Walking through the green Gaasterland

Friesland is more than just 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
The Elfbergen is the largest forest in Gaasterland, with its 175 hectares. The area was originally planted in the nineteenth century, you walk through a varied coniferous and deciduous forest. In the Lycklamabos you see many old beeches and oaks. Many ditches have been constructed here for drainage. The excavated soil was used to raise the forested area: you can still clearly see this so-called rabatten structure in the landscape.

Cultural history
From the Sânfeartsdyk you have a beautiful view of the rolling landscape behind it. Here you will also find't Zwaantje, a polder mill from 1893. In Nijemirdum you will see a church tower from the fourteenth century. The accompanying church was demolished in the eighteenth century. In the esdorp Oudemirdum you will pass the Fontein, a church from 1790.

Air watchtower 6H3
Between junctions 91 and 94 you can turn left for a bit, into the Huningspaed. Here you will find Air Watchtower 6H3, a concrete lookout tower from 1953. It is one of almost 140 examples that were built during the Cold War to be able to observe enemy aircraft flying below radar range. From the tower you have a beautiful view over the IJsselmeer.