Eernewoude (Earnewâld) lies in the heart of De Alde Feanen National Park and is known as a watersports village. Those wishing to combine nature and local history will find a variety of options here: walking trails lead to birdwatching hides and observation towers, and the canoe route in the De Alde Feanen area starts in the centre. The national park can also be explored by boat.
Water and wetlands
More than 450 different plant species grow in the national park; about 425 hectares of its area is water. These figures show two distinct aspects of this natural environment: a great diversity of plants and extensive bodies of water. The It Wikelslân wetland is characterised by alder carr, reed beds, peat-cutting pits and narrow strips of land. The landscape therefore cannot be reduced to open water alone.
Several walking trails around Earnewâld lead to various birdwatching hides and observation towers. The national park information point is also in the village centre, where walking and cycling routes are available. Excursions with a nature guide from It Fryske Gea are also offered in the national park. Alongside trails for exploring independently, guided nature trips are therefore also available.
Cycling and ferry connections
The De pontjesroute is a 45-kilometre cycle route through the national park. It crosses the island of De Bird in the direction of Grou, then returns to Earnewâld via Akkrum, Pean and De Veenhoop. Four ferries are used along the way. When planning your trip, take both the route length and the ferry crossings into account; check the ferry timetables in advance. The route offers a practical way to link several places and the national park on a longer circular ride.
Another ferry connection is “Hin & Wer”: it connects pedestrians and cyclists between the village of Earnewâld and the It Wiid bungalow park and campsite. For finding your way around the water, this connection should be distinguished from the De pontjesroute. The two options serve different purposes: the route describes a cycle loop with four ferries, while “Hin & Wer” connects the specified endpoints.
Skûtsje history and local details
The Skûtsjemuseum Earnewâld is dedicated to the lives of earlier generations of Skûtsje skippers. Traditional shipbuilding crafts on display include blacksmithing and sailmaking. A replica of a wooden Skûtsje from 1861 is moored at the museum quay. Behind the museum, you can also visit an exhibition about an excavated aircraft and the story of its final flight.
De Zwaluwhaven also combines design and remembrance: the monument has 251 nesting holes, 12 of which remain closed to symbolise the number of aircraft that never returned. Two churches offer their own historical points of interest. The Nederlands Hervormde Kerk was built in 1794; its pulpit dates from 1699 and bears the coat of arms of Earnewâld. The Gereformeerde Kerk, built in 1906, has a distinctive pulpit shaped like the bow of a Skûtsje.
More things to do in different seasons
A swimming beach with a large recreation area adds another option in the village alongside the trails, museum and waterscape. In winter, Earnewâld is considered a true skating village: its sheltered, water-rich surroundings are excellent for skating on natural ice. The seasonal experiences are therefore quite distinct—from walks to birdwatching hides and cycling tours with ferry crossings to ice skating in winter.
Discover more destinations: Oostermeer, Wyns, Sumar, Aldtsjerk, Ryptsjerk, Noardburgum, Jistrum, Burgum.
Go to the broader travel overview: Tytsjerksteradiel.
