Holiday apartment in Blesdijke – Nature, History and Special Routes

In Blesdijke, unusual architectural history, impressive memorial sites, and varied landscapes come together. A holiday apartment in Blesdijke is a suitable base for planning your own trip if you are looking to connect culture, nature, and different routes rather than visiting just one attraction.

Unusual Architecture and Regional History

Kasteel Olt Stoutenburght is particularly unconventional. Since 1990, artist Gregorius (Gerry) Halman has been building it in Blesdijke from collected old building materials as a fantasy castle with Romanesque influences. Oldehof adds a different architectural accent: it was built in 1931 to a design by J. van Ommen in a style typical of the 1930s, with elements of the Amsterdam School and interwar architecture. Both themes offer travelers interested in culture very different starting points for exploring Blesdijke.

Memorial Sites with Specific Waypoints

The history of the area also includes Kamp It Petgat. During the Second World War, the camp was one of 40 labor camps where Jewish men were forced to perform hard labor. Since 2022, Kamp It Petgat and the fate of the Jewish men imprisoned there have been commemorated every year on October 2; the memorial program includes a silent walk to the camp. Kerkheuvel Blesdijke also has an entrance gate, a drained path, a bridge, an information board, benches, and a memorial monument. The paths on the grounds have been leveled. The foundations of the barracks, kitchen, and latrine are visible again, and there is also a reconstructed entrance gate, wooden footbridges, and benches. A memorial to Kamp It Petgat was unveiled on Nijksweg on April 25, 2003.

The Landscape of Blesdijkerheide

Blesdijkerheide offers quieter moments in nature. This 60-hectare nature area is owned by Staatsbosbeheer and includes young forests, remnants of heathland, and coppice woodland. It is also home to large nests of red wood ants. This combination of woodland, open heathland areas, and distinctive natural features makes Blesdijkerheide a clear contrast to the historical themes surrounding Kamp It Petgat and Blesdijke’s buildings.

Routes between Monastic History, Polder, and Cycling Route

The Bonifatius Monastery Trail reaches Blesdijke via the De Stroomkant polder and conveys history connected with the former Maria and Agnes monastery. The Grey Sisters served there for a century according to the Third Rule of Saint Francis. Blesdijke is also part of the Turfroute. The 41.5-kilometre “Rondje Rottige Meente – Wolvega” route starts at Landgoed Lindehof and provides a fixed route framework for planning a cycling trip. The Bonifatius Monastery Trail, Turfroute, and “Rondje Rottige Meente – Wolvega” route therefore offer different starting points for excursions.

The Right Holiday Apartment for Planning Your Trip

When choosing a holiday apartment in Blesdijke, you can already decide mentally what you want to focus on during your stay: Should the trip center on architecture and memorial culture, observing nature in Blesdijkerheide, or routes with a historical, regional, or sporting connection? The specific sites and routes give Blesdijke several distinctive facets.

More Places for Your Planning

For further trip planning, you can also explore Boijl, Noordwolde, Zandhuizen, Oldetrijne, Wolvega, Scherpenzeel, Nijeholtpade, and Munnekeburen.

For the broader travel overview: Weststellingwerf.