Frisians have their own name for hiking through the wide-open Frisian landscape: taking a swalkje. Translated literally, it means “roaming”. You’ll pass pastures where black and white cows lift their heads to gaze at you intently, see ditches almost hidden by clouds of flowering cow parsley, or feel a strong breeze on your back as you walk along one of the many dikes. In other words, enjoyment and exercise at the same time.

More and more walking tours are being organised in Friesland so that participants can hike through this beautiful natural environment at any season of the year. Some of these tours are held annually whilst others like the ‘Slachtemarathon’ are held once every four years. During the rest of the year, experienced or beginning hikers can choose from various individual walking routes that invite them to discover the landscape on their own whenever they want.

The Tourist Information Offices (VVVs) have a wide selection of short and long hiking routes in their own region. Good examples are the special Swalkroutes that follow all kinds of interesting pathways from village to village. In many of the Frisian cities, Stadskuiers city tours can be followed. Websites allow many ways to prepare for a hike. The handy links below provide a selection. The sites often tell you where to pick up route instructions and whether there are any costs involved. The Internet is also useful when looking for free hiking possibilities.

Highly recommended for beginners, for example, is the 16-kilometre route from Workum to Stavoren as described by Dutch newspaper ‘Het Parool’ and available on the Internet. To start out with a shorter walk, there are two hikes that begin at Hemrik (near Drachten) that cover 5 and 10 kilometres. Once you know where you’re going, the only things you need are good walking shoes, water to drink along the way and a nice big sandwich. Another thing: the signs that say tink om’e hûn have nothing to do with hens or roosters; the translation is “watch out for the dog!”