Rijsterbos

An ancient forest

The first sight of the forest has something majestic about it. The sturdy, 250-year-old beech trees define the face of the Rijster forest. The forest was laid out as early as the 17th century as part of an estate and the trees were planted in Baroque style. That is, it was divided into lots by long straight lanes and cross paths. Over the centuries, it grew into what it is today. An estate with seemingly endless stately avenues on wonderfully undulating terrain. Where cankers of beech and pedunculate oaks impress the hiker.

Originally, this Gaasterland consisted of heathland

In the second half of the 17th century, Hiob de Wildtde bought the hilly heath land and had a country estate built there. His descendants had the purchased land reclaimed, partly into forests, partly into cornfields. They planted the oak forests for the then timber business and the trees were felled every 10 to 12 years. Since 1930, therefore, most of the forests have been transformed into upright woods in which deciduous and coniferous trees alternate.

Strolling through the Rijster forest

Strolling means walking in Frisian. The Rijsterbos is the largest forest in Gaasterland and is a beautiful forest for strolling. In this forest, you can follow the red and blue posts. For the smaller adventurers, there is a special mushroom trail. Each mushroom has an assignment, so you can learn all sorts of things about mushrooms, trees and animals. From the Rijsterbos, you can walk towards the Mirnserklif, from where you have a beautiful view of the IJsselmeer. Mirnserklif is a beach and popular among kite surfers, kite flyers and beach visitors. You can also go here for a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the view.