Around the Tjeukemeer

Cycling southwest of Heerenveen, around the largest inland lake in Friesland. The Tjeukemeer, or as the Frisians say: Tsjûkemar, has grown over time, and its shape has also changed. Storm surges and drifting ice made the lake bigger, but the surface area also increased due to forest and peat fires. Stories about the villages that the lake claimed have been around for centuries; for example, the church and cemetery of the village of Rohel have been swallowed by the water. The route starts at Attent SidB Van Zwol in Rotsterhaule. When you have found a place for your car, you can go to the supermarket for your purchases for the road. A bottle of water, a sandwich or some fresh fruit will taste good during your bike ride. When you set off, you will see the first sight on the route after just over a kilometer. Windmill De Hersteller was built in 1857 and drained the Veenpolder until 1931. The mill fell into disrepair and lost more and more parts, until in 1948 it was even considered to demolish De Hersteller. That fell through and the mill was repurposed as a home. After external restorations in 1979 and 1981, the mill was made operational again, even though it is no longer capable of grinding. Near Rotstergaast you see a bell chair in a macabre place: on a hill in a cemetery, in the middle of the polder. The only bell that hangs in it was cast in 1950, but the bell tower with helmet roof is much older. It was built in 1722. You continue your route around the lake and cycle sixteen kilometers further until you come across another bell tower at a cemetery, located on a small hill so that the bell tower can be admired from some distance. This one is also located on a cemetery and has a beautifully finished white helmet roof. The bell chair is younger than the bell that hangs in it: the chair was built in the 18th century, the bell was already cast in 1596. The next bell tower is not long in coming. The Doniaga was built in the year 1703, but as with the previous bell tower, the bell is much older. It was cast in 1460. The bell tower has a beautifully finished helmet roof and stands on a small hill. The bell tower is surrounded by a number of tall trees so that it cannot be admired from afar. Clock chair Oldeouwer dates from about the same time and was built in the year 1738. The only bell in the belfry was cast in 1925. An older bell used to hang in the belfry. The white beams and the green, beautifully finished helmet roof make the bell tower look special and beautiful. This chair is also on a hill in the cemetery. You have to look for the last bell tower on the route. The chair stands on a small knoll but is hidden from view by the trees. The chair is worth a visit, because the clock that hangs in it is very old; it has its origins in 1340. The belfry is finished with a green tint, which fits perfectly with the location. You have now almost cycled around the Tjeukemeer and you cover the last kilometers towards the supermarket. If you are already looking forward to a tasty evening meal, buy the necessary groceries in the supermarket so that you can conjure up a delicious dinner on your own dining table at home. After such a day in the open air you will enjoy cozy dining and your own homely atmosphere!