Dokkum - Feanwâlden | Section 1 of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad Monastery Route
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the free Frisians gradually became a major power in Europe with a large merchant fleet. Boniface was a monk from England entrusted with the mission of converting the heathens in Friesland to Christianity. He was making his way to Dokkum to perform baptisms when he was murdered.
However, Christianity eventually became the dominant religion in Europe and monasteries sprang up like mushrooms. Dokkum became a place of pilgrimage on the Wadden Sea coast.
The first section of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad Monastery Route sets off from where Saint Boniface was murdered. Leading past several churches, a sacred spring and a nature reserve once thought be a god-forsaken area, it arrives at the village of Feanwâlden, where you can see the only remaining medieval stronghold in Friesland.
Sights on this route
Starting point
Markt 32
9101 LS Dokkum
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Bonifatius Brewery
The history of Dokkumer beer begins in the early Middle Ages. After the death in 754 of Boniface, the monks of the newly founded Boniface Abbey brewed the Dokkumer beer on the Markt.
Museum Dokkum
Located in the heart of the historic centre of Dokkum is the Admiraliteitshuis. Museum Dokkum is housed in this complex, which consists of several historic buildings, including the seventeenth-century building of the Admiralty of Friesland and Groningen.
St Boniface Chapel
The 2.5-metre high memorial statue of St Boniface next to the St Boniface spring marks the spot where the saint died. Monastery stone was used to build a chapel near the spring to make this a place of pilgrimage.
De Houtwiel Nature Reserve
The De Houtwiel nature reserve is a wild marshland landscape with a 5-kilometre hiking trail running through it. The trail leads to a lookout point that offers a spectacular view!
De Houtwiel Nature Reserve
De Houtwiel Nature Reserve
De Houtwiel
P-plaats Schwartzenbergloane, nabij Goddeloaze Singel 14
9108 AL Broeksterwâld
Cultural and Historical Centre De Schierstins
This unique building in Feanwâlden is the only freestanding medieval defence tower north and east of the river IJssel. Today it hosts historical and art exhibitions and a variety of cultural activities.
Cultural and Historical Centre De Schierstins
Cultural and Historical Centre De Schierstins
Hoofdstraat 1
9269 SW Feanwâlden
End point
Haadstrjitte 8
9269 SZ Feanwâlden
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