The Rottige Meente is an internationally renowned nature reserve. There, you can walk through reed beds and cross the moor on boardwalks. Check trail conditions before your trip. Nature and local history offer two perspectives on the area: the moorland on foot, and traces of water management and peat cutting.

Water, Moorland and Settlement History

Munnekeburen developed as a ribbon village along the Padsloot in the Westhoek moorland area. In the 19th century, development became concentrated farther west along the Grintweg. The Padsloot and Grintweg therefore mark different historical reference points: the village’s origins as a ribbon settlement and the focus of development in the 19th century. The Scheene is a waterway that was widened for drainage and peat transport. The historic Voetpad runs through the Rottige Meenthe area. Together, the waterways and paths offer insight into different aspects of the village and its moorland landscape.

Buildings from Different Periods and with Different Functions

At Scheenepad 11 stands a municipal monument: a peat worker’s cottage built around 1860. The former notary’s house at Voetpad 41 was also built around 1860. Both date from approximately the same period, but represent different building functions: peat work and the notary’s profession. Simple peat worker’s cottages were built along the Scheene and the canal. The history of peat work is thus reflected both in a specifically identified house and in the row of houses along these waterways.

The surviving section of the wind-powered pumping engine at Veendijk is a municipal monument on the polder dike in the nature reserve. The structure is visible from public areas and represents pumping technology from the early 20th century. While the Scheene is associated with drainage and peat transport, the wind-powered pumping engine offers another perspective on the technical management of water. The fixed bridge over the canal in Munnekeburen is also a municipal monument. Its location on the route makes it clearly visible and accessible from public areas. The former Reformed Church lost its religious function in the mid-1980s and is now used as a business premises.

Hiking, Cycling and Getting There

For cyclists, the 46 km Sluizenfietsroute Weststellingwerf is a specific option. It passes six historic locks, one of which is the Grachtsluis Munnekeburen. Walking through reed beds and across moorland boardwalks offers a different focus from cycling along the locks. You can choose between the two activities depending on whether you want to experience the moorland on foot or focus on a route featuring water-management structures. Check the route details before setting out.

Munnekeburen is served hourly by a local bus operated by Buurtbusvereniging De Westhoek, with a connection to the train in Wolvega. If you plan to use this connection for your trip, check the timetable in advance. Together, the walk, the cycling route and the bus service provide concrete points of reference for deciding what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Oldetrijne, Oldeholtpade, Noordwolde, Scherpenzeel, Boijl, Zandhuizen, Nijeholtpade, Blesdijke

For the broader travel overview: Weststellingwerf.