Noordwolde: Weaving History and Nature

Noordwolde combines a rich weaving history with nature and a range of routes. The local weaving craft takes centre stage at the Nationaal Vlechtmuseum; the VlechtExpress departs right next door and takes you through the surrounding area. There is also a cycling tour, walks in the woods around the Spokeplas and various places to swim. During your stay, you can choose between cultural history, outdoor activities and swimming spots.

Weaving history and the VlechtExpress

The Nationaal Vlechtmuseum is housed in a Rijksmonument, which formerly housed Noordwolde’s Rietvlechtschool. Its exhibition tells the story of the town’s weaving history: from weaving with willow rods and making baskets to the rattan chair industry. It thus spans everything from materials and handcrafted products to an industrial sector, making the development of the weaving craft in Noordwolde its central theme.

The VlechtExpress departs from Tramhalteplein next to the museum. The guided ride lasts almost an hour and a half and travels along public roads and through the countryside around Noordwolde, including attractive forest paths. The museum and ride can be seen as two activities with different focuses: the museum centres on weaving history, while the ride takes you through the surrounding area.

Cycling tours and routes

The Fietsrondje Stellingwerven begins at cycle junction 11 in the weaving village of Noordwolde. The cycling tour passes through Drents-Friese Wold National Park and crosses the border between Drenthe and Friesland twice. The combination of the national park and the border crossings gives this route a distinctive character. As the route may change, check its course before setting off.

Stage 15 of the Stellingenpad covers 10.4 kilometres from Vledder to Noordwolde. The two routes can be distinguished by their stated key details: the Fietsrondje is defined by its starting point, national park section and border crossings, while the Stellingenpad is defined by its stage number, length and endpoints. This allows you to choose between the routes based on the features that matter most to your plans.

Forest, lake and swimming

The Spokeplas is a small lake surrounded by grassy areas and woodland. You can walk in the woods around the lake. The landscape therefore brings open spaces and woodland together, with walks taking you through the wooded surroundings.

A bathing water list checked on 28 August 2026 lists the Spoekeplas at Spokedam as a swimming spot. Check the latest bathing water information before visiting. The heated outdoor swimming pool De Dobbe is also in Noordwolde. The two swimming options differ in their designation: De Dobbe is a heated outdoor pool, while the Spoekeplas is listed as a swimming spot at Spokedam.

Local information

Tourist Info Noordwolde sells walking and cycling maps and distributes publications about local walking and cycling routes. You can also find out about Noordwolde and the surrounding area, activities held there, and attractions such as museums, mills, nature areas and gardens. Maps and route publications cover trails; visitor information also includes activities and other attractions. This lets you combine route planning with a broader look at things to see and do in and around Noordwolde.

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

For the main travel overview: Weststellingwerf.