Gaastmeer: Sailing and eel-trading history

Gaastmeer combines sailing and paddling with walking routes, the waterside Pieltsjerke and traces of its former eel trade. When searching for hotels in Gaastmeer, your preferred activity can help you decide what to focus on during your stay. The different themes give you concrete starting points for planning your trip.

Church and eel-trading history

The Pieltsjerke stands on the shore of It Piel, a bay of the lake Fluessen. The church houses an oak pulpit dating from the 17th century. Its tower is a prominent landmark, visible both from the lake and from the village. This place brings together historic features and a waterside setting. The tower also serves as a landmark from two perspectives: from the lake and from the village.

Gaastmeer was the centre of the eel trade. In the past, live eels were kept in the Wijde Sloot before being shipped to London; the eels were also sorted there. The Visser family built the Wildschutwerf, several houses and an eel-trading office along the Wijde Sloot. Many of the houses built at that time are still standing. Another link to the history of the trade is the eel barge “Voorwaarts”: it is the only surviving vessel still sailing from the famous eel trade of Heeg and Gaastmeer. Its permanent mooring is at the landing stage in Gaastmeer.

Sailing, paddling and waterways

Groups of friends or colleagues can take a day sailing trip from Gaastmeer aboard the Dageraad; evening sailing trips are also possible. If you are planning a specific trip, check availability in advance. “Rondje Gaastmeer” offers a different kind of activity: a 3.8 km SUP and canoe route. This gives you two distinct options: a group sailing trip and a named route for SUP or canoeing.

Sailing, canoeing and sloep tours are also possible in the area around Gaastmeer, across numerous lakes and ponds, including Gaastmeer, Heegermeer and Fluessen. There are also suitable spots for sport fishing on the waterways around the village. On the edge of Gaastmeer, Waterrecreatie Syperda has a small marina with permanent and guest moorings. If a guest mooring is important to your plans, check current availability in advance.

Walking and cycling routes

The “Gaastmeer–Heeg” walking route passes lakes, ponds and open, expansive landscapes. Part of the route follows unpaved paths and crosses pastureland; waterproof footwear is recommended. The Pontjeroute starts and ends in Gaastmeer and passes by Stelpbauernhöfe. This lets you choose between a walking route with sections through pastureland and a route that starts and finishes in the village.

A ferry on the Yntemasloot is part of the walking and cycling route between Gaastmeer and It Heidenskip. If you plan to take this route, check the ferry timetable in advance.

A culinary connection to the village

Restaurant d’Ald Herberch serves fish specialities. Guests can also discover Frisian regional products there. A visit to the restaurant adds a distinct culinary element to your travel plans, alongside the routes and local history.

Discover more destinations: Oudega Gem Wymbritserad, Indijk, Scharnegoutum and Jutrijp.

Return to the main travel overview: Wymbritseradiel.