Water Is Never Far Away
“What a beautiful little village!” you exclaim enthusiastically to your cycling partner. “Pardon me?” A passerby reacts slightly annoyed. Even though Sloten is the smallest town in Friesland, don’t you dare call it a village. The residents will correct you immediately – and rightly so, for who wouldn’t be proud of such a wonderful place? Over 400 years ago, it was a fortified town, and little has changed since. Today, you cycle 54 km from your starting point in Rijs via Sloten to the port of Lemmer and back. Every day offers new routes to discover: sometimes through the Gaaster forests to Balk, other times along the IJsselmeer to Stavoren and Hindeloopen. And at the end of each day you return to the comfortable hotel in Rijs.
Four Cycling Routes
During this multi-day cycling holiday, you can choose from four routes starting from your location in Rijs. Hindeloopen enchants with its 17th-century character, ancient houses, idyllic canals, and the First Frisian State Museum. Workum also adds to the charm, with a picturesque town center and the nationally renowned Jopie Huisman Museum. Jopie was originally a rag dealer but gained national fame as a painter. His subjects: discarded clothing, old shoes, and other rags – painted so masterfully that these works now have their own museum. Address: Noard 6, Workum.
Historical Walking
Not in the mood for cycling? A walk through the Rijsterbosch is also possible, planted in 1676 by the Amsterdam regent Hiob de Wildt. In earlier times, ladies strolled here in rustling skirts along the star-shaped avenues. Following the old paths, you reach the Mirnserklif, from where you enjoy a wonderful view of the IJsselmeer. In this way, water is never far away around Rijs.
