Discover Donkerbroek: History, Routes and Nature

Donkerbroek combines history, landscape and varied routes. Between the Laurenstsjerke, the Historic Route and the landscape areas along the Tjongerkanaal, there are various starting points for cultural walks, cycling tours and strolls. The themes range from historic buildings and works of art to paths through meadows, polders and peatland.

The Laurenstsjerke and its furnishings

The Laurenstsjerke is at the heart of Donkerbroek’s historical heritage. It is a hall church built in 1714 on the foundations of an older church. Inside are a Renaissance pulpit and an accompanying baptismal screen. The complex also includes a double bell frame with two bells. One was cast in 1520 by G. van Wou and J. Schonenborch, while the other was cast in the 14th century by an anonymous founder. The two bells therefore date from different centuries. The Laurenstsjerke also houses a one-manual organ, made in 1720 for the Roman Catholic church in Jutphaas (Nieuwegein) and transferred to Donkerbroek in 1879.

Historic Route and steel sculpture

The Donkerbroek Historic Route consists of around 50 information panels in and around Donkerbroek. It can be followed in full or by theme, according to your own choice, using a digital or printed route map. The full option includes all the panels, while the thematic selection focuses the walk on selected content. The route is therefore designed both as a complete trail and as thematic sections. The digital and printed maps are available for both options. Near the church and the bell frame, there is also a steel sculpture by Hein Mader beside the path to the village church.

Landscape and routes between the canal, forest and peatland

The Tsjongerwâlen area is not freely accessible to the public; however, you can walk, drive or cycle along the nature reserve. The banks of the Tsjongerwâlen between Makkinga and Donkerbroek were formed from sand and clay excavated during the construction of the canal.

A cycle path runs along the Tjongerkanaal and is suitable for a cycling tour or a walk. The cycle path can therefore be included in your visit for either type of activity.

For extended days of cycling, the Donkerbroek–Hemrik cycling route passes through wet hay meadows, a stream valley, a polder and former raised peatland. Donkerbroek has been connected to the Southeast Friesland cycle route network since May 2007; dozens of cycling routes have been laid out there and are connected to one another at junctions. The connection to Hemrik remains a specific route within the network connected since 2007. For planning cycling tours, the junctions provide the link between the individual routes.

South of Donkerbroek, Landgoed Ontwijk encompasses forest, heathland and peatland within a small area. In the Wandelbos, there is a walking trail of approximately 3.5 kilometres marked with red posts. The approximate length provides a clear framework for planning, while the red posts mark the route.

The Kleine Turfroute through Southeast Friesland

The section of the Turfroute through Southeast Friesland, which also passes through Donkerbroek, is called the Kleine Turfroute.

More destinations for planning your trip

Waskemeer, Elsloo, Oosterwolde, Ravenswoud, Fochteloo, Haule, Oldeberkoop and Nijeberkoop

To the higher-level travel overview: Ooststellingwerf.