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Heerenveen–De Heide: waterside Friesland

(38.7 km)

This waterside cycling route takes you along an old river, lakes, Heerenveen, the oldest peat canal village in the Netherlands and the Tjeukemeer, the largest lake in Friesland.

The Tjonger (also called De Kuinder in the Stellingwerf dialect) is an old river that runs through Southeast Friesland, roughly from Kuinre to Oosterwolde. It’s part of the old Turfroute – a historic peat transport route – now open to leisure boats.

A highlight along the way is Brandemeer, a lake near Delfstrahuizen known for its reed beds. In winter, the reeds are cut; in spring they grow back and in autumn they bloom. It’s always a beautiful sight.

The route also takes you along the Tjeukemeer (Frisian: Tsjûkemar), the largest lake in Friesland. With a bit of luck you might even spot a skûtsje sailin…

This waterside cycling route takes you along an old river, lakes, Heerenveen, the oldest peat canal village in the Netherlands and the Tjeukemeer, the largest lake in Friesland.

The route also takes you along the Tjeukemeer (Frisian: Tsjûkemar), the largest lake in Friesland. With a bit of luck you might even spot a skûtsje sailing by. Tjeukemeer is one of the Frisian Lakes.

Smaller than the Tjeukemeer is the water area called It Lytse Wiid. You won’t see any ships here, but it’s a great spot for birdwatching. From the observation platform It Lytse Wiid, you overlook the reed-fringed water and surrounding bushes. Expect to spot ducks like the pochard, northern shoveler and teal. In the shrubs you might hear chiffchaffs and willow warblers. Close by lies the larger lake Nannewiid.

Besides lakes, rivers and waterways, the route also leads through Heerenveen – the oldest peat canal village in the Netherlands. The town was founded in 1551 at the junction of the Heeresloot and the Schoterlandse Compagnonsvaart. It was also a crossing point of the Heereweg, the old road between Zwolle and Leeuwarden.

Heerenveen was founded at the intersection of two canals, dug by initiative of three noblemen: Van Dekema, Cuyck and Foeyts. The name “Heeren-veen” literally means “lords of the peat”.

Sights on this route

TOP Heerenveen/De Heide

Vanaf Toeristisch Overstap Punt Heerenveen/De Heide kun je zo recreatiegebied De Heide of Heerenveen zelf intrekken!

De Heide Recreational Area

De Heide is a recreational area on the outskirts of the town 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.

Play Farm 'Boer Bart'

We are the place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the day. Your children can safely have adventures as a farmer, cook, and driver. You can help on the farm by collecting eggs yourself.

Tussenstop: bezoek de horeca

Rotstergaast Bell Tower

In the village of Rotstergaast there is a wooden bell tower with four-sided dome roof that was first mentioned back in 1722.

De Tjonger

De Tjonger (ook wel De Kuinder in het Stellinwerfs) is een oud riviertje dat door Zuidoost Friesland loopt van grofweg Kuinre naar Oosterwolde. Het is onderdeel van de oude Turfroute, die nu voor recreatievaart toegankelijk is.

Het Brandemeer

Meer in Delfstrahuizen. Staat bekend om haar riet, wat in de winter wordt gemaaid en groeit in het voorjaar en pluimt in het najaar. Het Brandemeer is een POI in de route

TOP Delfstrahuizen/Echtenerbrug

Vanaf Toeristisch Overstap Punt Delfstrahuizen/Echtenerbrug kun je wandelend, fietsend of varend Delfstrahuizen, Echtenerbrug en haar omgeving verkennen. Ontdek het waterrijke zuiden van Friesland. Bezoek Gaasterland of natuurgebied Rottige Meente.

Melkfabriek de Tjongervallei

De melkfabriek in Delfstrahuizen is ontstaan nadat er vanwege armoede en werkeloosheid veel onrust heerste in de omgeving.

Jacobuskerk Church in Delfstrahuizen

The Jacobuskerk church was designed by the architect J. Schreur and built in 1908. An extension was subsequently added to the back of the church. The church was designed in neo-Renaissance style, including a gable tower with a constricted spire.

Tjeukemeer (Tsjûkemar)

The Tjeukemeer is the largest inland lake in Friesland.

Strand aan het Tjeukemeer

It Lytse Wiid - Uitzichtplateau

Waterplas omgeven door riet en bosjes.

The Nannewiid

The Nannewiid, along with the Douwe Pôlle and the Lytse Wiid, is a valuable natural area. Originally, it was a marshy wilderness. It transformed when peat diggers from Giethoorn extracted peat here.

Heerenveen

The village of Heerenveen was established at the intersection of two canals built by three local peat masters (heren) named Van Dekema, Cuyck and Foeyts. So the village came to be known as ‘heeren-van-het-veen’, which means ‘lords of the peat’.