Walking through the green Gaasterland

Friesland is more than lakes. In the southwest of this province you can take beautiful walks through the quiet forests of the rolling Gaasterland. This route takes you through nature reserves such as the Elfbergen.

The Elf Mountains
With its 175 hectares, the Elfbergen is the largest forest in Gaasterland. The area was originally planted in the nineteenth century, you walk through an alternating coniferous and deciduous forest. In the Lycklama forest you can see many old beech and oak trees. Many ditches have been constructed here for drainage. The excavated soil was used to raise the wooded area: you can still clearly see this so-called rebate structure in the landscape.

Cultural history
From the Sânfeartsdyk you have a beautiful view of the rolling landscape behind.'t Zwaantje, a polder windmill from 1893, is also located here. In Nijemirdum you can see a church tower from the fourteenth century. The associated church was demolished in the eighteenth century. In esdorp Oudemirdum you pass the Fountain, a church from 1790.

Air watchtower 6H3
Between nodes 91 and 94 you can turn left for a short while, into the Huningspaed. Here stands Air Watchtower 6H3, a concrete watchtower from 1953. It is one of nearly 140 units built during the Cold War to observe enemy aircraft flying under radar range. From the tower you have a beautiful view over the IJsselmeer.