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Rond het Tjeukemeer
"Netherlands polder lands": if that expression is applicable anywhere, then it is in the area south and west of Lake Tjeukemeer. The Lemster Polders, the Veenpolder van Echten, the Veenpolder van Delfstrahuizen: it is all very practical and well-arranged. Everywhere in this area, after the peat extractions was finished in the area, the land was pumped dry and neatly cultivated. Anyone who would draw the conclusion that the results would be a dull, unimaginative landscape is wrong! The largest lake in Friesland and the flat and empty land, with here and there a tree girth, a windmill, a church tower, a farm or an old dike: that combination results in a landscape with a monumental allure. Here, "less is more"!
There is a beautiful legend about the creation of Lake Tjeukemeer. On the south bank of the lake, near Echten, there is a statue of the main characters, Tsjûke and March. Here is also the former steam pumping station from 1913, which was supposed to keep the Polder van Echten dry.
The lake is connected via the Pier Christiaansloot with the rivers and canals in Southeast Friesland and the lakes in Northwest of the province of Overijssel. And both the rest of the Frisian Lake District and the IJsselmeer can be reached conveniently via the Follegasloot. The Tjeukemeer itself offers excellent opportunities for sailing, surfing, swimming, and fishing. Along the banks are marinas, boat ramps, beaches, campsites, hotels and group accommodations. Water sports enthusiasts looking for (more) peace and quiet can moor at the berths that De Marrekrite has realized on the shores of the recently developed artificial islands in the lake.
Those who prefer more livelyness can visit the bustling tourist center of Lemmer. The urban allure of this large village is the result of the important trade and port function it had in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Later, a flourishing fishery developed in the village as an alternative to the declining peat excavation in the area. Fish smokers produced the famous ’Lemster Bokking’, among other local fish related delicacies. Nowadays "Lemster Bokking" is also the name of a prize that is awarded once every two years to a person or institution that has made a special commitment to the characteristic or historic village preservation. And the ’Lemster Bokking Race’ is held annually, a sailing competition for various types of boats. Another very spectacular sailing event is, of course, the famous Skûtsjesilen. Every year the SKS and the IFKS organize several races at the end of July and the beginning of August on the IJsselmeer and the Tjeukemeer.
But Lemmer and Lemsterland is more than just water sports: real land rot is also very suitable in this area. For example, you can take a very interesting village walk in Lemmer. A visit to the Diving Museum is also worthwhile. The history of Lemmer and the surrounding area is depicted in Streekmuseum / Oudheidkamer "Lemster Fiifgea".
Of course in the description of Lemmer the "Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal" can not be omitted. The largest working steam pumping station in the world awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Not to be missed when you are in the area!
Cyclists can indulge themselves in the area thanks to the Fietsroutenetwerk Zuidwest Friesland (Southwest Friesland Cycling Route Network). This is formed by a system of route related nodes, on the basis of which you can compile your own route. Many of the connections that make up the network are also accessible to motorcycles. If you are not just a fan of motorcycling, but also old motorcycles, then the Indian Motor Museum in Lemmer is a wonderful opportunity.
No matter which way you travel, this area will pleasantly surprise you. The vast landscape, the beautiful views, the impressive cloudy skies; the many monumental farms, the windmills, the churches, and the so-called bell seats; and last but not least nature: Lake Tjeukemeer and the surrounding natural areas are a paradise for many species of water and meadow birds. In addition, in a number of scattered plots of reed land in the Echtenerfeanpolder there is a rare flora and fauna. All combined, it forms a wonderful backdrop for your stay.
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FrieslandWonderland
