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De Skieding
The "separation" (in Frisian "Skieding") is the appropriate name for the road that runs from Surhuisterveen to the south. This road forms the provincial border between the provinces of Groningen and Friesland. The landscape on both sides is the result of peat and heathland reclamation. The dense pattern of small roads, the large number of scattered buildings along those roads and the typical wooded banks and alder lanes give the area a small-scale, private character. The plots are generally elongated; only around the heath villages Boelenslaan and Houtigehage is the allotment more block-shaped.
The villages in the area are relatively young and because of their history as peat excavation villages they often have no clearly visible and recognizable core. Drachten, which has since become the second-largest town in Friesland, did not exist as such until well into the seventeenth century. The impetus for growth was formed by the contract that the so-called "Drachtster Compagnons" signed in 1641 to excavate the bog north and east of the current city center.
The fact that this is a border area is evident from the fact that a large proportion of the inhabitants of the, formally Groninger village of Opende are actually Frisian. In addition to the cultural aspect, both provinces also "merge" in landscape terms. This also applies to the border area south of the A7 highway. There are Frieschepalen and De Wilp, among others, villages whose "outskirts" lie in the neighboring province.
The area around the Skieding offers a friendly, characteristic and varied landscape. It is perfect for exploring by bike or on foot. In good weather, Strandheem is a wonderful destination: a recreational lake where you can swim, surf and lie on the beach. And if shopping or attending theatre or concerts is more of your "cup of tea"? Drachten is just next door!
Colofon
FrieslandWonderland
