Skip to main content
Contact us Webshop
MAP
en
nl de

National Landscape of Southwest Friesland

  • grutsk

We're proud that Waterland van Friesland is part of a 'national landscape', a landscape of national importance, of which there are twenty in the Netherlands. In 2006, this area was designated the National Landscape of Southwest Friesland (Nationaal Landschap Zuidwest Fryslân) by the Dutch government. Why? Here, you'll find a unique cultural-historic combination of natural elements and landscape characteristics. Walk along an old sea dike, cycle through rolling countryside, sail (or paddle a canoe) through the woodlands, enjoying panoramic views, Frisian lakes and the vast IJsselmeer lake shores. All of them are options here.

“ WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND EXPLORING THE NATIONAL LANDSCAPE BY BOAT IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE THE LANDSCAPE AND COUNTRYSIDE FROM THE LUTS RIVER AND ON THE LAKES. ”

Nature photographer Jan Tijsma

  • Mar en Klif visitor centre

    Mar en Klif visitor centre expositie mar en klif

    Would you like to know more about the history of Southwest Friesland? What animals live here? Maybe you'd like to see the remnants of 'drowned' villages? Then visit the exhibition on the national landscape at the Mar en Klif visitor centre in Oudemirdum. Fun for all ages!

    More information

  • Out and about with a guide

    Out and about with a guide Rijsterbos

    The best way to learn about the national landscape is to get out there and enjoy it. Experienced guides will be pleased to take you on an excursion. Why not enjoy a walk around the age-old Rijsterbos woods for example, or with an It Fryske Gea guide to discover the Warkumerwaard on the shores of the IJsselmeer lake?

    To the events calendar

  • Discover it for yourself

    Discover it for yourself

    There are many kilometres of cycling, hiking and even horse riding routes out there for you, in the national landscape. Routes that take you to the most beautiful spots. Pick up your map at a tourist information centre or the Mar en Klif visitor centre in Oudemirdum. You can check out some of the routes on our website.

    Check out the routes

  • birdwatching

    The national landscape is a paradise for birdwatchers. There are various birdwatching shelters, such as De Ral near Piaam and It Swin near Elahuizen. Even flamingos can sometimes be spotted on the shores of the IJsselmeer lake near the Steile Bank nature reserve.

    Er zit een pimpelmees in het water.

Celebrate the landscapes in Waterland van Friesland

In Waterland van Friesland, you can criss-cross through four completely different landscapes in any one day. All of them unique and each with their own story. Their history is sometimes very easily recognisable; salt-water shells can still be found on the IJsselmeer lake shoreline for example, as a reminder of the former Zuiderzee. Most often however, the landscape tells a more subtle story. And it becomes even more fun when you're aware of it and start paying attention... There's lots more to be discovered!

Search & book

Traveling party