Heeg lies on the Heegermeer and is a lively watersports village. You can rent sailboats and sloops, among other things. There are also different sides to discover away from the water: a nature area on the edge of the village, a village walk and a church quarter with its own Frisian name. During your stay, you can therefore choose between water activities, walks and local history.
Water Sports and Routes in Heeg
The 7.7-kilometre “Rondje poelen Heeg” SUP and canoe route starts in the centre of Heeg, near various rental businesses. This makes it possible to plan the trip as a water route, while the self-guided Dorpskuier takes you on foot through the village: it is 2.5 kilometres long and starts at the visitor centre. The different distances offer an initial guide for planning; at the same time, a SUP or canoe trip and a walking tour are different ways to explore Heeg.
Another option on the water is the Skûtsje Aleida Hendrika. It operates seasonally as a sailing ferry across the Heegermeer and the Slotermeer; bicycles can be carried in the hold. Depending on the option you choose, 18- or 28-kilometre cycling routes are provided for the return journey to Heeg or Balk. If you plan this combination, check the ferry timetable in advance.
From April to September, groups can sail aboard a traditional Frisian yacht. Groups consist of a minimum of four and a maximum of seven people; guests are welcome to take an active part in sailing and steering. The sailing trip, the ferry connection followed by a cycling route, and the SUP or canoe route differ both in how you travel and in the nature of the activity. This can help you decide which water experience best suits your planned stay.
Nature at Heempark
On the edge of Heeg lies the 12-hectare Heempark Heeg, a nature area where visitors can go for walks. The park includes an orchard, a sand martin wall, an underwater observation hut and an apiary. The different features bring a range of nature themes together and give your walk a distinct focus. If you would like to spend time walking as well as enjoying water sports, this is another way to experience the area around Heeg.
Church, Architecture and Local History
Haghakerk stands on a small mound in the centre of the early medieval water village. A cemetery and the picturesque church quarter surround it; in Frisian, this quarter is called “tsjerkebuorren”. The church, mound and neighbourhood form a cohesive village scene. If you are interested in Heeg’s history and architecture, you can combine a visit to this area with other cultural attractions in the village.
Villa Romsicht is also known as “Ruim Zicht” and colloquially as “De Villa”. The heritage building was designed by architect W. Z. de Jong of Sneek in the eclectic style, with Art Nouveau decorations. Korneliske Ykes II offers another historic link to the water: the ship is a reconstruction of the old eel smacks and is moored in the centre of Heeg. The villa and the ship offer different points of interest: architecture on the one hand and maritime history on the other.
Heechspanning is an annual festival in Heeg. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant year. For information about history, culture, water sports and leisure activities in Heeg and Waterland van Friesland, contact the visitor centre and tourist information office in Heeg. If a visit is part of your plans, check the current opening hours in advance.
Choosing activities is a useful starting point for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Koudum, Workum, Uitwellingerga, Westhem, Makkum, Sneek, Wons, Parrega.
For the wider travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.
