Curious about the water-rich area of De Alde Feanen National Park?
De Alde Feanen is a nature reserve shaped by both human and natural forces. Scandinavian glaciers deposited a layer of boulder clay during the last ice age. Later, river and rainwater accumulated on this layer. Thick layers of peat formed on the flooded grasslands. With 4000 hectares, this water-rich area is now the largest contiguous nature reserve on the mainland of Friesland.
This route begins at the Skûtsjemuseum in Earnewâld (De Stripe 12). From there, we will take you along the key points that tell a beautiful and interesting story.
De route
Start route
De Stripe 12 9264 TW Earnewâld
Skûtsjemuseum
At the Skûtsjemuseum in Earnewâld, you can see and experience how the skûtsje skippers lived and worked on their skûtsjes. A skûtsje is a Frisian sailing ship, also known as a tjalk, built for transporting cargo. Next to the Skûtsjemuseum lies a replica of the skûtsje Aebelina, originally built in 1861
Nationaal Park De Alde Feanen
De Alde Feanen National Park is a lowland peat swamp with numerous lakes, reed beds, and marsh forests. The area was formed through extensive peat extraction from the 16th to the 19th century. Over 100 species of birds breed in the nature reserve, and more than 500 different plant species can be found here. Today, the nature reserve is also very popular among water recreation enthusiasts.
Reed Cutting and "It Kokelhûs"
Museum It Kokelhûs is housed in a monumental 18th-century farmhouse. The museum gives you a glimpse into the lives of the residents, Jan and Sjut. The residents ran a small grocery store here, and Jan was a reed cutter. Sjut wrote in her will that It Kokelhûs must remain as a museum.
"Big five" van de Alde Feanen
Try to spot the unique animals of De Alde Feanen in the nature reserve during this route. The 'Big 5' consists of the following animals: 1)White-tailed Eagle: White-tailed eagles are the largest birds of prey in the Netherlands, with a wingspan of up to 2.40 meters. 2)Roe Deer: Roe deer are the largest mammals in De Alde Feanen, with about 200 living in the nature reserve. 3)Bittern: The bittern is often difficult to see. When threatened, the bittern stands in the 'pole position,' mimicking a clump of reeds. 4)Cormorant: Cormorants can dive up to 30 meters deep. After diving, they need to dry their feathers before they can fly again. 5)Stork: The stork has a wingspan of up to 2.20 meters.
Crashed airplane Lancaster
On a September night in 1942, 251 bombers took off from Syerston in England. One of these bombers, the Lancaster R5682, was shot down above the Wadden Islands and crashed into the Alde Feanen. Four out of the seven crew members survived the crash by parachuting. The last body was found in 2017 during the recovery of the aircraft.
Hermits Sytze and Maaike
In 1903, Sytze and Maaike moved into a small house amidst the Alde Feanen, on an island near Lake Holst. They lived a hermitic life, together with their chickens, goats, and the surrounding nature. Writer and Reverend Stoppelaar frequently visited to document their life.
"It Wikelslân Marshland Area"
It Wikelslân is a marshland in De Alde Feanen. In the nature reserve, there is a bird-watching hut and an observation tower, which offer excellent views of the habitat of various unique animals that are no longer found elsewhere.
Jan Durkspolder Bird Area
The Jan Durkspolder is a shallow marshland and bird area in De Alde Feanen. It is home to various wading and foraging birds, such as storks, spoonbills, and herons. Additionally, various species of geese and ducks frequently visit this area. You can spot them from the bird-watching huts.
"Marathonriders" sculpture
On the lake "It Wiid," floats a sculpture of 3 corten steel skaters, created by artist Hans Jouta. The depicted skaters have all won the ice skating marathon "De 100km van Eernewoude" at least once. The sculpture was installed to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the local ice skating club.
Einde route
De Stripe 12 9264 TW Earnewâld