Route along Wolvega

Explore the Wolvega area, which is characterized by a small-scale green environment. Originally a regional village, it was first mentioned in 1218 as Wolwagham. The working class in particular was widely represented in the nineteenth century. Arable farming and livestock farming were widely practiced in this area. It was a relatively prosperous village, which became an important center due to the construction of the Rijksstraatweg between Leeuwarden and Zwolle. In Wolvega you can still see some old buildings, such as the Grietenijhuis dating from 1835 and the station building that was built 30 years later. You cross the Rottige Meente, a nature reserve located on the border of Overijssel and Friesland. The area, full of small grasslands, quaking bogs and peat moss reed lands, was created by peat peatland: around 1900 the area was reclaimed and expanded through land consolidation. The peat holes and legakkers are subtle reminders of the time of peat extraction. The large fire butterfly and the European otter are having a great time there and the presence of the rare green orchid is also special. Beautiful windmills adorn the Rottige Meente. Two beautiful specimens are close to each other. The Rietvink, built in 1855, is a wind-powered polder mill that was used as such until 1964. The octagonal upper porter was then converted into a holiday home. De Reiger is the other windmill in the polder area. The mill was built in 1871. This octagonal upper porter was also used to drain the polder, but the ground sailor was later also given a residential purpose.