THE GREIDHOEK:
DISCOVER THE GREEN HEART OF FRIESLAND
A UNIQUE PIECE OF FRIESLAND
The Greidhoek, also known as the Kleiweidestreek, is a special area in the southwest of Friesland. Situated between the historic cities of Leeuwarden, Franeker, Bolsward and Sneek, this region forms a green heart of the province.
The 'Greide Hoeke'
The name 'Greidhoek' is derived from the Frisian word 'greide', meaning grassland, and 'hoeke', meaning corner or area. This fertile land, once the bottom of an ancient sea, is now a vast pasture landscape dotted with characteristic terp villages.
NATURE AND REGION: A PARADISE FOR MEADOW BIRDS
The Greidhoek is located in the heart of Friesland and is a unique area. This was once the bottom of an ancient sea. The area is characterized by endless meadows and flowery grasslands. The Greidhoeke is known for its vast, wet grasslands full of flowers, which form a perfect breeding ground for countless meadow birds. In the spring, the area comes to life with the sounds of black-tailed godwits, lapwings and other birds. Visitors can also enjoy the rich flora and fauna here, including insects that contribute to biodiversity.
Nature reserves
Natuurmonumenten manages some of the most important meadow bird areas in Friesland, including Skrok, Skrins and the Lionserpolder. These meadow bird areas are important breeding grounds for many birds, especially in the spring. Bird lovers can indulge themselves in the various birdwatching huts that can be found spread throughout the area.
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These nature reserves, with their herb-rich ditch land, form a stark contrast to the intensively used agricultural land elsewhere in the region.
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VILLAGES AND TOWNS: PEARLS IN THE REGION
The Greidhoek is home to a range of charming villages and historic towns. You will find old pubs, monumental churches and picturesque streets. Húns, where our holiday home is located, is a typical example of a Frisian terp village. The beautiful Easterlittens, located on the Franekervaart, is known for its characteristic church and cozy village center. Wommels, the largest village in the region, offers various facilities and is the starting point of the popular Swalkroute.
The surrounding towns of Leeuwarden, Franeker, Bolsward, Sneek and Harlingen are all pearls of Frisian culture and history, each with their own unique character and sights.
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RECREATION AND ACTIVITIES: ENJOY THE FRIESIAN COUNTRYSIDE
Cycle routes meander through the vast area past terp villages and historical sights. Hikers can enjoy routes such as the Swalkroute near Wommels. For water sports enthusiasts there are opportunities for sailing and fishing. The region has several marinas.
Cycling routes
The region is a paradise for those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers. And offers countless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Cycling enthusiasts can indulge themselves on the many cycle routes that lead past meadows and through picturesque villages, with wonderfully wide views along the way. The Swalkroute Wommels is a popular cycle route that takes you past the most beautiful spots in the region.
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Walking routes
The region offers beautiful hiking areas and routes that welcome all curious hikers. Walk through the vast meadows, along picturesque ditches and traditional Frisian farms. The Slachtedijk hiking trail is highly recommended. This old dike path offers a beautiful view over the green meadows. For a village walk, Jorwerd is a must, with its charming streets and historic church. In addition, there are many other paths that take you through small, cozy villages and the open Frisian area. Put on your hiking boots and discover this green area!
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Sailing in the Greidhoek: a pleasure on the water
Sailing in this area is a great experience. The region has numerous waterways and canals to explore and several transit ports for a stopover. Here you glide quietly through the area, past green pastures and authentic Frisian villages.
Our tips for sailing and boating in Friesland:
De Dille: unique resting place
De Dille is a cozy resting place in the middle of nature. Here you can enjoy delicious coffee, home-baked treats and a relaxed atmosphere. The children can play while you relax. The hospitable owners make your visit extra special. Perfect for a break during your walk or bike ride!
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The Dill 3 in Easterwierum
Fishing and swimming in the Greidhoek
In the region there are also fish-rich waterways where you can cast a line. Or take a nice dip in one of the many swimming spots. Campers will find beautiful campsites and mini-campsites in the region, often located on farms with sheltered, spacious places.
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A RICH PAST: FROM SEA TO MEADOWLAND
The area is closely linked to the battle against the water. In the past, the sea flowed here. About 2,500 years ago, the first inhabitants started to build mounds as protection against flooding. These artificial hills, on which churches and villages were built, are still characteristic of the area. Proof of the centuries-old habitation of the area.
Read more about the mounds in Friesland:
The Westergo: a vanished sea
The region is part of the historical Westergo and falls largely within the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân. The southern part even belongs to the National Landscape Southwest Fryslân, which underlines the special value of this area.
The Slachtedijk
The Slachtedijk, a 42-kilometre-long sea dike that rises some 1.5 metres above the surrounding land, is a tangible remnant of this centuries-old battle. Nowadays, the famous Slachte Marathon is organised here every four years, a unique sporting event that keeps the history of the area alive.
Geert Mak's "Hoe God verdween uit Jorwerd": an in-depth look at the Greidhoek
Geert Mak's famous book "How God disappeared from Jorwerd" brings the Greidhoek region to life in a unique way. The book focuses specifically on the village of Jorwerd, located in the Greidhoek, and sheds light on the profound changes in rural life in Friesland.
Jorwerd as a microcosm of change
In "Hoe God verdwenen uit Jorwerd" Geert Mak uses Jorwerd as a microcosm to illustrate broader societal developments. He describes how traditional lifestyles and community structures transformed over the course of the 20th century, with a gradual decline in the role of religion and agriculture in village life. This makes the book not just a story about one village, but also a valuable case study for the entire region.
Characteristic elements of the Greidhoek in Geert Mak's book
Although the book focuses specifically on Jorwerd, it offers a broader picture of the Greidhoek. The author highlights characteristic elements of the area, such as the vast meadows, traditional Frisian farms, the strong sense of community in small villages, and the changing role of agriculture in the region. These descriptions help readers appreciate the cultural and natural wealth of the region.
'Hoe God Verdween uit Jorwerd': importance for cultural and social understanding
Mak's method of telling the story of an entire region through the lens of one village makes "How God Disappeared from Jorwerd" an important work for anyone seeking to understand the cultural and social history of the Greidhoek. By documenting the changes in Jorwerd, Mak paints a broader picture of the transformations that Friesland and similar rural areas have undergone.
FRIESIAN DAIRY INDUSTRY: A TASTY PIECE OF HISTORY
The fertile meadows of Greidhoek formed the basis for the flourishing Frisian dairy industry. In Wommels you can discover the whole story in Museum It Tsiispakhûs, a museum dedicated to the history of cheese production in the region.
The old cheese warehouse It Tsiispakhûs is a reminder of the time when the region was a cheese centre. Here you can learn how the Frisian dairy industry emerged and developed into an important economic pillar. The tradition of cheese making is still alive in Greidhoek, and visitors can taste locally produced cheese and other dairy products in various places.
Discover more museums in Friesland? Look here:
STAY IN THE GREIDHOEK: OUR HOLIDAY HOME IN HUNS
Our holiday home in Húns is the perfect base to explore the region. Situated in a quiet terp village, the house offers all the comfort for a relaxing stay. From Huns you can take endless walks through the meadows, go on bike rides along historical routes, or simply enjoy the peace and space that the area has to offer. After a day full of activities, it is wonderful to come home to our atmospheric holiday home, where you can enjoy all the impressions that this special region has made on you.
Book your stay in our holiday home now and be surprised by the beauty and diversity of the Greidhoek!
