Top 14 Natural Monuments around Smallingerland
Best natural monuments around Smallingerland, a municipality in the Dutch province of Friesland, feature diverse natural and historical sites. The region is characterized by wetlands, forests, and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore 14 natural monuments, offering opportunities to experience the area's landscapes and cultural history.
Best natural monuments around Smallingerland
- The most popular natural monuments is Freulevijver, a lake that is an old pingo ruin bordered by birch, beech, and mountain ash. This site was part of a…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Freulevijver
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The Blue Stone
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Pûpedobbe Pingo Ruin
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What is a Pingo Ruin?
When the climate warms, for example at the end of an ice age, a pingo is left with a …
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Lake De Leijen
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Oude Riet Observation Tower
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The Freulevijver, located in the Oude Bos between Wijnjewoude and Bakkeveen, is an idyllic and historic place. The forest was created around 1880 by the noble family Lycklama à Nijeholt as a private park and production forest. The pond was created by a dike breach of the nearby Koningdiep, and was enlarged around 1900 by Jonkvrouw Eritia Lycklama à Nijeholt. Although the original tea house and boathouse have disappeared, the location remains a beautiful spot for a picnic, with a natural gazebo that is reminiscent of the former charm of the place.
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Beautiful stream valley with a great history, as can be read on the sign at the lookout tower. At the tower and the bridge there is a great picnic table.
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The Oude Riet nature reserve is located between Boerakker and Noordwijk. Between 1811 and 1990 this was the border between Oldehove and Zuidhorn. Today it is a nature reserve where many birds live. Many geese can be found in the meadows and a large heron is occasionally spotted. There is a lookout tower on the Roordaweg.
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Lovely place to rest for a while, especially when the rhododendron is in bloom
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De Leijen (Frisian and officially: De Leien) is a lake in the province of Friesland (Netherlands), located between Oostermeer (Eastermar) and Opeinde (De Pein). It was created by peat mining and is therefore shallow in many places. A canal runs through the lake, connecting the Opeindervaart with Opeinde on the Lits to Eastermar and Rottevalle (De Rottefalle). On the east side of the lake there is a beach with catering and camping. The lake and its shores mostly belong to the Staatsbosbeheer. De Leijen is known as a nature reserve with many special bird colonies. It gave a boost to tourism on and around Leijen. The nature reserve is increasingly being converted into a recreational lake. However, due to the many islands, sandbanks and shipping canals, the lake is less suitable for sailors and windsurfers. Very beautiful nature and cycle paths.
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The Blue Stone is located exactly on the border of Oudega and Nijega, east of the bridge in Nijega. The map of Smallingerland, dated 1664, is located east of Oudega, referred to as the "Blue Stone". This stone has been in the southern berm of Aldegeasterdyk since 1664, a stone like so many stones. Nothing distinguishes this stone from other similar stones or stones. Not the shape, not the size, but the many scratches and ink around the stone in all directions attract attention. The depth of these colorings is deeper than normal, evoking not glacial scraping, but also chisels and human dishes, as stated in 'Smellingera country', the history book published in 1944. That a cartographer also recorded the blue stone, along with specialties such as churches, monasteries and ducks, is a secret. The blue stone probably had an important place in the lives or thoughts of the Oudega people.
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The freule pond was created after a dike breach in nearby Koningsdiep. Maid E.E.R. Lycklama à Nijeholt had this 'wheel' enlarged around 1890. A tea house and a boat house were built along the shore, so that you could picnic and sail. Since then, the pond has been known as Freulevijver by the locals. The gazebo stands on the site of the former tea dome.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural features to explore in Smallingerland?
Smallingerland is known for its diverse natural features, including expansive wetlands, unique geological formations like pingo ruins, and historical stones. You can explore the vast peatland marsh of De Alde Feanen National Park, or visit the Freulevijver, an old pingo ruin nestled in a forest.
Are there any historical natural monuments in Smallingerland?
Yes, Smallingerland features natural monuments with historical significance. The Blue Stone, for instance, is a natural monument marked on maps as early as 1664, serving as a historical boundary marker. Its surface bears deep scratches, believed to be glacial, adding to its ancient appeal.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see at the natural monuments?
The natural monuments in Smallingerland are rich in biodiversity. De Alde Feanen National Park is a haven for over 100 species of breeding birds, including grebes, cormorants, blue herons, and even bald eagles. The Lake De Leijen is also known as a nature reserve with many special bird colonies, and the Oude Riet Observation Tower offers views over a reserve where geese and herons are often spotted.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the area?
Many natural monuments in Smallingerland are suitable for families. The Freulevijver, The Blue Stone, Pûpedobbe Pingo Ruin, Lake De Leijen, and the Oude Riet Observation Tower are all considered family-friendly, offering accessible natural experiences.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
Smallingerland offers a variety of outdoor activities near its natural monuments. You can enjoy cycling, running, or mountain biking. For cycling, explore routes like 'Friesland's second city: cycling around Smallingerland' or the 'Bridge – De Alde Feanen National Park loop'. Runners can try the 'Passantenhaven loop from Drachten', and mountain bikers might enjoy the 'Eastermar Observation Tower – Wooden Footbridge Over Stream loop'. Find more routes in the Cycling around Smallingerland, Running Trails around Smallingerland, and MTB Trails around Smallingerland guides.
What is the best time to visit the natural monuments in Smallingerland?
The natural monuments in Smallingerland can be enjoyed year-round. De Alde Feanen National Park is popular for sailing in the summer and ice skating in the winter, showcasing its versatility. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with vibrant flora and fauna.
Are there any hidden gems among Smallingerland's natural monuments?
While many natural monuments are well-known, The Blue Stone is often considered a 'hidden gem' in Smallingerland. Despite its seemingly ordinary appearance, its historical significance as a boundary marker and the folklore surrounding its glacial scratches make it a fascinating, less-traveled spot.
Can I go boating or kayaking at any of the natural monuments?
Yes, De Alde Feanen National Park is particularly well-suited for water activities. You can explore its intricate network of waterways by boat, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. Electric whisper boat excursions are also available, offering a peaceful way to access beautiful spots within the park.
What makes the Pûpedobbe Pingo Ruin interesting?
The Pûpedobbe Pingo Ruin is a fascinating geological feature. Pingo ruins are circular lakes or craters left behind when the ice core of a pingo (an ice-cored hill) melts. These sites are valuable to geologists as climate archives, as the peat that fills them over millennia contains pollen and seeds that can reconstruct past climates.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Smallingerland?
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscapes and the blend of nature and cultural history. Many enjoy the idyllic picnic spots like the natural gazebo at Freulevijver, the beautiful views from the Oude Riet Observation Tower, and the peaceful cycling paths around Lake De Leijen. The opportunity for wildlife spotting, especially birds, is also a major draw.
Are there any viewpoints to get a good overview of the natural areas?
Yes, the Oude Riet Observation Tower provides excellent views over the Oude Riet nature reserve, allowing you to observe the landscape and its birdlife. De Alde Feanen National Park also features numerous bird-watching huts and observation towers for panoramic views of the wetlands.
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