Rottevalle offers a variety of reasons to visit: the nature area of De Leijen puts the lake and outdoor activities at the forefront, while historic trails, the church and traces of the harbor reveal other sides of the village. You can focus on nature, waterways or village history and tailor your stay to your interests.
Nature at De Leijen
De Leijen is a nature area with a lake, islands and surrounding nature to explore. In the area, you can watch birds, swim, go stand-up paddleboarding, surf or take a boat out. For activities on land, you can use the Laarzenpad or cycle a loop around the lake. The options vary considerably: birdwatching, water activities and two options on land offer different ways to spend your time in the nature area. You can choose whether you would rather explore the lake by bike, follow a trail or focus on one of the water activities.
Walking trail and landscape
Rottevalle is located in Nationaal Landschap de Noardlike Fryske Wâlden. The historic Mûntsegroppe also adds a distinct cultural dimension to walking: Rottevalle lies on this straight walking trail, which connects Olijfberg Monastery in Veenklooster with the monastery in Smalle Ee. The name Mûntsegroppe already appears on maps from 1540. The trail’s history therefore includes both a name documented over a long period and the connection between the two monastery sites. The Mûntsegroppe offers a different focus from the cycling loop around De Leijen: here, the emphasis is on a historic walking trail and its named endpoints.
A distinct connection to the water
Beyond the nature area, another connection to the water is via the Lits. The marina on the Lits connects Rottevalle directly to the Lits-Lauwersmeerroute. This offers two different perspectives: at De Leijen, the focus is on activities in a nature area with a lake and islands; at the marina, it is on the connection to the named water route. If you want to connect Rottevalle with the theme of water, you can consider these as different aspects of your stay rather than treating them as a set itinerary.
Church and concert dates
The Doarpstsjerke in Rottevalle was built in 1724. It is home to a Van Dam organ from 1863, which comes from the Schipperskerk in Leeuwarden. The church hosts concerts on Sunday afternoons four to six times a year. The musical program ranges from classical music such as Bach to more modern singer-songwriters. Individual dates may change, so check when a concert is scheduled before your trip. These recurring events add a specific musical reason to visit to the church’s architectural and organ history.
Traces of local history
The history of the Lits is still visible in the village, too. The river was rerouted around Rottevalle in 1956; during the work, part of the harbor was filled in, and it is still easy to make out today. The peat trade brought two centuries of economic activity to Rottevalle and came to an end around 1800. These two details refer to different periods in the village’s history: the peat trade ended around 1800, and the Lits was rerouted in 1956. In the heart of Rottevalle also stands the monumental Herberg van Smallingerland, dating from 1791. These dates and buildings offer several specific ways to get to know Rottevalle through its history as well as its nature and water-based attractions.
Discover more destinations: Houtigehage, Oudega Gem Smallingerlnd, De Veenhoop, Goëngahuizen, Drachten, Oudega, De Tike
For the regional travel overview: Smallingerland.
