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Poelen route

(19.0 km)
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The Poelen area is a unique piece of unspoiled countryside, ideal for a trip in an (electric) boat or paddling around by canoe or SUP.

The Poelen area is located between the watersports villages of Heeg, Gaastmeer and Oudega (SWF), and is a unique piece of unspoiled countryside. It is a series of fens, narrow ditches and babbling streams amidst dense reed lands and so-called bûterlan, low-lying, naturally managed meadows. 

Vast panoramas of villages and farms with the occasional church tower i…

The Poelen area is a unique piece of unspoiled countryside, ideal for a trip in an (electric) boat or paddling around by canoe or SUP.

The Poelen area is located between the watersports villages of Heeg, Gaastmeer and Oudega (SWF), and is a unique piece of unspoiled countryside. It is a series of fens, narrow ditches and babbling streams amidst dense reed lands and so-called bûterlan, low-lying, naturally managed meadows. 

Vast panoramas of villages and farms with the occasional church tower in the distance is what makes the Poelen area so typically Frisian. While navigating the narrow channels and ditches, it sometimes feels like you’re many miles away in some other country. This region is almost entirely uninhabited, with only a few farms lining its edges. The Poelen area is managed by the Dutch Forestry Commission and is a designated nature reserve. It is home to part of the Skriezekrite Idzegea, a bird sanctuary designed specially to protect the godwit population. 

The most important attractions of this beautiful area are nature, tranquillity and silence. Visitors are therefore expected to respect these values and to help support them where possible. The area is accessible for small boats such as dinghies, canoes and open sailing boats. This sailing route with its tunnels and passageways connects the villages of Gaastmeer, Oudega and Heeg, taking you to the hamlet of Idzegea: two farms, one house and the beautifully situated little cemetery with its own belfry. On the shores of the Idzegeaster Poel, you’ll find a birdwatching shelter from which you can observe the very varied bird population in the Poelen area. Boats up to 2.50 m long and no taller than 1.25 m can follow the route from Heeg to Gaastmeer, connecting to the waters around Gaastmeer. 

By providing the tunnels and signposting the routes, the villages of Heeg, Gaastmeer and Oudega want to welcome guests to their area, to enjoy this valuable countryside in an appropriate manner. 

Relax and enjoy the tranquillity of this wonderful spaciousness!

The Poelen and Reidmarr routes are available from the tourist information centre (VVV) in Heeg, but also from other tourist information locations in Southwest Friesland.

Sights on this route

Starting point: 8621 BL Heeg
1

VVV Heeg

Tourist information for Heeg.

VVV Heeg
2

A warm welcome by Hoora

A warm welcome by Hoora In Heeg, in the bustling heart of the Frisian lakes, you will find Hoora, builder and owner of the famous Hoora-Falcon, Motion 670 and Enduro sloop.

A warm welcome by Hoora
3

Stichting De Palingaak

Stichting De Palingaak
4

TOP Woudsend

Vanaf Toeristisch Overstap Punt Woudsend kun je zo het waterrijke zuidwesten van Friesland intrekken! 

TOP Woudsend
5

Strand Langehoekspôlle (Knine-eilân)

Aan de oostkant van de Langehoekspôlle in de Fluessen, ook wel bekend als Knine-eilân vind je een heerlijk zwemstrand.

Strand Langehoekspôlle (Knine-eilân)
6

Pieltsjerke Church in Gaastmeer

The Pieltsjerke church in Gaastmeer stands on the bank of It Piel, an inlet of Lake Fluessen. The church tower serves as a striking landmark from the lake and from the village.

Pieltsjerke Church in Gaastmeer Pieltsjerke vanuit de lucht
7

Information point Gaastmeer (d'Ald Herberch)

At Restaurant d'Ald Herberch in Gaastmeer you will find the information point with all the tourist information about the area.

Information point Gaastmeer (d'Ald Herberch)
8

Bloemenkraam De Bascule

In Oudega kun je biologische veldbloemen en planten van De Bascule kopen bij de kraam aan de Tsjerkewei. Verse bloemen van het land!

Bloemenkraam De Bascule Bloemenkraam
9

Idzega Bell Tower

The distinctive bell tower in the village of Idzega has a red ironwood frame and a saddle roof. It was built in place of the church when the church was demolished.

Idzega Bell Tower
10

Palingvisserij F. Visserman

Freerk Visserman is de last commercial inland fisherman from Heeg, from decades eelfishing village in Friesland. If you want to have a look in the life of a fisherman, you can call Freerk to book a trip along his fikes on his electric powered boat.

Palingvisserij F. Visserman
11

Lakes Area near Heeg, Gaastmeer and Oudega

The lakes area that lies between and surrounds the villages of Heeg, Gaastmeer and Oudega is a unique stretch of unspoilt nature with interconnected small lakes and watercourses lined with reed beds.

Lakes Area near Heeg, Gaastmeer and Oudega
12

Haghakerk Heeg

Je vindt deze kerk middenin het vroegmiddeleeuwse waterdorp, op een kleine terp. Hij is prachtig omlijst door een kerkhof en een schilderachtig kerkbuurtje – tsjerkebuorren, in het Fries.

Haghakerk Heeg De Haghakerk vanuit de lucht
End point: 8621 BL Heeg

Directions

Starting point: 8621 BL Heeg

Start: Heeg

Finish: It Piel

End point: 8621 BL Heeg

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