Gorredijk
Gorredijk (De Gordyk) is the largest village in Opsterland. The village has a center function for the surrounding villages. Gorredijk has a high level of amenities and is therefore a pleasant place to live and recreate.
Photo © Marcel van Kammen
What to do in Gorredijk
In Gorredijk you will find the library, a swimming pool with sunbathing area, sports facilities and multifunctional center and theater De Skâns. In the center you can find many nice stores. If you like shopping, Gorredijk is an excellent place to go. Twice a year there is a pleasant annual fair, the Gordykster Merke. This is held on the first Monday in May and the last Monday in October. And every Wednesday there is a weekly market. On several Friday evenings, Gorredijk organizes "Musyk op 'e Gordyk," where live music is presented on a stage above the water of the Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart.
Museum Opsterlân
The Opsterlân Museum, housed in a monumental 1887 school building, is one of the attractions in Gorredijk. The museum shows the history of the village with often changing themed exhibitions. Gorredijk has numerous beautiful merchant houses and other old buildings especially along the Compagnonsvaart.
History
Gorredijk was created by peat extraction. Gorredijk is a so-called "Vlecke", where goods were imported, stored and traded in the past. In Gorredijk, especially a lot of peat was transported. A clearly visible reminder of the time of peat extraction is the Opsterlânske Kompanjonsfeart (Opsterlandse Compagnonsvaart) which runs right through the village. This canal is part of the Turfroute, a beautiful green recreational boating route, which especially in the summer provides a pleasant bustle in the village.
Jewish cemetery
Gorredijk has a rich Jewish past with a synagogue and a Jewish school. In a meadow south of Gorredijk on the Dwersfeart one finds another historic Jewish cemetery. A quiet place, which is worth visiting during a walking or biking tour.
