CYCLING ROUTE · FRIESLAND
Cycling Route National Landscape Noardlike Fryske Wâlden
Cycle through an intimate bocage landscape of open grasslands, wooded banks, alder hedgerows, coppice woodlands, ponds, and ancient pingo remnants.
The Landscape
The National Landscape Noardlike Fryske Wâlden is one of the most small-scale landscapes in the Netherlands, shaped by narrow strip fields, alder hedgerows, wooded banks, hedges, coppice woodlands, ponds, and small hollows. This dense pattern of trees and fields creates an intimate landscape where the views and atmosphere change constantly as you cycle through the area.
The origins of this landscape go back to the Middle Ages and remain clearly visible in the narrow fields bordered by lines of trees and green banks. Around Harkema, quiet country lanes lead past grasslands, farmsteads, watering ponds, and wooded plots, creating a remarkably authentic cultural landscape with a strong sense of tranquillity.
What You'll Discover Along the Way
Forests and Heaths
Alder hedgerows, wooded banks and coppice woodlands create a sheltered, intimate setting around Harkema. On the higher sandy soils, lighter open stretches and patches of heath add variation to the greenery.
Polders and Farmlands
Long, narrow plots of grassland and arable fields are bordered by ditches, hedges and green banks. Quiet country lanes pass farmsteads and traditional planting, revealing how farming has shaped this distinctive landscape.
Marshes and Peatlands
Lower-lying areas form a wet mosaic of reed fringes, waterlogged grasslands and alder carr woodlands. Peat remnants and high groundwater create clear transitions between the drier sandy ground and wetter nature.
Lakes and Wetlands
Small hollows, ponds and pools appear throughout the landscape, often reflecting the surrounding trees and green banks. Many of these water features are remnants of former pingos and add a fresh, natural accent to the route.
Virtual Cycling Through the National Landscape Noardlike Fryske Wâlden
Virtual cycling through the National Landscape Noardlike Fryske Wâlden lets you experience its intimate Frisian bocage landscape from home, with alder hedgerows, wooded banks, ponds and open grasslands creating constantly changing views. A relaxed virtual ride through one of Friesland’s most distinctive landscapes.
Experience the route from home with virtual cycling.
Route Map and Cycling Junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 16 on De Dunen in Harkema. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Route Details
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
Discover More Cycling Routes
Explore more Friesland landscapes and find your next cycling adventure in nature.
EXPLORE ALL CYCLING ROUTES IN FRIESLAND →
