The banks of the Middelzee and the Ee

Make it easy to navigate. Download the route in Google Maps

A route through the countryside of the former Middelzee estuary and along the banks of the Ee that takes water as its inspiration. You also get to see picturesque villages and discover the cultural heritage of the local mound landscape. 

The route sets off through the Prinsentuin and Rengerspark city parks in Leeuwarden. Both have beautiful water features and majestic old trees. Once you leave the city, it is not long before you arrive in the village of Jelsum where you can see the oldest surviving country estate in Friesland. Definitely worth a visit! And don’t miss a chance to visit the St Genevieve church (Sint Genovevakerk) in Jelsum, which dates back to the 12th century. The spot on which it stands was once on the east shore of the former Middelzee estuary. The tuff stone with which it was built is still visible in the north wall.

In the neighbouring village of Cornjum, you can see the enchanting country house that belonged to the Martena family and wander around the beautiful estate. Next on the route is the mound village of Britsum with its spectacular church. The village was built on a mound erected on a salt-marsh ridge east of the Middelzee inlet.

The dwelling mound on which the village of Feinsum (Finkum) stands dates back to the beginning of the Christian era and was also erected on a salt-marsh ridge. From Feinsum, you cycle along the old church road to the next mound village of Hijum. The Romanesque St Nicholas church at the edge of the village was built in the 12th century. The mound on which it sits has been largely excavated. The graveyard is entirely surrounded by trees.

The final stretch takes you along the banks of the Hallumervaart canal to the little bridge at Bartlehiem, an iconic landmark on the famous Elfstedentocht tour skating route. From here, you head back to Leeuwarden on the narrow cycle path next to the Ee canal.