Duinmeertje van Hee is characteristic of Hee. The Arjensduin viewpoint in the Hee district and De Kooibosjes near the village add two more nature highlights. The lake combines seasonal swimming with a stand-up paddleboarding option, Arjensduin offers views over dunes and campsites, and De Kooibosjes features a rare landscape type. Their focus therefore differs: water, views and a distinctive landscape.
Swimming at Duinmeertje: season and water status
Duinmeertje van Hee was formed in 1962 when sand was needed to raise the dike. This origin gives the distinctive body of water a historical connection alongside its role as a swimming spot. For 2026, Duinmeertje is included in the official Frisian list of bathing waters; the bathing season runs from 1 May to 31 October 2026. For later years, check the dates in effect at the time.
Zwemwater.nl lists the lake as a swimming spot. On 28 August 2026, the site showed the water quality status as “goed” (“good”). Check the current status again before swimming. Stand-up paddleboarding is also taught at Duinmeertje van Hee; check in advance whether it is available on your travel dates.
Arjensduin: views and landscape history
Arjensduin is in the Hee district, near Camping De Kooi. From the viewpoint, you can see across the dunes of Terschelling, Duinmeertje van Hee and the surrounding campsites. The summit can be reached by stairs. At the foot of the dune, there is a bicycle rack on Heester Kooiweg. These two details identify different landmarks at Arjensduin: the access to the viewpoint at the top and the bicycle rack at the bottom.
The vegetation also tells a story of change. In 1930, it was decided to plant trees on and around Arjensduin to prevent sand drift. The trees have since been felled, and marram grass now grows on the dune. The 1930 decision and the vegetation today make the history of the landscape a second theme alongside the views.
De Kooibosjes and cycling routes on Terschelling
De Kooibosjes is near the village of Hee and is managed by Staatsbosbeheer. It is the only remaining area on Terschelling with so-called “mieden.” Along the cycle path, it lies just beyond Camping De Kooi on the right. Unlike at Arjensduin, the focus here is not on the viewpoint but on the rare landscape type. The two nature spots therefore have different focuses: views and landscape history at Arjensduin, and the distinctive landscape type at De Kooibosjes.
The cycle paths broaden these specific destinations into an island-wide perspective. Terschelling has more than 30 kilometres of cycle paths through forests and dunes. This figure applies to the island as a whole, not to a single route near any one of the places mentioned. If you are planning a cycling trip, check the latest route information for your specific route.
For the broader travel overview: Terschelling.
