The experience of Campsite Eefting

Camping Eefting is a campsite for the real animal lover. As mentioned earlier the farm has horses that you can brush, pamper and ride. Also dogs are welcome on this campsite.

The environment of the campsite

The Tjeuke-lake is located about 500 meters from campsite Eefting. The campsite is directly connected to the Tjeuke-lake by the typical Dutch network of wide water trenches. It is possible to moor your boat in the water trench connected to campsite Eefting. The lake has a Sandy beach with a pavilion alongside where you have the possibility to enjoy a lunch dinner or some drinks. Within the Dutch province of Friesland, the Tjeuke-lake is the largest inland lake. It is located in the southwest corner in the area De Friese Meren. 

The westernmost part of the Tjeuke-lake is bisected by a motorway, the A6. Here the wide Follega-trench forms the connection with the princess Margriet-Canal. The Scharsterrijn-canal and Zandwater-lake are located on the northern part of the Tjeuke-lake and the Broere-trench at the eastern part of the Tjeuke-lake. 

The Tjeuke lake is approximately 22 square kilometres. However not all parts of the lake have the same depth. Some parts are even less than a meter deep. Within the Tjeuke-lake there are multiple small islands called: Tsjûkepolle, Marchjepolle and Ganzetippe. Around the lake you will find the villages Echten, Echtenerbrug, Rohel, Delfstrahuizen, Oosterzee and Oldeouwer, which offer a various activities. 

The origin story of the Tjeuke-lake

Next to the steam pumping station of Echten (which was used to control the water level of the lake) there is a statue of Tsjûke and March. The statues tells the origin story of the lake. However there are two stories. In the First story Two female farmers walk home after having milked their cows. After they had discovered a fire, the woman carrying the milk refused to extinguish the fire after which the other woman scolded her Tsjûke, a Frisian dog name. The name has taken on a life of its own and would have been used for the later developed lake. In the Second story, two sisters lost each other in the smoke of a fire. They kept shouting to each other: Tsjûke and March, their voices remained audible for a long time and formed together Tsjûkemar, forming the name for the later developed lake. 

This area is also well known for its towns which offer a lot of water sport activity’s. Towns like Lemmer, Terherne (which is widely known for being the shooting location of popular Dutch movie Skipper of the Kameloen) and Langweer. And then you also have the atmospheric town called Balk.

The Frisian hot air balloon event

Held annually from the Nutsbaan in Joure the Frisian hot air balloon event has become a popular attraction. During the event approximately 35 hot air balloons ascend which provide for an unforgettable image against the unique Frisian landscape. During the event the balloons are accompanied by a range of side activities organized for those who rather enjoy the unique sights firmly with both feet on the ground. 

The event has been held since 1986. Since then the event gained so much popularity that it has grown out to an annual event. In 2005 the event celebrated their 20-year anniversary in a grand way. Unique hot air balloons from different countries took off, such as a locomotive from Germany and a dragon from the United States. The event has given the town of Joure the nickname “Balloon City” and is one of the largest balloon events in the Netherlands.