A tour around the Frisian Slotermeer

The Sleattemer Mar (the official name for the Slotermeer) is one of the many beautiful Frisian Lakes. This route takes you along the shore of this lake and through some nearby villages, such as the picturesque fortified town of Sloten.

Frisian beauties
You will not only find Frisian beauties on the catwalk, but also in the landscape itself. In Tjerkgaast you can see a beautiful church from 1703. The Vaste Burchtkerk in Wijckel dates from the end of the seventeenth century. The picturesque towns of Balk and Woudsend enjoy a protected village view. Balk inspired the poet Herman Gorter to write his poem Mei.

Frisian bell chairs
Bell chairs are a typical Frisian building. They were built in the past because not enough money could be collected for the construction of a church (tower). With the clock the dead were sounded or evil spirits were chased away. You can admire such a bell chair at the cemeteries in Ypecolsga and in Ruigahuizen (on the Tsjerkhofleane).

Fortified city of Sloten
Sloten arose as early as the thirteenth century as a settlement at a stins of the Van Harinxma thoe Slooten family. The stins is gone, but Sloten is still there. And how: the picturesque town enjoys a protected cityscape and is home to 50 national monuments. Almost everything of the original walls and structure is still there. A good time to get off and enjoy all that beauty by bike. During the Eighty Years' War, Sloten occupied an important strategic position. The Spaniards have tried to conquer the town by hiding men in a beer ship.