The slogan'Milk, the white engine\\\' certainly applies to this area. Milk production plays an important role in the lives of the people who live here. This route takes you through all the elements of milk production. You cycle past farmlands with grazing cows, beautiful farms and both historic and contemporary dairies.
Dairies and farms
In Scharsterbrug you cycle past a working dairy and in Delfstrahuizen there is a former dairy that has been converted into a hotel and restaurant. In the landscape you see one farm after another. Two of those farms are worth a visit. Take a break at wine and cheese farm De Heidepleats in Huisterterheide or go cuddle cows, fierljeppen, farmer's golf or pitchfork darts at Farm Recreation in Delfstrahuizen. The vineyard of the Heideplaets is almost 2 hectares and there are about 5,500 grape vines.
The old village of Lemmer
During this tour you cycle through several small, cozy villages. You will also see several bell chairs along the route. The start and end point of the route is the old fishing village of Lemmer. This village has a pleasant water sports center with many old facades and unique lockkeeper's houses. Are you in Lemmer and would you like more information about, for example, the history of dairies? Then visit VVV Waterland van Friesland Lemmer.
The largest working steam pumping station in the world
At the end of this route you cycle past the Ir DF Woudagemaal. This monumental steam pumping station is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and it is the largest still working steam pumping station in the world. You can visit the steam pumping station and the associated visitor center. Here you can learn more about the history and operation of the steam pumping station. Occasionally the pumping station is still put into operation when the water is high.
This route is one of the 31 selected routes for the May Month Bicycle Month 2016. The May Month Bicycle Month has been a major event for recreational cyclists for many years. Every year in May, Route.nl provides cycling enthusiasts with beautiful cycling routes in collaboration with VVV and partners. Curious about the origins of this month for cycling enthusiasts?
Then read this article
More information about the Southwest Friesland region can be found on the website of VVV Waterland van Friesland:
www.waterlandvanfriesland.nl