A visit to Wolvega

This route takes you through a typical Dutch polder landscape. While cycling, be amazed by an ingenious example of Dutch water management. In this area the water level is artificially regulated by polder mills, pumping stations or drainage sluices. You will see many waterways, ditches and you will drive for a while along the banks of the Linde river. The water level is regulated.

Wolvega is the largest place you will visit during your tour. It was originally a regional village that was first mentioned in 1218. It owes its name to the wolves that lived here until the beginning of the eighteenth century. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, arable farming and livestock farming were mainly practiced in this area. Wolvega was then a relatively prosperous village that saw its importance grow 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 thirty years later.

In the village of De Blesse you will pass the De Mars flour mill, which was built in 1834. In 1919 the blades were removed and electric grinding began. The mill was demolished down to the substructure around 1958. The dismantled and neglected mill was completely renovated between 1997 and 2000. Grain is still milled in the flour mill on a voluntary basis. It can be visited daily, except on Sundays.