Local Area

Do you like sports? The beaches on the IJsselmeer are small, but the water is shallow and very suitable for families with small children. Without a file to the beach, and there are also beach clubs. The beaches at Stavoren and Mirns are hotspots for lovers of windsurfing and kite surfing alike. You can rent a boat and go sailing on the Frisian lakes. Or go by canoe on one of the reed-fringed canals from Molkwerum to Stavoren and Hindeloopen. From Hotel Galamadammen there are boat trips on the Frisian meren. In the summer Hemelum has a marina, where passers-by are welcome.

For cyclists and walkers the area is a paradise. Along the water, through the woods, the choice is yours. Maps for bicycle and walking routes are available. In the garage of b&b 7de Hemel are a few rental bikes which are free and ready for use. Left and right of Hemelum are welcoming, picturesque villages, where there is always something to do. In Oudemirdum there is a forest which also has an old-fashioned playground and an ice cream farm. In Workum, a museum dedicated to Jopie Huisman, the rags trader who developed into a famous artist. And have you ever been in a bird hide? At the Mokkebank, an internationally renowned bird sanctuary and nature reserve the Zwin you can observe the birds closely without disturbing them.

When the bad weather arrives there is still plenty to keep you occupied. In Wiuwert above Sneek, there are four mummies in a church. In Bolsward is the Us Heit distillery where Frysk Hynder whisky is distilled (www.usheitdistillery.nl) The Woudagemaal in Lemmer (www.woudagemaal.nl) is a highlight of technical ingenuity, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

If it freezes in the winter, then you can go iceskating in many of the natural icerinks. When there is really heavy frost, Friesland hopes for a new edition of the Elfstedentocht (eleven cities tour). The route goes along the Morra, Hemelum and to Stavoren. Are you a real skating fanatic? Then you should not miss the skating museum in Hindeloopen. In the summertime Friesland has skûtsjesilen, a sailing race with old ships.

Fishing, golf, a ride along the many galleries or just sit on a terrace by the water, it’s all close by. If you wish to travel further, you can take the boat from Stavoren to Enkhuizen. Or spend a day at Leeuwarden, Sneek and Franeker with their wonderful museums and historic buildings.