Jonkerslan: Cycling Routes, Village Life and Peat Polders

Jonkerslan between cycling routes and landscapes

Jonkerslan lies on the southern edge of the municipality of Opsterland, on the road between Gorredijk and Langezwaag. This location combines a clear connection to the village with several cycling routes through varied landscapes. During a stay in Jonkerslan, active routes, village life and traces of the historic landscape therefore come together.

Several cycling routes pass through wooded areas towards Beetsterzwaag and Oranjewoud. A tour through these wooded landscapes can be combined with a stay in Jonkerslan.

Cycling routes also pass through former heathland and peat areas towards Jubbega and Hoornsterzwaag. The network of routes therefore includes wooded areas as well as areas shaped by their former use as heathland and peat areas.

Farms, houses and peat polders

The architectural character of Jonkerslan includes both modest farms and several larger farms with front houses. There are also several houses with the character of agricultural workers’ homes, as well as broad cross houses. Those who consider not only the landscape but also the built environment when choosing accommodation will find various rural forms here that can be observed during a walk.

A row of traditionalist semi-detached houses was built on Jelle Beenenwei shortly after the war. These houses add an ensemble from the post-war period to the varied agricultural and village architectural forms.

After peat extraction, the land was divided into peat polders with effective water management. The peat polders are therefore among the tangible traces in the landscape through which the development of the village and its surroundings can be understood.

Village life and short breaks

Us Doarpshûs De Lytse Jonker has three halls suitable for celebrations, receptions, festive evenings, meetings and club activities. Activities take place daily in the same Dorpshûs, including billiards, card games, a choir, theatre and music. These two aspects make the building a visible point of reference for community use and cultural village life.

A village dinner is held in Jonkerslan twice a year. People often go for walks in Jonkerslan. Cyclists passing through Jonkerslan use the village benches; occasionally, the benches are completely occupied. In this way, community events, walks and short breaks along the way offer different opportunities to get to know the village at a relaxed pace.

Which holiday apartment suits your stay

Cycling routes through wooded areas or former heathland and peat areas are just as much a part of Jonkerslan as village life, farms, the houses on Jelle Beenenwei and the peat polders. For a varied stay, active days of cycling can be combined with walks, a break on a village bench and a look at the local architectural forms. Your choice of accommodation can therefore be guided by the holiday theme that interests you most in Jonkerslan.

More places for planning your trip

More places in Opsterland: Frieschepalen, Gorredijk, Olterterp, Tijnje, Beetsterzwaag, Bakkeveen, Hemrik, Lippenhuizen.

Opsterland: Opsterland.