Walking through the Weelen

In West Friesland, a beautiful hiking surprise awaits you with the De Weelen nature reserve. Wear waterproof shoes, the path can be swampy in places.

butterflies
De Weelen is a remnant of West Friesland from before the land consolidation. In the fourteenth century several dike breaches took place here. They formed holes filled with water: so-called weelen, or wheels. You will now find plenty of variety in this unspoilt nature reserve: forest, reed beds, flowery grasslands and ditches and wheels. Ideal for exploring on foot. You can spot birds, in the spring and summer many butterflies flutter.

church towers
On car-free roads you also walk a bit through the vast polders. You can get a breath of fresh air while enjoying the silence and views of long rows of trees and church towers. You won't have any trouble switching back here. At Fruitkwekerij't Keetje you can take a break at your leisure. Time for a fruit juice or coffee with homemade apple pie on the terrace. In the country shop you can buy fresh fruit for home.