Rijs: Trails, nature watching and history

Rijs has been a tourist destination for years, visited mainly by hikers, water sports enthusiasts, horse riders and cyclists. Some stop for a drink on a terrace, while others want to visit the IJsselmeer or take a walk through the Rijsterbos. This brings together physical activity, time outdoors and places to stop for refreshments. Nature watching and historic memorial sites add further points of interest. If you are looking for a hotel in Rijs, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: a walk, watching wildlife in the forest, or exploring its history. The trails, photography hide and historical sites offer concrete points to help you make this choice.

Trails and routes

The Rysterbosk is criss-crossed by paths and trails. The Paddenstoelenroute is 1 km long and takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The length and approximate duration answer two different questions for your planning: how long is the route, and how much time should you allow for it? The route is considered accessible year-round; its hours are from sunrise to sunset. As access conditions can change, check them before your visit. The Paddenstoelenroute starts at a car park north of the Rysterbosk near Rijs.

The Blauwe route Rysterbosk is marked with blue posts and can be started at the Rijsterbos car park at Marderleane 2 in Rijs. The Kroegjesroute “De randen van het Rijsterbos” starts and ends at the It Fryske Gea car park in Rijs. When choosing, you can consider whether a time frame, trail markers, or a start and end point is especially important for your plans.

Nature watching

The Fotohut Rysterbosk is a hide for nature photography. Birds that can be seen there include woodpeckers, treecreepers, tits, thrushes, finches, goshawks and sparrowhawks. In this way, alongside walking on the paths and trails, wildlife watching comes to the fore in the Rysterbosk. While routes offer guidance for a walk through their distance and markings, the photography hide turns your attention to wildlife. This different way of experiencing the forest may be of particular interest to travellers keen on birdwatching or nature photography.

History and remembrance

The Vredestempeltje in the Rysterbosk was built in 1814 as an expression of joy at the recovery of freedom after the Napoleonic era. Recognised as a Rijksmonument, the Vredestempel reminds the residents of Rijs of the regaining and preservation of freedom and peace. A stone cist dating from around 2500 BC was discovered in the Rysterbosk in 1849. The two dates serve different purposes: around 2500 BC refers to the period of the stone cist, while 1849 is the year it was discovered. The forest’s historical perspective therefore stretches from the prehistoric find to the monument of 1814.

The restored Slottún

The restored Slottún adds garden design to these themes. Its features include an artistically designed gate, a moat, a pond, winding paths and an orchard with old Frisian fruit varieties. Together, these elements bring design, water, paths and old varieties together in a garden with a distinct character. For travellers interested in landscaped gardens, Slottún offers a different focus from routes, birdwatching and remembrance.

Discover more destinations: Oudemirdum, Balk, Wijckel, Sondel, Harich, Sleat

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