Broekland combines countryside and village history with a church whose construction phases are precisely dated. You can choose different focuses for your trip: the development of the settlement village, local architecture, a named hiking trail or events held at different times. Consider whether you would rather plan your stay around a festival, focus on local history or include the hike. This can also help you decide on your preferred dates when looking for a holiday rental.
Landscape and Village Development
The name Broekland derives from the broeklanden: marshy, low-lying land. The settlement village lies where the De Wesenberg ridge meets the stream landscape around the Rameler Waterleiding. These landscape features give the place name a specific geographical context. Until the early 20th century, Broekland consisted of scattered buildings along unpaved roads in a damp landscape of woodland and grassland. The settlement’s development is linked to the construction of the Roman Catholic church on Van Dongenstraat in 1912. Two aspects can help put this timeline into context: the earlier scattered settlement pattern and the village’s development associated with the construction of the church.
Church and Building History
St. Marcellinus Church at Van Dongenstraat 10 is one of Broekland’s two municipal monuments. H. Kroes designed the present church, which was built in 1911–1912. Side aisles were added in 1931; its stained-glass windows were made by J. Colette and date from 1912. This sequence distinguishes the construction period from the later extension: the windows and original construction phase date from 1912, while the side aisles were added in 1931. The church is also linked to the development of the settlement village. Since 2001, the Kulturhus has stood next to the village church.
Another point of interest in the area’s architectural history is the hall house with a cross-wing on the former Neppelenbroek estate, at Neppelenbroekerdijk 1. The building dates from around 1900. The rectory at Van Dongenstraat 12 was built in 1912. These dated buildings add further architectural details from Broekland to the picture of the church.
Events and Hiking Trail
The events also take place at different times of the year. The Boscross Broekelo is an annual event. Traditionally, the Broeklanderfeest runs from Friday until Monday night and includes a fairground festival. Broekrock is a two-day music festival held on the first weekend that falls entirely in September. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the current programme and exact dates in advance.
Another option is the named hiking trail “Rondje Waterwinning/Duuvelsbossie/dorp Broekland”. It is 8.3 kilometres long and takes 2 hours and 4 minutes according to the stated estimate. This gives you both the distance and a specific time estimate for planning. Check the current route description before setting off, as the route listing may change.
The natural Karreweide playground “De Grote speelweide 2.0” included sustainable wooden play equipment, a water pump, a nest swing, a seesaw, a zip line, a bicycle cross track and a football pitch. The playground was accessible to wheelchair users and people using walking frames. If you are planning a visit, check the current condition of the facilities and their accessibility beforehand.
Discover more destinations: Raalte, Heeten, Heino, Nieuw-Heeten, Laag Zuthem, Luttenberg.
Go to the main travel overview: Raalte.
