Green pastures, hedgerows and a stretch of the Turf Route canal give Hemrik a distinctive connection to the landscape and waterways. Other highlights include the tram bridge, a reminder of the area’s transport history; a walking route that starts and ends at Speelbos Sparjebird; an outdoor swimming pool; and recurring cultural events. These themes are easy to distinguish when planning your trip: the landscape and structures define the character of the place, while the walk, swimming and events offer specific reasons to visit.
Pastures, hedgerows and It Alddjip
Hemrik’s landscape consists of green pastures bordered by wooded embankments known as hedgerows. Hemrik lies between heathland and near the valley of the small river It Alddjip. These terms describe different aspects of the landscape: the pastures and their wooded hedges, as well as the area’s proximity to the heath and river valley. “Hedgerows” refers to the wooded embankments themselves. Hemrik’s landscape can therefore be understood not only through the canal, but also through its fields, hedges and proximity to the valley.
The Turf Route and the tram bridge
The Opsterlânske Kompanjonsfeart runs along Hemrik. It is part of the Turf Route, a tourist waterway through southeastern Friesland. The tram bridge crosses the canal and was part of the former Oosterwolde-Gorredijk tram line. The bridge thus brings together the waterway and the history of an earlier tram line. The history of the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart is also part of the picture: construction began near Gorredijk in 1630 to transport peat. The Turf Route’s role as a tourist route and its earlier history as a transport route sit side by side.
Walking route, play forest and outdoor pool
Speelbos Sparjebird offers children opportunities to climb, scramble, build dens and play in nature. The Hemrik walking route along the Turf Route starts and ends at the play forest, making it both the starting and finishing point. Some sections of the route are unpaved, and some forest paths can be muddy. Keep these conditions in mind when planning your route and choose appropriate footwear. Hemrik also has an outdoor swimming pool near the start of the Turf Route. If you are planning a swim, check the opening hours in advance.
Church and cultural events
The Witte Kerk Hemrik was built in 1739 on the foundations of a medieval church dedicated to Saint Andrew. Masonry from the older church was probably reused in its construction. During the winter months, a cultural event is held at the Witte Kerk every week. Events include classical, contemporary or world music, performances in Frisian and choral concerts. ART Super is an annual art exhibition featuring around 40 artists, mainly from the northern provinces. If you would like to include cultural events in your trip, check the specific dates in advance.
Hemrik offers different ways to experience a stay: its landscape and hedgerows, its waterway and history, outdoor activities, and cultural events with their own schedules. The Witte Kerk’s winter events and the annual ART Super offer different attractions from the landscape and structures that are there year-round. You can shape your visit around whichever of these interests you most and the event dates that suit you.
Discover more destinations: Tijnje, Bakkeveen, Wijnjewoude, Jonkerslan, Olterterp, Gorredijk, Frieschepalen, Beetsterzwaag
For the main travel overview: Opsterland.
