Blesdijke: History, Architecture and Nature

When planning a stay in Blesdijke, you can focus on what interests you: architectural history, remembrance, walking or nature. Kasteel Olt Stoutenburght and Oldehof offer different architectural highlights. Other attractions include the history of Kamp It Petgat, the Bonifatius-Kloosterpad and Blesdijkerheide. If you are looking for a hotel in Blesdijke, this thematic overview can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Castle construction and architectural history

Kasteel Olt Stoutenburght has been built in Blesdijke by artist Gregorius (Gerry) Halman since 1990. He uses collected old building materials for this fantasy castle, which features Romanesque influences. The lengthy construction period and the materials used give this castle a different temporal context from a building with a fixed year of construction.

Oldehof was built in 1931 to a design by J. van Ommen. Its style is typical of the 1930s and combines elements of the Amsterdam School with influences from interwar architecture. By comparison, the castle’s construction since 1990 and its Romanesque influences are the main focus, while Oldehof is associated with its year of construction and the named architectural movements. Architecture enthusiasts can use this to place two different periods in the context of their trip planning.

History and remembrance

During the Second World War, Kamp It Petgat was one of 40 labour camps where Jewish men were forced to work. A memorial to Kamp It Petgat was unveiled on Nijksweg on 25 April 2003. Since 2022, the camp and the fate of the Jewish men imprisoned there have been commemorated annually on 2 October. The commemorative programme includes a silent walk to the camp. Check the programme for your chosen year before planning your visit.

Kerkheuvel Blesdijke is open to visitors. Features include a medieval-looking entrance gate, a drained path, a bridge, an information board, benches and a memorial monument. The site offers specific features for visitors, while remembrance of Kamp It Petgat is tied to a fixed date and a programme that must be confirmed each year.

Walking routes and landscape

In Blesdijke, the Bonifatius-Kloosterpad offers a glimpse of history connected with the former Maria en Agnes monastery. For a century, the Grey Sisters there followed the Third Rule of Saint Francis. The path reaches Blesdijke via the De Stroomkant polder. Download the GPX file to plan your route: part of the route does not follow the walking junction network.

The former Stroomkant electric pumping station is located on a walking and cycling route. Since 2001, a new, smaller and more efficient pumping station has taken over its function. The original pumping station on the Linde is now used, among other things, as temporary accommodation for recreational purposes. Blesdijke is also part of the Turfroute. These routes add further points of interest for planning your trip to the historical perspective offered by the Bonifatius-Kloosterpad.

Blesdijkerheide is a 60-hectare nature reserve owned by Staatsbosbeheer. It includes young forests, remnants of heathland, coppice and large nests of red wood ants. The landscape therefore offers a distinct focus alongside architecture and history. Nature enthusiasts can take these specific features into account when deciding which themes they want to shape their stay.

Discover more destinations

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

For the overview of the wider area: Weststellingwerf.