Heeg: Heegermeer, Nature and Local History

Heeg is situated on the Heegermeer and is a lively water sports village. This combination of water-based experiences, natural surroundings and Frisian local history gives your trip several possible focuses. Those who want to combine days on the Heegermeer, in Heempark and along the Dorpskuier will find specific routes and stops for this in the village.

Between the Heegermeer and the nature reserve

Heempark Heeg is located on the edge of Heeg. This 12-hectare nature reserve is open to visitors for walks. The Heempark includes an orchard, a sand martin wall, an underwater observation hut and a bee stand. These specific stops give a stay an observational dimension: during a walk, visitors can discover different elements of the nature reserve one after another.

Water sports on the Heegermeer

The 7.7-kilometre SUP and canoe route “Rondje poelen Heeg” starts in the centre of Heeg, where several rental companies are located. Sailboats and sloops can also be rented in the village. The Korneliske Ykes II is a reconstruction of the old Palingaken and is moored in the centre of Heeg. At 7.7 kilometres, the route has a clearly defined length for planning a day on the water.

Discover Frisian local history on foot

The 2.5-kilometre Dorpskuier starts at the visitor centre in Heeg. At 2.5 kilometres, the village walk has a clearly defined length for planning a day on foot. The Haghakerk Heeg stands on a small terp in the centre of the early medieval water village. The church is surrounded by a cemetery and a picturesque church quarter known in Frisian as “tsjerkebuorren”. Villa Romsicht is also part of the village scene. It is also known as “Ruim Zicht” and colloquially as “De Villa”. The building is a cultural heritage site in Heeg and was designed by the architect W. Z. de Jong from Sneek in the eclectic style with Art Nouveau decorations.

Information, festival and sailing along

The visitor centre and Heeg tourist information office provide information about history, culture, water sports and leisure activities in Heeg and Waterland van Friesland. Heechspanning takes place annually in Heeg. From April to September, you can sail along on a traditional Frisian yacht. Groups consist of at least four and at most seven people; guests may actively sail along and steer. The period from April to September clearly defines the timeframe for this water-based activity.

Travelling by Skûtsje and bicycle

The Skûtsje Aleida Hendrika operates as a sailing ferry across the Heegermeer and the Slotermeer. Bicycles can be taken in the hold. Afterwards, depending on the option, cycling routes of either 18 or 28 kilometres are provided for the return journey to Heeg or Balk. The two route lengths provide a clear planning framework for the return journey. Heeg therefore offers both short discoveries in the village and combined water and cycling experiences with a return journey to Heeg or Balk.

More places to discover:Westhem, Gaast, Workum, Ijlst, Hindeloopen, Sneek, Bolsward and Offingawier.

For the overarching travel overview: Súdwest Fryslân.