Bûtefjild

Ready for a little mystery? What rustles through the reed beds? Where do the horses roam? Where might the otter be hanging out? On the edge of National Park De Noardlike Fryske Wâlden, near Leeuwarden, lies the Bûtefjild. This 319-hectare nature reserve offers an incredible variety of landscapes: wet grasslands, peat pits, swamp forests, open water ponds, and extensive reed fields. All these different habitat types make it a unique living area for plants and animals. For example, otters freely swim here. You can explore this undiscovered area with its mysterious local legends by boat or canoe, via SUP, by bike, or on foot.

The Bûtefjild consists of several subareas with intriguing names like the Lodde Hel, the Houtwiel, and Japmuoiskolk. The centuries-old villages of Wetterwâlden form a horseshoe shape around the Bûtefjild. Together, they are embraced by wetter and wâlden: water and forests.

A mostly electric-only water route runs through the area. This route is part of the ecological main structure that connects the Grutte Wielen near Leeuwarden with the Lauwersmeer area on the border of Friesland and Groningen.

Local entrepreneurs offer an inspiration map called 'Bûtefjild and surroundings,' featuring routes for boating, cycling, and walking. You can use it to plan your route and activities.

Meet the Stars of the Bûtefjild: Bog Myrtle, Moor Frog, and Otter

Ever heard a moor frog? Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the Bûtefjild. Bring your binoculars and head out to the observation hills and bird-watching hides. With a bit of luck, you might spot the kingfisher, great egret, bittern, or shrike.

Boots

There is a boots trail running through the nature reserves De Sippenfinnen and De Houtwiel. So be sure to wear sturdy shoes if you want to walk this path! Note: the Sippenfinnen nature reserve is closed during the breeding season from March 15 to June 15.

Kids in the Bûtefjild

For children, the Bûtefjild is a place to discover—but you have to promise they can get dirty! Rent a two-person canoe, go SUP paddling, walk the boots trail, cross the hand-pulled ferry... should we go on? Yes, because the forest ranger of It Fryske Gea often needs help from kids. Check our events calendar to see when, what, and where.

Routes in the Bûtefjild

The best walking, cycling, and boating routes in the Bûtefjild can be found in the free app Izi Travel. You can download this app on your phone, and it offers audio clips at certain locations along your route. Get to know the area through local stories and fun facts along the way! Don’t forget to bring your earphones for the audio clips.

You can find the routes here:

• Boating route Bûtefjild-Wetterwâlden

• Walking route Bûtefjild-Wetterwâlden

• Cycling route Bûtefjild-Wetterwâlden