Hedgerows and alder hedges shape the landscape of Achtkarspelen. The municipality lies in the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape, and well-signposted walking and cycling routes lead through the hedge landscape. Along the way, you can see different sides of the area: north of the Rijksweg, there are dykswâlen and several pingos; south of the road, lower-lying land forms a more or less marshy area with distinctive bird and plant life.
You can explore these contrasts along a variety of routes. The Kerspelpaad is a walking or cycling route through the wooded landscape of the Friese Wouden in the municipality of Achtkarspelen. Along the way, you’ll find alder hedges, hedgerows, narrow paths and old farm tracks. The 13.3-kilometre route through the Twijzelermieden, by contrast, passes through expansive grasslands, hedge landscape and reed beds; there are also opportunities for birdwatching. Bootsma’s Poel is a centuries-old pingo lake and a remnant of the last ice age. The Laarzenpad Bootsma’s Poel offers an adventurous way to explore a partly marshy area.
The route lengths also offer different options for planning your day. A 3.4-kilometre walking route passes through part of the centre of Surhuisterveen, by local shops and attractions. The 13.7-kilometre walking route through and around Surhuisterveen also starts and ends in the village. For a longer walk, the 165-kilometre Streekpad Noardlike Fryske Wâlden is a different proposition: you can start anywhere along the route; it is marked in red and yellow.
Museums and historic buildings
The open-air museum De Spitkeet in Harkema explores life and work in the heathlands of Friesland and Groningen from 1850 to 1950. The exhibitions also show the transition from living in sod huts to simple brick houses. You can view the historic buildings inside and out.
Museumboerderij Ot en Sien has the complete collection of 22 school wall charts drawn by Cornelis Jetses. Its historic interiors include an old general store and a classroom, as well as a doctor’s surgery, sickroom, living room, kitchen, workers’ house and chapel. At the IJstijdenmuseum, you can learn how the last two ice ages shaped the landscape of the northern Netherlands and North-East Fryslân. Visitors can also discover how people hunted and lived in prehistoric times. The museum can be visited independently; guided tours for groups and schools are available on request. Check the current arrangements before your visit.
In Buitenpost, the Mariakerk brings together different periods of construction: it is a Gothic hall church with a west tower whose lower section dates from the 12th century. The nave was built in the 15th century. Another historic site is Simke Kloostermanhûs in Twijzel, a national heritage monument dating from 1876. The Oudheidkamer there can be visited by appointment.
Mill, garden and events
The Koartwâld / Feanstermoune in Surhuisterveen is an octagonal gallery grain mill built in 1864. It was officially recommissioned on 30 September 1995. The mill is open to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and by appointment; check the details before your trip.
De Kruidhof brings together 2,000 plant species across 19 themed gardens on nearly four hectares. Its special collections include one of the largest botanical collections of medicinal herbs in Western Europe. At the Eettuin, visitors can enjoy fresh, local and organic produce; many ingredients come from the garden itself. As the offerings and ingredients may change, it’s worth checking the latest information if you’re planning to include this part of your visit.
The events calendar includes a variety of annual dates. The Concours-Hippique in Buitenpost takes place during Paardensportweek; dates vary. Stichting Survival Kootstertille organises an annual survival run in the area around Kootstertille. For Rondje Kunst Achtkarspelen, artists and gallery owners put on annual exhibitions that visitors can reach by car or bicycle along scenic country roads. Event dates and participating venues vary, so it’s a good idea to check the dates for your planned visit in advance.
Discover more destinations: Gerkesklooster, Surhuizum, Twijzelerheide, Buitenpost, Augustinusga, Surhuisterveen, Gaasterlân-Sleat, Vlieland.
Return to the regional travel overview: Friesland.
