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Balk
Balk
Balk is a small and charming village located in the south-west of Friesland in the municipality of Gaasterland. It is an inviting village close to the lake Slotermeer, which makes water sportsmen’s hearts leap for joy. Not only water sportsmen, but also sun and see lovers get their money worth on the close located beach. If you then follow the stream Luts rising from the Slotermeer, you end up in the heart of Balk. Here the 3800 inhabitants will warm-heartedly welcome you and invite you to have a look in one of the many diverse shops, to enjoy a coffee next to the canal or have a typical Dutch meal in one of the unique Frisian restaurants. Besides the culinary highlights, you can also enjoy the eye catching historical buildings such as the reformed church built in 1728 or the Roman-catholic church from the 18th century. Additionally, you can experience the imposing town hall built in the renaissance embellished with lion statues and a big clock tower on top. Oppositely located, you can find the monumentally protected post office constructed in 1878.
If you want to stay overnight, Balk provides a three star hotel called Teernstra, but nature lovers have the opportunity to sleep under the open sky at the campsite Marswal close to the Slotermeer. Moreover, the village offers a pension situated at the canal and many B&Bs placed within Balk.
In regard to activities, the endearing village has a variety to offer: You can rent bicycles to fiets around the village or in the nearby forest. Apart from this, you also have the possibility to rent boats and paddle on the canal Luts to the lake Slotermeer. Furthermore, there is the opportunity to sail on the lake and to have a refreshing swim in the just 1,20m deep water.
In winter, Balk is part of one immense event taking place in Friesland: The Elfstedentocht. Up to 17000 ice-skaters follow this tour which leads through the eleven historical cities of Friesland and of course Balk. Attracting approximately 1,5 million visitors this event should not be missed.
Therefore, this charismatic and pleasant village has a variety of activities and accommodations to offer which will satisfy all and sundry but especially seniors, families and nature lovers!
For further information call: 0513 – 415378 or 0519 – 220739 or else visit the website http://www.frieslandwonderland.nl
Colofon
Uitgeverij: NoordBoek - Auteur: Peter Karstkarel
