Poelen route

(19.0 km)

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.

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

Heeg (Heech)

Heeg is a delightful destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Visit Heeg

Visitor Center and Tourist Information Heeg

Visit the interactive visitor center in Heeg. An inspiring place that invites exploration. Buy the nicest souvenirs and tickets for a trip on the eel barge here.

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. We are a friendly family business that...

Stichting De Palingaak

TOP Woudsend

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

Beach Langehoekspôlle

On the east side of the Langehoekspôlle in the Fluessen, also known as Knine-eilân, you will find a delightful swimming beach.

Gaastmeer

Gaastmeer is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the day and enjoy peace and space.

Visit Gaastmeer

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.

Fisching company Andries van Netten

Andries van Netten is a local fisherman and supplier of fresh products for Gaastmeer and the surrounding area. All products are fresh and caught in the lakes around Gaastmeer.

Wijde sloot Gaastmeer

The Wijde Sloot in Gaastmeer was formerly used for storing live eels before shipping them to London. The harbor is now called Pieldyk.

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.

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.

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.

Haghakerk Heeg

You'll find this church in the heart of the early medieval water village, on a small mound. It is beautifully surrounded by a cemetery and a picturesque church neighborhood – "tsjerkebuorren" in Frisian.

Havenkom de Syl

The Syl used to be the harbor basin of Heeg. In the past, it was bustling with activity, filled with ships, boats, and fishermen.

End point:

8621 BL Heeg