Hiking in the Southwest Friesland National Landscape

Along the IJsselmeer
The starting point of the route is in Stavoren,'Starum\\\' in Frisian. Via the locks over the Johan Friso canal you walk along the IJsselmeer via the old sea dike. Southwest Fryslân is a special area with meadows with dikes, terp villages, picturesque towns and wide lakes that merge into the forests of Gaasterland. Enjoy the beautiful hilly landscape along the IJsselmeer here.

The Red Cliff
In this area you will find open areas, but also areas rich in relief. That relief is clearly visible around the cliffs on the coast. The Red Cliff near Warns is one of the most famous cliffs in the Netherlands. This walk takes you along this special, historic place. Enjoy beautiful views and the varied flora and fauna here. In the Vogelhoek you can spot many different birds. You will also walk through the villages of Bakhuizen with the large Catholic Church and Molkwar, which is known for the Molkwarder Koeke. Enough to see and taste on this route.

The Johan Willem Friso Canal
The Johan Willem Friso Canal connects the IJsselmeer with the Princess Margriet Canal. This water is heavily used by both freight vehicles and pleasure boats. Especially in the summer it is very busy on the canal. So be sure to take a look at the canal if you like watching boats. Between the Princess Margriet Canal and Stavoren, the canal crosses no less than four lakes: the Heegermeer, the Fluessen, the Holken and the Morra.