Walking along bell chairs in the Frisian lake area

Historic bell chairs
This walk takes you past several bell chairs. It is not entirely certain where these separate buildings will be today, but it probably has to do with the fact that certain areas in Friesland used to be too poor to build a church. Other communities were too small for their own church. If a church was built at all, it was usually a small building without a tower. The bell was then placed separately in a belfry. If a church with a tower was built later, the bell tower was demolished. However, the reverse also happened. If a church had become a ruin, a bell chair was often chosen. Outside Friesland you will hardly find bell chairs. This may therefore be called a typical Frisian building.

Stray cattle
But there is more than just the bell towers. You can also relax in this rural area. In some places you walk between the grazing cattle. Make sure you close all gates properly so that the cattle do not escape.

The old flecke Joure
Joure is one of the larger towns in the vicinity of this route. The place originated on a sand ridge at a junction of waterways. Joure is not a city, but it is too big to be called a village. According to Old Frisian tradition, these kinds of places are called'vlecke\\\'. Every year in July the balloon parties take place in Joure. Countless hot air balloons take off from Joure every day. Be sure to take a look at Joure if you are in the area around this time.

More information about the Southwest Friesland region can be found on the website of VVV Waterland van Friesland: www.waterlandvanfriesland.nl