Boijl: Village Church, Bell House and Landscape

If you are looking for a hotel in Boijl, the different aspects of the village can help you plan your trip: the Dorpskerk and bell house offer insights into its history, while the landscape and cycling connections provide other ideas for your stay. For walking, the Molenroute is one option in Boijl; for cycling, several areas and a route are associated with the village. These specific connections can be considered in terms of local history, nature and activities.

Dorpskerk and bell house: building history with different dates

The Dorpskerk Boijl is listed as a Rijksmonument, or Dutch national monument. The church building without a tower was built in 1641. During a renovation, it was discovered that the original church had already been built in the 13th century. These details refer to different construction periods: the earlier church forms part of the history of the Dorpskerk, while 1641 is the date of the church building without a tower. This helps place the village’s history in context without conflating the two construction dates.

Boijl’s bell house is also listed as a Rijksmonument. Its current form dates from 1696. The bell inside has a diameter of 86 centimetres. Two dates are given for the bell: 1399, according to its inscription, and alternatively 1349. Depending on which date is used, the bell is among the oldest in the Netherlands. The dates therefore refer to different things: 1696 to the bell house’s current form, and 1399 or 1349 to the bell. Together, the church, bell house and bell form a distinctive historical focus for a stay in Boijl.

The historical background also includes a former trade route between Drenthe and Friesland, which once passed through Boijl. This historical connection is distinct from today’s walking opportunities and cycling areas: it describes the village’s former role, not a current route for excursions.

Landscape on the edge of Drents-Friese Wold

Boijl lies on the edge of Drents-Friese Wold National Park. The area north of Boijl is bordered by the River Linde. These two geographical details describe different connections: the village’s location relative to the national park and the river forming the area’s northern boundary. Boijl also has several sandy tracks and peat cuttings. The fields and plots are bordered by natural hedgerows; the landscape also includes wooded surroundings. Sandy tracks, peat cuttings, fields and hedgerows offer various points of reference for getting to know the area’s landscape.

Walking, cycling and getting there

The Molenroute runs through Boijl and is one option for walking. Cycling offers other connections to the village: you can cycle in Drents-Friese Wold National Park in connection with Boijl. Lindevallei is also one of the cycling areas associated with Boijl, and the Maatschappij-route is another cycling option connected with the village. For planning purposes, you can therefore distinguish clearly between the activities: the Molenroute is for walking, while the national park, Lindevallei and Maatschappij-route are mentioned as cycling connections.

Boijl is on the Steenwijk–Noordwolde–Oosterwolde bus route. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable for your intended travel date. Historic buildings, landscapes and outdoor activities offer different focuses; when looking for a hotel in Boijl, you can first decide which of these aspects of the village matters most for your stay.

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

For the overview of the wider area: Weststellingwerf.