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Opeinde – Earnewâld | Section 9 of the Circular Route through the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape conservation area

(13.2 km)

The ninth section of the route takes you through De Alde Feanen National Park. On the way to the park, the route leads through an expansive landscape with an occasional row of trees on the horizon. De Alde Feanen National Park is a large area of low-lying peatland in the heart of Friesland. Because there is so much water in the landscape, the national park is home to many species of fish. The water and meadows here make ideal nesting habitat for meadow birds.

Circular Route through the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape conservation area

The combination of cultural history and natura…

The ninth section of the route takes you through De Alde Feanen National Park. On the way to the park, the route leads through an expansive landscape with an occasional row of trees on the horizon. De Alde Feanen National Park is a large area of low-lying peatland in the heart of Friesland. Because there is so much water in the landscape, the national park is home to many species of fish. The water and meadows here make ideal nesting habitat for meadow birds.

Circular Route through the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape conservation area

The combination of cultural history and natural elements makes the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape conservation area unique in Europe. A network of walks covering 165 kilometres leads you through ancient landscapes where traces of the past dating back hundreds of years are still visible. Pingos formed in the Ice Age, boulder clay deposits in the subsoil, areas where peat formed and was cut and small-scale farmland enclosed by rows of alders and wooded banks. Today these trees that were planted to contain livestock and prevent sandy soil from being eroded, play an important role in preserving the unique biodiversity in the region. Local farmers are largely responsible for the maintenance of this unique hedgerow and woodland landscape that is probably one of Friesland’s best kept secrets.

It is possible to start anywhere along the 165 kilometres of the Circular Route through the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape conservation area. The route is signposted with red and yellow trail markers and runs from the town of Burgum, through the Trynwâlden area to the villages of Damwâld, Kollum, Buitenpost, Oudega and Eastermar, eventually arriving back in Burgum.

Sights on this route

Starting point: Kommisjewei
9218 RS Opeinde
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Opeindervaart Canal

The Opeindervaart canal runs from the village of Opeinde to the De Leijen lake in the municipality of Smallingerland. Read on to find out how the canal played an important role in bringing economic prosperity to the area.

Opeindervaart Canal
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Nijega Skieppekamp Pumping Station

The Nijega Skieppekamp pumping station was built next to a small body of water known as Smeliester Sân. In prehistoric times, this wooded area was a place where hunters made their camps.

Nijega Skieppekamp Pumping Station
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Oudega Courthouse

In the 17th century this was the residence of the presiding official or ‘grietman’ of the local administrative district of Smallingerland. All administrative decisions were issued from the courthouse at Oudega, which was rebuilt in 1738 after a fire.

Oudega Courthouse
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Sint-Agathakerk Oudega

De Sint-Agathakerk in Oudega Smallingerland is al in de 12e eeuw gebouwd en is daarmee één van de oudste kerken van Friesland. Er zijn bijzondere kenmerken te zien.

Sint-Agathakerk Oudega Agathakerk Oudega
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Jan Durkspolder

Jan Durkspolder is a wetland reserve that is part of De Alde Feanen National Park. The area is a haven for many species of foraging and migrating birds. 

Jan Durkspolder Jan Durkspolder vogelkijkhut
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End point: Koaidyk
9264 TR Earnewâld
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