Hedgerow landscapes and peat habitats
Dantumadiel lies in the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden and is characterised by a distinctive hedgerow landscape of earth-bank hedges and alder hedges. The Bûtefjild offers a different kind of landscape: this nature reserve covers 322 hectares. The Ottema-Wiersmareservaat is home to lakes, ponds, reed beds and wet hay meadows. This peat landscape was created after extensive peat extraction, with the hay meadows left behind. Here, the landscape and its former use go hand in hand, without Dantumadiel being reduced to a single nature motif.
The wildlife also gives the Bûtefjild its own rhythm. Many waterbirds spend the winter there. In spring, reed warblers return, and meadow birds settle in the area. Thanks to the good water quality, otters thrive. Deer and foxes are regularly seen at the edges of the grasslands; almost all birds of prey can also be spotted. Nature enthusiasts can therefore enjoy both seasonal birdwatching and glimpses of the wildlife along the edges of the grasslands.
Walking trails and a variety of route options
There are 16 kilometres of walking trails in the Bûtefjild. These include a signposted route through the Bouwepet and a circular trail in the northern part of the Ottema-Wiersmareservaat. These two examples illustrate different types of trails and areas within the nature reserve. In Dantumadiel, walking and cycling are the main activities for day trips; water-based recreation plays a smaller role.
Cultural history can also be explored on foot or by bike. The 10-kilometre Historic Route Feanwâlden is a walking and cycling route. It passes buildings and special places of cultural and historical value; information boards explain their history. A longer walking route is the 16.5-kilometre Sibrandahûs–Claercamp–Burdaard–Rinsumageast route, which takes you through the history of monasteries and churches. This offers a choice between a shorter route that can be enjoyed on foot or by bike, and a longer walk with a historical focus.
From the De Falom landing stage, you can walk through the Houtwiel area. The route passes through peatland in places and goes by a viewing mound. These varied landscapes complement the historic routes: the Bûtefjild centres on peat habitats and wildlife watching, while the buildings and information boards in Feanwâlden and along the route via Sibrandahûs tell stories of the past.
Medieval buildings and monastic history
The Schierstins in Feanwâlden is Friesland’s only surviving medieval stone defensive building and a national monument dating from the 13th century. The museum in the Schierstins features changing exhibitions on history, art and culture. Lectures, concerts and other cultural events are held there regularly. If you would like to combine your visit with an event, check the dates in advance.
The former Klaarkamp monastery near Rinsumageast is an archaeological national monument and was the largest monastery in Friesland. Rinsumageast is also home to the Alexanderkerk, the only church with a crypt in the Northern Netherlands. Construction of the church began in the 11th century; the nave dates from the 12th century. The two sites offer different insights into the area’s religious history: Klaarkamp represents the former monastic complex, while the Alexanderkerk is a surviving church building with a crypt.
The medieval Kloosterkapel Sibrandahûs is believed to have been an outlying estate of the former Claercamp monastery. A concert is held there once a month on a Sunday afternoon, with music ranging from classical to rock. Check the dates before travelling. The chapel also offers pilgrims a simple place to stay overnight; check availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Broeksterwald, Sibrandahûs, Rinsumageast, Veenwouden, De Falom.
Discover more destinations: Heerenveen, Littenseradiel, Nijefurd.
Back to the regional travel overview: Friesland.
