In Veenwouden, waterways, walking routes and local history come together as you plan your trip. A paddling route runs through the Sippen Fens, a long-distance hiking trail crosses the National Landscape of de Fryske Wâlden, and historic details in the village range from a former school to art at the village skating rink. This means you can shape your stay around the kind of activities you most enjoy.
Waterways and Landscape
A 4.5-kilometre paddling route runs through the Sippen Fens. The area is surrounded by the Ottema-Wiersma Nature Reserve and the Houtwielen. Another option on the water is the short It Bûtefjild route, which you can travel by canoe, SUP or small boat. It starts at Hotel Eetcafé 't Dûke Lûk in Feanwâldsterwâl.
Guests can set off from the landing stage at Hotel Eetcafé 't Dûke Lûk by electric whisper boat, canoe or SUP, and reach the green surroundings of the Friese Wouden within two minutes. Availability of this offer may change; check before planning your trip around it. The fifth stop on the “Otterspotters” water experience route is also the hotel at De Wâl 13 in Feanwâldsterwâl.
The wider Noard-Fryslân area includes the natural areas of Groote Wielen, Sippenfennen, Houtwiel, Bûtefjild and Zwagermieden. Together, they form a continuous wetland landscape with reed beds and marshes. Cycling, hiking and canoeing are all possible in this wider area; whisper boats and canoes are available to rent in Feanwâldsterwâl. As well as the routes described, you can therefore explore the landscape in different ways, on the water or on land.
Walking and Cycling
The Streekpad Noardlike Fryske Wâlden is a circular hiking trail of around 165 kilometres through the National Landscape of de Fryske Wâlden. It starts in Burgum, passes through Feanwâldsterwâl and continues towards Trynwâlden. Another hiking option is Rondje Feanwâlden – Feanwâldsterwâl, a route along small waterways to Feanwâldsterwâl. The cycle route, in turn, connects De Wâl with the Trynwâlden and takes cyclists through Feanwâldsterwâl. The three routes offer different ways to find your bearings: a long loop, a path along small waterways to the village, and a cycle link between two named destinations.
Village History and Art
On the Dantumadiel side, the Woudhuisjes traditionally stand in a relatively close row. Locally, these houses are called “spultsjes”. Their architectural style and arrangement are distinctive features of the village landscape if you are interested in built heritage.
The former School met den Bijbel at De Zwette 20 was built in 1909 from sand-lime brick as a four-classroom school with a central corridor. Its four classrooms, central corridor and building material are specific features of this historic school building. The history of a former meeting house can also be dated precisely: until 1865, a small house stood on De Wâl; afterwards, a new one was built a little further along Zuiderweg, between Feanwâldsterwâl and Veenwouden.
Another cultural landmark is the village skating rink. The Iisbaankeunstrûte Noord Fryslân passes it, bringing together art, photography and poetry. The series of artworks at the skating rinks includes Baukje Venema’s photograph “Feanwâldsterwâl”, which depicts the village skating rink. For another place to visit, the Sûnte-Self-Pick Garden, an organic pick-your-own garden, is nearby in Feanwâldsterwâl. If you plan to visit, check current access arrangements beforehand.
Discover more destinations: Broeksterwald, De Falom, Rinsumageast, Sibrandahûs.
For the wider travel overview: Dantumadiel.
