Niekerk, Leek and Grootegast

Polders, as far as you can see. The horizon, which is so far from you that you realize how small you actually are in the world. Straight excavated waters - canals, waterways, channels and ditches -, but also more erratic gullies and fens serve one purpose here: to regulate the water level. The area around Niekerk, Leek and Grootegast was reclaimed for cultural use. It is hard to imagine in this vastness that the Netherlands has about four thousand polders!

The tour leads you to beautiful sights, such as the bell chair in Oldekerk. This chair is located in the cemetery of the Former Reformed Church, which was demolished in 1623. Instead of the church, the bell tower was placed here. Near the chair is a sign that tells more about the history of the church.
The next stop is the Eben Haëzer mill, which is located in Enumatil. Previously there was already a mill on this site that went up in flames, so the tower mill was rebuilt on this site in 1907. The octagon of another mill from Dokkum was used for the mill. In 1951 a serious accident happened: the mill's scaffolding fell down, seriously injuring three people standing on it. The mill was refurbished and in 2013 voluntary millers still run the flour mill from time to time.

The last point of interest is the Nienoord estate, which is best known for the former Nienoord estate. A nineteenth-century country house now stands on the spot where the original borg was built in 1525. Various attractions are located on the estate, such as the National Carriage Museum, the Swimming Castle, a campsite and the Nienoord Family Park. A nice place to get off your bike and spend some more time here.