Discover Doornspijk through its rural landscape of water, forest, heathland and drifting sand, as well as its local history. When planning a stay, you can choose from a range of highlights: walking on Doornspijkse Heide, exploring the landscape of the De Zoom sand drift, or looking for historical details at Landgoed Klarenbeek and the former Sint-Ludgeruskerk. Nature and history reveal themselves here in distinct, tangible ways.
Walks among heathland and sand
Doornspijkse Heide is well suited to walking. A route across the heath passes the De Zoom sand drift. De Zoom is an open area on the heath with sparse vegetation. The sand there was blown about by wind and rainwater. Juniper shrubs are among its distinctive flora and fauna. Those who look out for details in nature can take in both the open, barren area and the junipers as striking features of De Zoom. The walking route therefore crosses not only the heath but also passes a distinctive landscape feature.
The Thornspiccerpad also offers a named trail connection: shortly before the village of Doornspijk, it passes Landgoed Klarenbeek. The route is being revised, and the signs may be incomplete. Keep this possible gap in mind when navigating if you plan to take the Thornspiccerpad.
Landgoed Klarenbeek and the village’s earlier history
Landgoed Klarenbeek lies in the heart of Doornspijk. Its name appeared as early as the 16th century in the spelling “Claerbeeke.” The current name and the historical spelling give the estate a specific historical context. Together with its location in the village centre, this makes Klarenbeek a prominent landmark in the local history. Shortly before the village, the Thornspiccerpad passes the estate; when planning your route, bear in mind that the signs may be incomplete.
The site of the Sint-Ludgeruskerk
The former Sint-Ludgeruskerk was completely demolished in 1825 after severe storm damage and a fire caused by a lightning strike. Stones above the former foundations now mark the site. This makes it possible to trace the history of the church building at a marked location, even though the church itself is no longer standing. From the fortress, the site can be reached on foot via the sea dike.
Visitors can watch waterbirds from a bird hide at the site. Seating and picnic tables offer views of the reed beds along the Veluwemeer. Here, the historical connection to the demolished church combines with nature watching and views of the reed beds. Those interested in local history will find a different focus at the marker than those watching birds; both are among the distinctive features described at this site.
Remembering the war years
A plaque lists the names of everyone from the municipality of Doornspijk who died in the Second World War. Eight names were added on 2 May 2025. The Doornspijk – Veldweg war memorial commemorates fellow residents who lost their lives as a result of acts of war during the years of occupation. The references are distinct: the plaque focuses on people from the municipality who died in the Second World War, while the memorial commemorates deaths during the years of occupation. Each offers its own perspective on local history and remembrance.
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