Nije Wielen, Lytse Wielen and Grote Zwemplas Loop

This easy, almost perfectly flat loop (about 10 km / 6.2 mi with roughly 0 m / 0 ft of climbing) links three classic “wielen” lakes on the east side of Leeuwarden: Nije Wielen, Lytse Wielen, and the Grote Zwemplas (the main swimming lake within the De Groene Ster recreation area). Expect a mix of wide gravel paths, short woodland single-tracks, little footbridges, and open shoreline walking with big skies and lots of waterfowl.

Getting to the start (car + public transport)

A practical, well-known place to begin is by AquaZoo Leeuwarden, De Groene Ster 2, 8926 XE Leeuwarden—it sits right on the edge of the lakes and gives you immediate access to the path network. (aquazoo.nl)

• By car: Use De Groene Ster 2, 8926 XE Leeuwarden (AquaZoo) as your navigation point, or follow signs for Recreatiegebied De Groene Ster off the N355 (Groningerstraatweg) via the “Kleine Wielen” exit. (aquazoo.nl)
  
• By public transport: A straightforward option is to travel to Leeuwarden – Camminghaburen station and continue by bike (about 4 km / 2.5 mi) into De Groene Ster. Another common approach is the bus to the stop “Ouddeel” on the Groningerstraatweg, then walk into the recreation area. (triatlonleeuwarden.nl)

For navigation on the ground, load the loop in HiiKER before you arrive—this area has many intersecting recreation paths where it’s easy to take a “nice-looking” spur and add unintended distance.

What the walk feels like underfoot

You’ll be on lowland lakeshore terrain: firm multi-use paths near the busier beaches and facilities, then quieter, narrower tracks through small wooded patches and reed edges. After rain, expect muddy sections where the trail pinches close to the water and where foot traffic has churned the soil—easy walking overall, but shoes with some tread help.

Because the route is essentially at sea level, the “effort” comes less from elevation and more from wind exposure along open water. On breezy days, the lakes can feel surprisingly raw and cool.

Route flow and key landmarks (approximate distances)

Distances below are approximate so you can plan breaks and timing.

0.0–1.5 km (0.0–0.9 mi): Settling in around De Groene Ster Starting near AquaZoo/De Groene Ster facilities, you’ll quickly reach the main recreation paths. This first stretch tends to be the busiest: walkers, runners, families, and cyclists sharing the same corridors—stay right, and be ready for faster traffic on bends.

1.5–4.0 km (0.9–2.5 mi): Lytse Wielen shoreline + bridges As you arc around Lytse Wielen, the character becomes more “lake loop”: beaches, small inlets, and short bridge crossings that stitch together peninsulas and narrow channels. This lake is widely known locally as the designated swimming lake within the group of waters east of Leeuwarden, so in warm weather you’ll see swimmers and paddlecraft close to shore. (alltrails.com)
You may also pass near AquaZoo again depending on your exact line, so it’s a convenient early bailout point if someone in your group needs a shorter day. (alltrails.com)

4.0–6.5 km (2.5–4.0 mi): Nije Wielen and the quieter edges The loop’s middle portion typically feels calmer as you transition toward **