Harich: Church and Woodland Landscape

In Harich, the church and the Harichsterbos to the south represent two distinct focal points: architectural history and woodland landscape. Wyldemerk offers nature and water-related activities, while Manege Gaasterland is all about horse riding. This makes it easy to choose which places to visit based on the interests that matter to you during your stay.

The Church of Harich: Architectural History and Monuments

The Church of Harich dates from the 12th century. The rebuilt church was put into use in 1663. Its history therefore spans two distinct periods: the building’s early origins and the later use of the rebuilt church.

Individual details give the simply designed church its own character. On the south façade, a memorial stone decorated with eagles and cornucopias stands out. The raised churchyard is enclosed by a wall with cast-iron railings. The Van Swinderen family crypt is on the east side.

A Neoclassical tomb monument at the church consists of a white marble sarcophagus bearing inscriptions and names such as Ulbo Aylva Rengers. Together with the memorial stone and the crypt, the monument offers specific points of interest if you are interested in the architectural and family history of the area.

Harichsterbos: Avenues, Woodland Structure and Wildlife

The Harichsterbos lies south of Harich and southwest of Balk. Its features include a characteristic rabatten structure and historically significant avenues. A one-kilometre-long lime-tree avenue runs along the southwestern side of the forest. On the northeastern side, an old Tsjerkepaed runs from Harich. This means you can consider both the designed landscape and this historic path when exploring the forest.

The Harichsterbos is home to animals including roe deer, badgers and stone martens. If you are interested in wildlife, these species offer a specific focus for observing the forest’s nature. However, the information about the animals found here does not guarantee that you will see any of them.

Wyldemerk: Ponds, Dragonflies and Boating

The Wyldemerk nature area is characterised by several large pools and ponds surrounded by unspoilt, wooded countryside. From spring to late summer, up to 40 dragonfly species can be observed there. Wyldemerk is considered Europe’s first official dragonfly reserve.

At Wyldemerk, you can go boating in a sloop, canoe or small cruiser. Swimming is not one of the activities available there: Wyldemerk is not a swimming area. If you are considering wildlife watching or a boat trip during your stay, this distinction can help you plan your activities.

Manege Gaasterland: Riding Routes and Practical Considerations

Manege Gaasterland has numerous facilities for riders, horse-drawn carriage drivers and horses. Horses and ponies are not available for hire there; you can only arrive with your own horse or pony. This is important if you are considering a visit for horse riding: do not plan on renting an animal on site.

The riding centre’s large, paved car park is connected by a bridge to more than 30 kilometres of riding routes. Riding at a walk, it takes about two hours to complete the full Ruiterroute Gaasterland oost and return to the riding centre. The actual duration may vary depending on conditions and pace. The Ruiterroute Gaasterland west is also accessible to horse-drawn carriages. These details highlight different aspects of route planning: an approximate duration and return point are given for the eastern route, while the western route is noted as accessible to carriages. Facilities and route infrastructure may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Sondel, Oudemirdum, Rijs, Balk, Wijckel, Sleat.

For the wider travel overview: Gaasterlân-Sleat.