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 larger, but the surface area also increased due to forest and peat fires. The stories about the villages that claimed the lake have been circulating for centuries; for example, the church and cemetery of the village of Rohel were swallowed up by the water. The route starts at Attent SidB Van Zwol in Rotsterhaule. When you have found a spot for your car, you can go to the supermarket for your groceries 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 kilometre. Mill 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 did not happen and the mill was repurposed as a home. After external restorations in 1979 and 1981, the mill was made to turn again, even though it is no longer operational. Near Rotstergaast you can see a belfry in a macabre place: on a hillock in a cemetery, in the middle of the polder. The only bell hanging in it was cast in 1950, but the belfry with a 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 belfry at a cemetery, located on a small hillock so that the belfry can be admired from some distance. This is also located in a cemetery and has a beautifully finished white helmet roof. The belfry is younger than the bell that hangs in it: the belfry was built in the 18th century, the bell was already cast in 1596. The next belfry is not long in coming. The Doniaga was built in 1703, but just like the previous belfry, the bell is much older. This one was cast in 1460. The belfry has a beautifully finished helmet roof and is on a small hill. The belfry is surrounded by a number of tall trees, so it cannot be admired from far away. The Oldeouwer belfry dates from about the same time and was built in 1738. The only bell in the belfry was cast in 1925. Previously, an older bell hung in the belfry. The white beams and the green, beautifully finished helmet roof make the belfry look special and beautiful. This belfry is also on a hill in the cemetery. You have to look for the last belfry on the route. The chair is located on a small hill but is hidden from view by the trees. The chair is worth a visit, because the bell that hangs in it is already very old; it originates from 1340. The bell chair is finished with a green tint, which fits perfectly with the location. In the meantime, you have almost cycled around the Tjeukemeer and you are covering the last kilometers towards the supermarket. Are you already looking forward to a tasty evening meal, then buy the necessary groceries at 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 in your own homely atmosphere!