De Ried

The Ried tells the story of Frisian water management: from an inland lake to a drainage channel. Along the waterway lie ancient terps, bearing witness to the long history of settlement in this region.

In the 17th century, the Ried area was transformed through the construction of ditches and a new drainage channel, creating the present-day Ried. Small polders were established along the waterway, draining excess water into the Ried. Today, this waterway forms part of the skating route of the Elfstedentocht, where it is known as one of the more challenging sections.

South of the Ried lies an area with several historic terps. Although many of these dwelling mounds have partly disappeared due to excavation and land consolidation, the area remains archaeologically valuable. There are also stories about possible ley lines that are believed by some to connect this location with other remarkable historic sites.