Rysterbosk - Rijs

The Rysterbosk, also known as Rijsterbos, is a large forest area south of the village of Rijs. The forest lies on the edge of higher ridges that were formed during the ice ages. This makes this part of Friesland unique, with differences in elevation, stream valleys and forests. However, this area was not always woodland.

Like many forests in Gaasterland, the Rysterbosk was created in the 18th and 19th centuries as part of the It Fryske Gea estate. Wealthy families and landowners had forests planted on their land for timber production, hunting or to embellish their estates.

Because the Rysterbosk is part of an estate, it has a park like character, with a mix of straight avenues and winding paths. In this respect it differs from the production forests that are also common in the surrounding area, which were laid out in a much more rigid and straight pattern.

As the forest lies on soil rich in boulder clay, water does not drain away easily. As a result, you will find many wet plains, springs, streams, pools and marshy areas here. This creates a special combination of higher and lower ground, wet and dry soils. A very interesting habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals.