Gaastmeer Ferry Route

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This ferry route starts in the village of Gaastmeer and leads through the It Heidenskip area. Along the way there are beautiful views from the Brekkenpaad trail along the shore of Oudegaaster Brekken (Aldegeaster Brekken) lake. In March and November the ferry sails between 11:00 and 16:00 on Saturday and Sunday.  

At the start of the route, the It Oerset passenger and bike ferry transports you from the picturesque village of Gaastmeer to It Heidenskip. The open countryside in this area is dotted with traditional stelp farmhouses and modern cattle farms. Here you can still find plenty of peace and quiet. Fun fact: The traditional Frisian sport of ‘fierljeppen’, which involves pole vaulting over a canal, continues to thrive in It Heidenskip. There is also a fort in the area. 

Historic city of Workum
You cycle into the centre of Workum via the railway bridge. Before you know it, you are in the De Merk market square. The buildings around the square include the St Gertrude Church with its freestanding tower and the Workum Heritage Museum (Museum Warkums Erfskip). Workum is also the birthplace of Jopie Huisman, a self-taught artist who went on to become famous. You can learn more about his life and work at the Jopie Huisman Museum.  

Nijhuizum
You continue on your way to the village of Nijhuizum, where you will find the smallest church in Friesland. Turn left and head for the Mûntsebuorsterpolder nature reserve and the Brekkenpaad lakeside trail. Here you can see beautiful views of Oudegaaster Brekken (Aldegeaster Brekken) lake on the right. Just before the end of the cycle path, you will see Doris Mooltsje, a black spiderhead mill built in 1780. At the end of the cycle path, turn right towards the village of Oudega.

Sandfirden 
After Oudega, it is worth turning off between junctions 32 and 33 to visit Sandfirden, or Sânfurd as it is known in Frisian, a small, beautifully situated village on a peninsula between two 

lakes in southwest Friesland. The village consists of a church, and a few houses and farms. A lovely place to stop and take in the tranquil natural surroundings. Then continue back towards Gaastmeer where the bike ride ends. 

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