Holiday apartment in Hemrik – Landscape, culture and the Turfroute

Hemrik combines green pastures, a historic waterway and culture with a landscape shaped by hedgerows and heathland. The village may be of interest to you if, when choosing a holiday apartment in Hemrik, you want to include nature experiences, history and activities with children in your holiday planning. These include the Turfroute and the Witte Kerk Hemrik.

Landscape between pastures, Houtsingels and heathland

The landscape around Hemrik consists of green pastures bordered by hedgerows lined with trees and shrubs, known as Houtsingels. Hemrik lies between heathland areas and near the valley of the small river It Alddjip. This creates a varied setting for walks and cycling trips: you can include open pastures, distinctive wooded structures, heathland and the nearby river valley in your day's plans. The Houtsingels create visible lines across the open areas. Together with the heathland and the valley, they create an alternation between structured and open sections, presenting different landscapes side by side during walks and cycling trips.

Waterway and history in Hemrik

The Trambrug in Hemrik crosses the Opsterlânske Kompanjonsfeart and was part of the former Oosterwolde-Gorredijk tram line. The Opsterlânske Kompanjonsfeart, which runs along Hemrik, also connects the village with the Turfroute, a tourist waterway through Southeast Friesland. Construction of the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart began near Gorredijk in 1630 to transport peat. At the Opsterlânske Kompanjonsfeart, the Turfroute as a tourist waterway is linked with the history of peat transport.

Culture around the Witte Kerk

The Witte Kerk Hemrik was built in 1739 on the foundations of a medieval church dedicated to Saint Andrew; the masonry of the old church was probably used for its construction. During the winter months, a cultural event takes place there every week, including classical, modern or world music, Frisian-language performances and choir concerts.

ART Super is an annual art exhibition featuring around 40 artists, mainly from the northern provinces. Alongside the historical connections of the Witte Kerk, contemporary art and diverse cultural impressions therefore also play a central role in planning your trip.

Play, outdoor swimming and a hiking route

Speelbos Sparjebird in Hemrik offers children climbing, scrambling, building huts and playing in nature. It is freely accessible and has ample parking. Hemrik also has an outdoor swimming pool near the start of the Turfroute. This means that the village offers both nature-oriented play opportunities and another specific leisure destination.

The Hemrik hiking route along the Turfroute starts and ends at Speelbos Sparjebird. The route is partly unpaved; some forest paths may be muddy. When choosing a holiday apartment in Hemrik, you can match the desired combination of landscape, waterway, culture, family time and hiking to the daily rhythm of your trip.

Other places to include in your travel plans

For further travel planning, you can also consider Frieschepalen, Tijnje, Wijnjewoude, Bakkeveen, Olterterp, Beetsterzwaag, Lippenhuizen and Gorredijk.

For the overview of the wider area: Opsterland.