‘The Other Friesland’: Heerenveen - De Deelen - Oranjewoud

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This route starts at the Tourist Transfer Point (Toeristisch Overstap Punt or ‘TOP’) at the De Heide recreational area on the outskirts of Heerenveen. Heidemeer lake in the middle of the recreational area has a large sandy beach and is a lovely place to swim and enjoy the sun. From here you can cycle into the centre of Heerenveen in no time. With a population of 30,000, Heerenveen, or It Hearrenfean as it is known in Frisian, is one of the largest towns in Friesland. In fact, it is larger than several of the eleven cities in the province! There are plenty of impressive monuments to see in 

Heerenveen, including the majestic Crackstate mansion. 

If you have never been on a ferry before, now is your chance! You cross the water on the De Deelen bike ferry in the village of Luinjeberd. Time to take in the beautiful scenery of the De Deelen wetland reserve.

A century ago peat labourers shed blood, sweat and tears as they worked to strip peat from the land. Their hard work resulted in cartloads of turf for the stove. And just north of the town of Heerenveen it created a richly textured landscape, leaving a mosaic of water, reed beds, patches of swamp forest and narrow strips of grassland.

You continue on through the picturesque villages surrounding the wetland reserve to the forests of the Oranjewoud Park Landscape. You will see several beautiful country estates in this area, including Oranjestein, which was built in the Oranjewoud forest in 1820. The estate still retains its authentic character and idyllic atmosphere.