Oldemarkt, Scherpenzeel, Echten

The Netherlands is a real country of water and you will notice this when you head into the countryside around Scherpenzeel in Friesland. Everywhere you find ditches, marshy meadows and little lakes. These ponds are a source of flora and fauna. For instance, the ditches are full of frogs and the lapwing enjoys wet feet in the meadow.

Here in the far north of the Netherlands, you can feast your eyes. The flat landscape allows you to see far into the polder and cycle through a patchwork of greenery. The small farming villages remind you of days gone by; big cities no longer seem to exist.

You cycle through the Weerribben in Friesland to the edge of the Tjeukemeer, where you enjoy beautiful views and enthusiastic water sports enthusiasts. Hop off along the way at one of the bird-watching huts or look out over the area at a viewpoint. Nature is overwhelmingly beautiful here, so take your time and make a day of it.

Via the winding river Lende, the junctions take you from one village to another. Be surprised by Friesland's polder landscape.