Spa by the Woods and Sea
Rijs lies on the edge of the majestic Rijsterbos forest and close to the IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel). It is a beautiful place to visit any time of year. For this reason, many people spend a winter holiday here at one of the area’s romantic hotels. There’s plenty to do, from strolling and cycling to exploring the park-like surroundings, and breathing in the smell of pine and fresh “sea” air. A visit to Rijs is like a visit to a spa.
The Rijsterbos forest covers 170 hectares and attracts many hikers, cyclists and riders (there is an excellent bridle way network) throughout the year. The composition of the forest used to be rather monotonous, but now contains a variety of different trees, including Japanese larch, Douglas fir, silver fir and Norway spruce. Highly unusual here is the presence of badgers, timid nocturnal animals that build aboveground burrow mounds.
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Temple
A Temple of Peace has stood in the Rijsterbos forest for almost 180 years. It was erected when the emperor Napoleon was banished to Elba and The Netherlands was again delivered from its French oppressors. The temple is a hexagonal bower that has been restored and rebuilt several times through the years.
Stone Coffin
Another interesting site is the so-called “stone coffin”, a prehistoric grave that, until a few years ago, was thought to be a megalithic tomb. The grave was discovered in 1849 by one of esquire Van Swinderen’s workers.
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Van Swinderen: Charitable Noble Lineage
Esquire Van Swinderen was a descendant of a well-to-do Groningen family who took up residence in Huize Rijs in 1825. The family was important to Gaasterland, as they helped improve the infrastructure and soil quality of the area. Several members of the family have also served as mayor of Gaasterland.
At the end of the 19th century, one of the Van Swinderen esquires was not only beloved as a “grietman” (mayor) but also as a benefactor. He financially supported farmers and workers to enable them to get ahead socially, helped people buy ships or immigrate to America. Ironically, he died a poor man, the result of a bad investment. Huize Rijs was torn down in 1937 without much ado. Only the clock from the tower and part of a wall still remain. The clock has been built into the wall of a villa erected on the same spot, and the wall now serves as a fence between Villa Rijs and Hotel Jans.
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