Weststellingwerf: Nature, Water and History

Weststellingwerf can be explored in many different ways: along paths through wetlands shaped by peat extraction, beside riverbanks or on historic waterways. Mills, a star-shaped defensive fortification and museums add cultural highlights. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping the different attractions and visiting conditions in mind.

Wetlands on foot and by bike

Rottige Meente is a wetland whose landscape was shaped by peat extraction in the 19th and 20th centuries. Peat-cutting sites and strips of land form a mosaic of water and land, reeds, floating mats of vegetation and flowering grasslands. If you would like to experience the landscape on foot, you can take guided walks here with a forester along the banks of former peat-cutting sites. Check in advance whether this option is available during your visit.

Lendevallei stretches along the Linde between De Blesse and Wolvega and is accessible during daylight hours year-round. You can walk through the swamp forest or cycle along the stream. Brandemeer in Weststellingwerf is also suitable for walks and cycling trips; you can also photograph nature there and spot various bird species. Depending on your interests, you can focus more on an active outing or on observing nature.

Walking and Waterway Routes

The Boswachterspad Rottige Meente starts at the car park on Pieter Stuyvesantweg in Nijetrijne. Red arrows mark the 16.6-kilometre walking route. Its length gives you a clear reference point when planning your trip; also check current trail conditions before setting out.

At Passantenhaven Driewegsluis, facilities include a boat launch, six motorhome pitches, toilets, showers, electricity, water and a wastewater disposal point. From Driewegsluis, you can travel by water from Overijssel to Friesland and choose between the Friese Merengebied and the historic Turfroute. The facilities mentioned may change, so check the latest information before your arrival.

Another waterway is De Scheene in Rottige Meente. It runs from Nijeholtpade to Spanga and is now mainly used for boat trips. Together with the options at Driewegsluis, it shows the different ways you can incorporate the waterways into your travel plans.

Mills, Craftsmanship and History

Blessebrugschans was built during the Eighty Years’ War as a star-shaped defensive fortification at a strategic point on the Linde and was part of the Friese Waterlinie. It reopened in 2010 after its earthen rampart and bridge had been reconstructed. As part of Lendevallei, it is accessible during daylight hours year-round; parking is available at Blessebrug in Wolvega.

De Mars in De Blesse is an octagonal grain mill in the form of a gallery-style Dutch windmill. It has been listed as a Rijksmonument since 11 October 2005. Visits are possible by appointment, so arrange your visit in advance. Windlust in Noordwolde is also open to the public by appointment. At both mills, arranging a visit is part of planning and not the same as simply dropping by.

The Nationaal Vlechtmuseum presents the history of the local braiding industry and the Rijksrietvlechtschool, where basketry developed into an artistic form of expression. In workshops, you can try traditional and modern braiding techniques under the guidance of the weavers. Check before your trip whether a workshop is available. In Wolvega, Museum ’t Kiekhuus is located in the former De Korenschoof bakery. Visitors are always given a tour by one of the residents.

For a seasonal activity, consider the heated outdoor swimming pool De Dobbe in Noordwolde. It is located in a recreational area and has several pools, a play lawn, a slide, a diving board and a kiosk. As it is a seasonal attraction, check its current operating status before your trip.

Plan Around Visiting Conditions

The attractions mainly differ in when and under what conditions you can visit them: Lendevallei and Blessebrugschans are accessible during daylight hours year-round, while visits to De Mars and Windlust require an appointment. The outdoor swimming pool is seasonal, and you should check whether workshops at the braiding museum are available. If you are planning your trip around a specific activity, take these differences into account when planning your day.

Discover more destinations: Noordwolde, Oldeholtpade, Oldetrijne, Scherpenzeel, Wolvega, Zandhuizen, Boijl, Munnekeburen, Nijeholtpade, Blesdijke.

For the main travel overview: Friesland.