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Burgumermar - Eastermar | Circular Walk 7 of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad Monastery Route

(28 km)

Burgumer Mar lake lies at the heart of the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape conservation area. The lake was dug out by the monks of Barraconvent monastery in the Middle Ages to provide peat, which was used as fuel in and around the monasteries. Kruiskerk church in Burgum built in 1100 is one of the few tangible reminders of the Barraconvent monastery that once stood here. 

There were also medieval churches in the little villages of Sumar and Eastermar, but these have since been replaced by later buildings. If you walk along the sand ridge between Sumar and Eastermar, there are beautiful trails you can follow down to the edge of De Leijen lake. The lake formed after large areas of raised bog were dug out for peat from the 16th century onwards.

When you …

Burgumer Mar lake lies at the heart of the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape conservation area. The lake was dug out by the monks of Barraconvent monastery in the Middle Ages to provide peat, which was used as fuel in and around the monasteries. Kruiskerk church in Burgum built in 1100 is one of the few tangible reminders of the Barraconvent monastery that once stood here. 

There were also medieval churches in the little villages of Sumar and Eastermar, but these have since been replaced by later buildings. If you walk along the sand ridge between Sumar and Eastermar, there are beautiful trails you can follow down to the edge of De Leijen lake. The lake formed after large areas of raised bog were dug out for peat from the 16th century onwards.

When you get to Eastermar you will discover a charming little village with traditional facades overlooking a narrow canal. Country roads and sandy paths lead you back to where you started. A picturesque walk that transports you back to the Middle Ages!

Sights on this route

Starting point:

Markt
Burgum
Navigate to starting point
58
52

56
11
51
43
52
76

57
63
71
23
36
26
57
88
26
21
53

End point:

Markt
Burgum
Navigate to endpoint
  • 58
  • 52
  • 56
  • 11
  • 51
  • 43
  • 52
  • 76
  • 57
  • 63
  • 71
  • 23
  • 36
  • 26
  • 57
  • 88
  • 26
  • 21
  • 53