Picturesque villages and towns in the area.
Balk
Balk is the living main town of the Gaasterland area. Here you will find as many as 3 supermarkets, a shopping street and several restaurants.
Its unique location makes it a popular destination for cyclists, hikers and water sports enthusiasts. Located on the waterfront, with a cozy village center along the Luts, the village exudes a lively atmosphere, with shoppers, terrace visitors and boats passing by.
Explore Balk by land by taking advantage of the extensive bicycle and walking route network just outside of town. These routes lead you through the beautiful forests and fields of Gaasterland, offering a total of 35 km of equestrian and riding trails for enthusiasts.
Also discover Balk by water by taking a boat to the city center. You can moor along the picturesque Luts, at the marina or at the beach pavilion on Slotermeer Lake. The Luts forms a prominent part of the Elfstedenroute, where you can sail from the Slotermeer through the forests of Gaasterland to the Fluessen (Galamadammen).
Oudemirdum
Also known in Friesland as “Aldemardum. Oudemirdum forms the green heart of Gaasterland. Be surprised by the forests of Oudemirdum, the village is surrounded by forest which is still somewhat unknown to tourists, you have several hiking and biking trails to explore here. Bustling Oudemirdum offers cozy terraces on the Brink, perfect for a bite to eat and a drink. Explore the beautiful nature, including a visit to the Oudmirdumer Klif, on an unforgettable bike ride or hike through this breathtaking area. Also don’t forget to explore the surrounding villages of Rijs, Harich and Bakhuizen.
Locks
Sloten, located in gently rolling Gaasterland and known as the smallest of the Frisian Elfsteden, proves that size is not everything. The city offers a rich variety of historic buildings and modern amenities, seamlessly combining land-based activities with a wide range of recreational opportunities on the water. Here, old traditions revive while Skûtsjesilen goes hand in hand with the famous Elfstedentocht. Sloten: where history and fun come together.
Lemmer
Discover Lemmer and its enchanting surroundings, where beach, conviviality and UNESCO World Heritage come together for an unforgettable experience. Explore the rich history and enjoy the heated terraces in the bustling center of the “Vlecke” Lemmer, the ideal place for a day of relaxation. Get carried away by the stories of Lemmer on a guided walk with a VVV guide, who will take you through fishing, trade and shipping. Take a stroll along the “Battle of the Dock,” the atmospheric streets surrounding the downtown waterfront. And don’t forget to take a dip in the IJsselmeer from Lemmer’s beautiful beach. But above all, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ir. D.F. the Woudagemaal, the largest still-functioning steam pumping station in the world, an absolute must-see.
