Warten: Nature, Waterways and Village History

Warten forms a natural transition between the open moorland and the waters of De Alde Feanen. The landscape, waterways and village history offer different focuses for your stay. When planning your visit, you can first decide whether nature, water-based activities or historic buildings are your priority.

Land Between Moorland and Water

Nearby, the Langdeel serves as a waterway connecting Leeuwarden and Warten. The It Wyldlân bird-watching hut is in a nature area with ponds and lakes created by peat extraction. This brings together different landscape perspectives: the Langdeel as a connection and a waterscape shaped by peat extraction. The Rondje Warten route starts at Hellingpaed 11 in Warten; this specific starting point can provide a local anchor for your route planning.

Village History and Buildings

Warten developed on the banks of the small river Ald Djip; part of it remains on the northeastern side of the village. Access in the past was also closely tied to the water: Warten could once be reached only by water. The road to Grou was not completed until 1953.

It Earmhûs was built in 1893 as a poorhouse, commissioned by the church council’s diaconate. In 1975, it became a village museum by and in Warten. The story of Sytze and Maaike, a hermit couple from De Alde Feanen, is also told there. The house thus connects its former social role with a story about the hermit couple.

Another building with a recorded date is the Oud Friese Greidboerderij: built in 1725, it is a Rijksmonument and has been fully restored in keeping with its original style. Warten’s church was put into use in 1780, after an old, dilapidated church was demolished in 1779. Its stained-glass windows were also made in 1780 by Sneek glazier Ype Staak (1707–1808).

The De Ikkers windmill originally dates from the 18th century. In 1970, it was moved to its present location and restored. Warten has long had a good reputation for shipbuilding. Together with the history of the Ald Djip and the village’s former water-only access, this forms a maritime focus that extends beyond a single building.

Harbour, Ferry and Boat Trips

Jachthaven Wartena has 600 berths in Warten for sailing boats, motorboats, cabin sailing boats and sloops. Capacity may change; check current availability if a berth is important to your plans.

The De Oerhaal solar-powered ferry takes visitors from the harbour across the Prinses Margrietkanaal to the other side. From there, you can continue by bike or on foot to De Alde Feanen National Park. The ferry operates seasonally; check its schedule for your travel dates.

Museum Warten offers an almost two-hour trip through De Alde Feanen National Park on an old farm barge. The trip departs from It Earmhûs, Hellingpaad 3–9, in Warten. The offer is seasonal, so check availability before travelling.

In the wider Warten area, Greenjoy rents electric sloops for up to 10 people. They are suitable for a range of day trips and a round trip through De Alde Feanen National Park. As rental availability may change, check it before making plans.

The boat trips differ in their stated duration and format: the farm barge trip is listed as lasting almost two hours, while the electric sloops are geared towards day trips and a round trip. You can choose the option that best suits the kind of outing you want.

Discover more destinations: Akkrum, Jirnsum, Terherne, Aldeboarn, Raerd, Grou

For the wider travel overview: Boarnsterhim.