The Belvédère observation tower in Oranjewoud is 20 metres tall. Built from reinforced concrete in 1924, the tower is significant for its cultural and architectural history: it is connected with the development of recreation in Oranjewoud and its role as a viewing point. Anyone exploring the area on foot can combine this vantage point with avenues, woodland paths and other country estates.
Country estates, museums and history
The Landgoedwandeling Oranjewoud trail leads across the historic estate to the Belvédère and through stately avenues, surrounding woodland and other country estates. The “Boom tot bos Oranjewoud” route offers a different way to experience the forest: it passes through Reigersbos along avenues and winding paths. QR codes offer insights into monumental trees, special inhabitants and the functions of the forest.
De Overtuin also tells the story of the Oranjewoud estate. The park was laid out in the 17th century at the behest of Albertine Agnes van Nassau and is part of the estate grounds. De Overtuin is freely accessible via the entrance on Lindelaan; check before your visit whether a temporary closure applies. The Museum Belvédère is near the estate. It presents 20th-century and contemporary Frisian visual art in dialogue with works by related artists from the Netherlands and abroad.
Landgoed Oranjestein is a Frisian country estate dating from the 19th century, established in 1820. On guided tours, visitors learn more about the park’s design by Lucas P. Roodbaard and the family history of the Bieruma Oostings who lived there; tours can be booked year-round. The seasonal visitor experience includes two garden trails, which you can follow using wooden arrows, as well as tea in the orangery. The gardens are open to the public on Sunday afternoons during the summer months. Check current visiting hours before your visit and confirm your tour time.
Crackstate in Heerenveen was built as a residence by Johannes Sytzes Crack in 1648. It is one of Friesland’s most significant monuments. The Museum Heerenveen dedicates a biographical section to Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis, a pioneer of Dutch socialism, and also presents changing exhibitions featuring stories, art and history. Here, a striking historic building meets a museum with a changing programme.
Trails through peat bog, forest and village history
De Deelen is a nature reserve that developed from a peat extraction area. Today, open water, reeds, swamp woodland and narrow strips of grassland form a mosaic; the wetland is home to numerous bird species and also includes industrial heritage. The red walking route crosses the peat bog on wooden walkways and a floating bridge, as well as passing over fields and nutrient-poor meadows. Since walkways may be under maintenance or trails rerouted, it is worth checking the current route before setting out. A self-service chain ferry between Luinjeberd and De Deelen serves cyclists and pedestrians; check its operating status when planning your trip.
For a shorter, clearly measured trail, there is the 2.5-kilometre Rolstoelroute Ketliker Skar. It starts at the It Beekpronkje visitor centre, is paved and wheelchair accessible. Nature observations along the way range from forest to grassland; animals noted here include fallow deer and roe deer, as well as numerous bird species. Fallow deer are regularly seen in Ketliker Skar. Check trail conditions before your visit. A considerably longer option is the 16.2-kilometre “Mildam and surroundings – Wandelen langs de Turfroute” walk, which passes the Ecokathedraal.
The Ecokathedraal Mildam is a place of work where people, plants and animals interact without a fixed plan and for an unlimited period. Louis Le Roy began building it in the 1970s, and work continues to this day. Stage 10 of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad, a 19.3-kilometre route, also passes through this landscape: it is an off-road trail via Katlijk and Mildam to Oranjewoud. Comparing the distances helps you choose the length of your route without implying that the trails share a section.
Katlijk has its own stories to tell. The “De verhalen van Katlijk” walking loop shares stories about the village and its surroundings via QR codes. Peat extraction shaped the landscape here. The De Raaptepper statue commemorates an important part of the village’s history and the hard manual labour undertaken by generations of farmers. The Sint Thomaskerk dates from 1525; instead of a tower, it has a freestanding double bell frame. During the annual Sint-Thomas bell ringing around the turn of the year, the sound is said to drive away evil spirits.
Culture, sport and outdoor activities
The Oranjewoud Festival is a music festival held in the parkland of Oranjewoud near Heerenveen. Since 2012, it has taken place at cultural and cultural-historical sites in and around Oranjewoud; dates vary from one edition to the next. If you want to plan your visit around it, check the latest festival dates. For sporting activities, Thialf offers recreational skaters several ice rinks: a 400-metre rink, a 333-metre rink and a 30 Ă— 30-metre rink for the youngest skaters. The Abe Stadium Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at Abe Lenstra Stadium, including the press table and a view of the pitch from a business lounge. Check tour dates and booking options in advance.
Cyclists will also find a range of wayfinding options: the Municipality of Heerenveen has a network of walking and cycling junctions established by Marrekrite. The Doortraproute Heerenveen–Bontebok starts at the Museum Belvédère and runs from the eastern side of Heerenveen to Oranjewoud; it is suitable for tricycle users. Another named cycling route, “The Other Friesland: Heerenveen – De Deelen – Oranjewoud”, starts at TOP De Heide on the outskirts of Heerenveen.
There is a large sandy beach at Lake Heidemeer in the De Heide recreation area, where you can swim and sunbathe. Water conditions and access may vary; check the current situation before your visit. This makes it easy to put together a trip in Heerenveen and the places mentioned, combining historic discoveries, routes through varied landscapes and sporting activities to suit your interests.
Discover more destinations
Oranjewoud, Heerenveen, Oudeschoot, Súdwest Fryslân, Menameradiel, Het Bildt, Weststellingwerf, Tytsjerksteradiel
For the broader travel overview: Friesland.
