Broeksterwald combines a distinctive peat bog area with hiking and cycling options, as well as cultural and historical themes. You can decide whether the town suits your stay by considering how you prefer to spend your days: landscape and trails, a cycling connection, or history and events. De Houtwiel is the clearest nature reference; there is also specific information about hiking and cycling.
Peatland and Hiking Trails
De Houtwiel is a rugged peat bog area in Broeksterwâld and has the highest density of bitterns in Friesland. A roughly five-kilometre-long “Laarzenpad” runs through the bog; it is a walking trail for boots or other waterproof footwear. The approximate trail length gives you a concrete measure for planning, and you can choose footwear to suit the nature of the trail.
The first section of the Bonifatius Monastery Trail also runs alongside De Houtwiel. The two trails offer different ways to experience the landscape: the Laarzenpad runs through the bog, while the first section of the monastery trail runs alongside it. When choosing between these options, you can consider whether you want the trail to pass through the area or along its edge.
A Cycling Connection Between Two Places
On 18 July 2025, the municipality reported the renewal of the cycle path between Damwâld and Broeksterwâld. The concrete path is 3.5 metres wide and suitable for comfortable and safe cycling in both directions. This clearly distinguishes the cycling connection from the walking trails: here, the focus is on width, surface and two-way traffic, while the information about the bog mainly concerns the route and footwear.
Mill History and Religious Remembrance
The Broekmolen, also called Broekpoldermûne, drained the Broekpolder. The history of the Grote Molen has a different focus: after it was destroyed by a fire in 1887, Gerben van Wieren from Janum rebuilt it that same year. In 2010/2011, the mill underwent major repairs because its sails were in poor condition. The Broekmolen is chiefly associated with drainage, while the Grote Molen’s story centres on the sequence of fire, rebuilding and later repairs.
The Bekeerlingen or Mormon Monument on Schwartzenbergloane commemorates three Frisian converts who were baptised into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was designed in 1936 by the artist Jan Bosklopper from Hilversum. While the mill stories concern water management and preservation work, this monument is about religious remembrance and the three people to whom it is dedicated.
Plan Your Visit Around Events
Teatertún Broeksterwâld maintains an events calendar and offers online ticket sales for its events. If you would like to include cultural events in your stay, it is worth checking the calendar before your trip. This lets you plan around a specific event and buy the tickets offered for it online.
Discover more destinations: Sibrandahûs, Veenwouden, De Falom, Rinsumageast.
Return to the main travel overview: Dantumadiel.
