Noardlike Fryske Wâlden: Icon Landscape of the Netherlands

Summary

In 2025, the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden were designated as an Icon Landscape of the Netherlands. This unique and centuries-old cultural landscape in the east of Friesland is famous for its elms, hedgerows, and mysterious pingo ruins. The designation highlights the special connection between people and nature, which has existed here for generations. According to Sytze from Friesland Holland Travel, this landscape is a must-see for hikers, cyclists, and drivers looking for a blend of peace, nature, and culture in one experience.

The Noardlike Fryske Wâlden were officially designated as an Icon Landscape of the Netherlands in 2025. A special honor for one of the most characteristic and authentic cultural landscapes in Friesland. At Friesland Holland Travel, the travel agency for holidays in Friesland, you can now experience this unique area through specially curated hiking, cycling, and car tours, all as comfortable packages with luggage transport.

National recognition for an ancient cultural landscape

On Friday, October 3, the prestigious title of “Icon Landscape” was awarded during a festive ceremony at the Hooihuis in Kootstertille. Ids Hellinga, chairman of the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden Association, received the award from the Association of Dutch Cultural Landscapes (VNC).

The Noardlike Fryske Wâlden is an ancient cultural landscape in eastern Friesland, characterized by elms, hedgerows, pingo ruins, and a historic land consolidation structure. The area is considered one of the best-preserved cultural landscapes in the Netherlands, showcasing how people and nature have coexisted in harmony here for generations.

According to the VNC, the designation highlights the importance of conserving, carefully maintaining, and further developing this unique landscape.

A living landscape, actively maintained

During the event, representatives from the VNC, the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden Association, local organizations, farmers, and residents came together. After the official announcement, a demonstration was held in the field at farmer Jappie Hooisma’s land, showing how traditional maintenance of the hedgerows is carried out in practice. This was a powerful example of how the landscape is not only protected but also actively managed.

With this designation, the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden has become the eighth Icon Landscape of the Netherlands, joining other areas such as South Limburg, the Achterhoek, and Texel.

Experience the icon landscape with Friesland Holland Travel

At Friesland Holland Travel, the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden is a central feature of various tour packages. As a specialist in holidays in Friesland, the agency offers:

• Multi-day hiking tours through the heart of the Fryske Wâlden

• Cycling tours, with large sections of the route passing through this iconic landscape

• Car tours, with carefully selected routes through villages, nature, and culture

All packages are available with luggage transport, comfortable accommodations, and clear route descriptions, allowing you to enjoy the landscape at your own pace and in complete relaxation.

Sytze: “This landscape tells the story of Friesland”

According to Sytze of Friesland Holland Travel, a Friesland expert and local connoisseur, the recognition is well-deserved:

“The Noardlike Fryske Wâlden tell the story of how the Frisians have worked with their environment for centuries. When you walk or cycle here, you don’t see an artificial nature reserve, but a living landscape. That makes it so special, and rightly so, an Icon Landscape.”

Book your route through the icon Landscape

Would you like to experience for yourself why the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden were designated as an Icon Landscape of the Netherlands? Then Friesland Holland Travel is the perfect place for you. The hiking, cycling, and car tours can be booked individually or as fully organized packages.

Booking and Information
The tours can be directly booked through Friesland Holland Travel, or tailored to your specific preferences.

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