Discover Gaastmeer: Waterways, Eel Trade and Frisian History

Gaastmeer combines immersive water experiences with a visible village history. Around the village, routes lead across lakes, ponds and open spaces, while the Pieltsjerke on the shore of It Piel, a bay of Lake Fluessen, forms a distinctive cultural landmark. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Gaastmeer, it is therefore worth considering what kind of trip you want: Would you like to explore the waterways, discover traces of history, go hiking or get to know Frisian specialities?

Waterways for active days

A particularly manageable way to experience Gaastmeer from the water is the 3.8-kilometre “Rondje Gaastmeer” route. It is designated as a SUP and canoe route, providing a specific option for an active outing. In the surrounding area, sailing, canoeing and sloep boat trips are also possible across numerous lakes and ponds. These include Gaastmeer, Heegermeer and the Fluessen. There are also suitable spots for sport fishing on the waters around the village.

Those travelling with a larger group can take a day sailing trip from Gaastmeer on the Dageraad. Evening sailing trips are also possible with the Dageraad, allowing you to experience time on the water differently from a daytime excursion. This difference may be important when choosing your accommodation: A holiday apartment is particularly suitable as a base if you want to combine various water activities without committing your entire stay to a single route.

Routes, ferry and maritime orientation

The Pontjeroute Gaastmeer starts and ends in Gaastmeer. Along the way, it passes stelpbau farms, offering an impression of the regional landscape in addition to the waterways. The “Gaastmeer–Heeg” walking route runs along lakes, ponds and open, expansive areas. Part of the route follows unpaved paths and passes through pastureland; waterproof footwear is recommended. This is practical information for planning your day, especially if you would like to explore on foot as well as go canoeing.

There is a ferry on the Yntemasloot, forming part of the walking and cycling path between Gaastmeer and It Heidenskip. For boat trips, the section along the Yntemasleat of the “Tour Gaastmeer” route is also interesting: it is suitable for boats with a draught of up to 1.9 metres. On the edge of Gaastmeer, Waterrecreatie Syperda has a small marina with permanent berths and visitor berths.

Pieltsjerke and the history of the eel trade

The Pieltsjerke stands on the shore of It Piel. Its tower is visible as a distinctive landmark both from the lake and from the village. Inside, there is an oak pulpit dating from the 17th century. The church therefore offers not only a prominent point of reference for orientation, but also a specific detail for anyone interested in architectural history and historic furnishings.

Gaastmeer was the centre of the eel trade. Live eels were formerly kept and sorted in the Wijde Sloot before being shipped to London. The Visser family built the Wildschutwerf, several houses and an eel-trading office there; many of these buildings are still standing. The eel clipper “Voorwaarts” is regarded as the only surviving vessel still in operation from the famous eel trade of Heeg and Gaastmeer. Its permanent berth is at the landing stage in Gaastmeer. This allows the village’s maritime present to be connected with its former trading history.

Frisian cuisine and choosing your accommodation

Restaurant d’Ald Herberch serves fish specialities, and guests can also discover Frisian regional products there. This complements a stay that consists not only of activities, but also incorporates regional highlights through its cuisine. For families or groups who want to alternate between water activities, walks, history and food, Gaastmeer therefore offers several different ideas for a day out. When looking for a holiday apartment, focus above all on which of these interests is to be the main focus of your stay.

The same overview also includes the local pages for Indijk, Jutrijp, Oudega Gem Wymbritserad and Scharnegoutum. Gaastmeer itself is particularly appealing to travellers who want to combine waterways, Frisian history and various forms of active recreation in one trip.

For the overarching travel overview: Wymbritseradiel.