Jubbega, Wijnjewoude, Donkerbroek

Jubbega is an ancient village that originated in the 17th century as a farming settlement. Later, peat was extracted here. The peat canal has left clear traces in the landscape. In and around Jubbega you see many straight canals, all of which can be traced back to the main canal. These canals are called districts. This unique landscape therefore bears the name ‘de Frije Wiken’.

Did you know that the area has another name? Because it is also called ‘It làn fan it folk sûnder oeren’ - Frisian for ‘the land of the people without hours’. For years, dire poverty prevailed here. Peat cutters lived here under miserable conditions. They worked for hours on the peat, seven days a week. They did not have clocks; church bells were out of sight and they had no money at all for a watch. So the workers had no idea what time it was. Hence the name: the people without hours.

The Cycle route takes you right through the beautiful hushed landscape, where nature has now found its way. Along the way, you cross cosy villages and cycle past interesting sights. A special one, for instance, is the Poppebeam. People used to say that children were born from this tree. You will recognise the tree by its giant circumference of no less than 540 centimetres.

Via Wijnjewoude and Waskemeer, you make a beautiful bike ride through a unique part of Friesland!

Photo: ©Marcel van Kammen, The Other Friesland