5x gaasterland: tips from martin cnossen
dear family
How wonderful that you’re all gathering again in beautiful Fryslân! This time in Gaasterlân, the region right next to where I grew up (St. Nicolaasga), a place I used to visit often.
To me, it’s one of the best spots in Friesland. You’ll find forest, water and wide open space — all just a few kilometres apart. I love coming here to clear my mind. A walk through Rijsterbos, for instance, where the silence feels as solid as the beech trees. Or a breezy moment up on the Red Cliff, with sweeping views over the water.
If you pass through Sloten — the smallest city in Friesland — you’ll arrive at the Mirnserklif. From there, you can gaze out across the IJsselmeer, often dotted with kite surfers making the most of the wind. And don’t forget the Woudagemaal. This unique UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest still-operating steam pumping station in the world.
Enjoy - Genietsje derfan!
1. Harbour Laaksum
This place is special because...
it’s the smallest fishing harbour in Europe. Just a handful of boats, a wooden shed, and endless water stretching out before you. Everything here breathes simplicity. You can sit, watch, say nothing. And when hunger kicks in, grab a piece of fried fish from the little stand. Fresh, salty, and just right.
📍 Laaksum
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2. UNESCO Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal
This place is special because...
here, you see how the Frisians have kept the water under control for over a hundred years. The steam pumping station still runs when it really needs to, with coal, power and craftsmanship. You walk among pipes, steam and history, while guides explain how important this building still is for Dry Feet in Friesland.
📍 Lemmer
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3. de hege gerzen
This place is special because...
you’re right on the edge of the IJsselmeer, with grass beneath your feet and water stretching all the way to the horizon. There’s space to swim, play or just lie down for a while. Kids bounce on the air cushion, while you relax on a blanket with a view of the lake. The beach pavilion is nearby for something cold or warm, and Sybrandy’s play park is just around the corner.
📍 Oudemirdum
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mar en klif
This place is special because...
you discover how the landscape of Gaasterland came to be and why it looks the way it does. You’ll find information about the cliffs, the forest, the history of the IJsselmeer and the influence of both humans and nature on this area. There’s also attention for the animals, plants and Frisian life in this part of the province.
📍 Oudemirdum
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5. peewit fountain
This place is special because...
it brings together art, water and story. In every Frisian city, you’ll find a fountain created by an international artist, made especially for that place. In Sloten, it’s a peewit, a bird that belongs to Friesland like water belongs to the city moat. The fountain is part of the 11fountains project, beautifully connecting tradition and imagination.
📍 Sloten
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Great spots - around oudemirdum and lemmer
Places - to stay in the area
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Recreatiepark de Bosrand - Chalet Bosrand 4p
Recreatiepark de Bosrand - Chalet Bosrand 4p
Direct boekbaar
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Walking route Wyldemerk – Oudemirdumer klif – Laaksum
Walking route Wyldemerk – Oudemirdumer klif – Laaksum
(32.6 km)Harich -
Walking through Friesland’s unexpected landscape
Walking through Friesland’s unexpected landscape
(46 km)Lemmer -
De omweg naar rijksbeschermd gezicht Sloten
De omweg naar rijksbeschermd gezicht Sloten
(10 km)Sloten -
Wandelroute Gaasterland: Jolderenbos, Rijsterbos en Elfbergen
Wandelroute Gaasterland: Jolderenbos, Rijsterbos en Elfbergen
(15.2 km)Oudemirdum -
Balk - Wyldemerk | Elfstedenpad Hiking Trail: Section 4
Balk - Wyldemerk | Elfstedenpad Hiking Trail: Section 4
(18.3 km)Balk
