Rottevalle: Nature, Water and History

A stay in Rottevalle can combine nature, waterways and local history. Three distinct highlights can help you plan your visit: activities in the De Leijen nature reserve, the historic Mûntsegroppe walking trail, and the history of the village connected with the Lits. This lets you decide whether you would rather spend your time exploring the landscape on foot, on the water, or learning about local culture.

Nature and activities at De Leijen

Rottevalle is located in Nationaal Landschap de Noardlike Fryske Wâlden. De Leijen is a nature reserve with a lake, islands and surrounding natural areas to explore. A variety of activities are available: visitors can watch birds, swim, paddleboard, surf or go boating. The Laarzenpad and a cycling route around the lake are also options. De Leijen therefore offers different ways to spend time outdoors: wildlife watching, walking a trail, a bike ride or activities on the water. Which one suits your stay depends on how you would like to spend your time.

Walking trail and waterways

Rottevalle is on the Mûntsegroppe, a straight historic walking trail between the Olijfberg monastery in Veenklooster and the monastery in Smalle Ee. The name Mûntsegroppe already appears on maps from 1540. For walking enthusiasts, this is a named historic route; its two endpoints also provide a clear link to the region’s monastic history.

The Lits offers a different perspective on Rottevalle: the marina on this waterway is directly connected to the Lits-Lauwersmeer route. Changes to the course of the river are also part of the village’s history. In 1956, the Lits was rerouted around Rottevalle; as a result, part of the harbour was filled in, which is still easy to see today. The direct connection to the water route and a visible reminder of its former course can therefore be found side by side.

Church, concerts and local history

The Doarpstsjerke in Rottevalle was built in 1724. It houses a Van Dam organ dating from 1863, which came from the Schipperskerk in Leeuwarden. The church also hosts four to six concerts each year on Sunday afternoons. The musical programme ranges from classical music such as Bach to more modern singer-songwriters. Individual concert dates may change, so check the programme in advance for your intended travel dates.

Another historic building is the monumental Herberg van Smallingerland in the heart of Rottevalle, dating from 1791. The peat trade was part of the village’s economic history: it brought economic activity to Rottevalle for two centuries before coming to an end around 1800. Together with the history of the Lits and the Doarpstsjerke, it offers several ways to explore local history—through a building, a former industry or visible changes to the waterway.

Discover more destinations

De Veenhoop, Oudega, Drachten, De Tike, Goëngahuizen, Houtigehage, Oudega Gem Smallingerlnd

For the main travel overview: Smallingerland.