Park Huize Olterterp is open year-round; parking is available in the park’s parking lot. Conditions on “In adellijke voetsporen” may change; check the latest conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Bakkeveen, Wijnjewoude, Frieschepalen, Lippenhuizen, Gorredijk, Hemrik, Jonkerslan, Beetsterzwaag.

For the main travel overview: Opsterland.