National landscape Noardlike Fryske Wâlden
Noardlike Fryske Wâlden: Where Farming Meets Nature
If you think of farming as mainly livestock and arable land, with flat fields stretching as far as the eye can see, then you're in for a surprise in the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden National Landscape. Sustainable and nature-inclusive farming before it was even a term! Here, farmers care for the landscape, and you can feel and see that harmony in everything: the rich tapestry of alder hedges and wooded banks, beautiful sandy paths, rolling meadows, and pingoes from the Ice Age. It's no wonder that many nobles chose to build their country houses in these woods.
Take your binoculairs with you; over more than 250 species of birds can be spotted here!
Activities
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The Philippusfenne – Kollum's Notary Garden
The Philippusfenne – Kollum's Notary Garden
The Philippusfenne, better known as Kollum's Notary Garden, is a beautiful historic garden created in the 19th century as an oasis of peace and greenery.
The Philippusfenne is a garden with a story. In 1847, the notary Daniel Hermannus Andreae commissioned the construction of a country house here, surrounded by an elegant garden designed in the English landscape style. The garden was created by the renowned landscape architect Lucas Pieters Roodbaard, who also designed the park surrounding Fogelsangh State in Veenklooster. Its winding paths, ornamental ponds and impressive mature trees create a unique combination of nature and history in the heart of Kollum.
One of the garden's most distinctive features is its abundance of stinzen plants—traditional spring-flowering bulbs associated with historic estates in the northern Netherlands. In early spring, snowdrops, crocuses and other rare flowers bloom in profusion, creating a fairy-tale landscape even during the colder months.
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The Former Weigh House
The Former Weigh House
A look at old photographs reveals that the building looks even more attractive today than its predecessor. The people of Kollum have taken good care of this historic landmark. The weigh house was a public building where goods could be officially weighed. Its presence was particularly important for trade in butter and cheese.
A public weigh house in Kollum is first mentioned in the 16th century. That original building stood next to the Rechthuis (courthouse). In 1779, a new weigh house was built here on the Westerdiepswal, at the heart of the bustling waterfront. The wide entrance to the former weighing hall, where two weighing scales were once installed, can still be clearly recognised in the façade.
The pediment above the façade bears the coats of arms and names, added in 1779, of grietman (district magistrate) Martinus van Scheltinga, his deputy Focke Hijlckes Eskes, and Albert Luitjens, who served together with Eskes as church warden. The building was owned by the Dutch Reformed Church, which leased out the weigh house. In 1871 it was sold to a private owner, after which an official weighmaster appointed by the municipality supervised its operation. With the rise of the dairy industry in Friesland, the weigh house gradually lost its function. In 1895, the building was converted into a private residence.
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Headmaster Jakob Klok in the resistance
Headmaster Jakob Klok in the resistance
During the war, Jakob (Jaap) Klok ended up in the resistance in Dantumadeel, where he played an important role. At the time, he lived with his wife and four children in Akkerwoude, where he was headmaster of the school at Hearewei 13. He stayed there until 1947 and will always be remembered as "Headmaster Klok."
Jaap Klok was active socially and in politics as a member of the Dutch Social Democratic Labour Party (SDAP). When party meetings were banned by the German occupiers, Jaap imperceptibly became ever more involved in resistance activities. He passed on party information, distributed illegal newspapers, and looked for addresses for people in hiding. Jaap Klok joined the LO, the National Organisation for Aid to people in Hiding, and became the Akkerwoude village commander.
Although people did not know exactly what he did, it was known that he was in the resistance. Despite the fact that his name circulated among NSB members, he decided not to go into hiding, but instead tried to be even more careful and to sleep at home more often than not.
As the war drew to a close, Jaap became very busy. The Dutch government in exile was calling on railway workers to go on strike. The resistance arranged for the hiding. On 15 December 1944, a group of about sixty refugees from Arnhem arrived at his school. Jaap was indirectly involved in the evacuation committee, which was looking for addresses for the unfortunate Arnhem residents.
Shortly thereafter, he was warned at the schoolhouse that during a raid in Murmerwoude, explicit questions were asked about schoolmaster Klok. Jaap did not hesitate a second and quickly left the house. And not a moment too soon, as ten minutes after his departure the Germans were already on his doorstep. From that moment on, Jaap knew that he had to be very careful. He hardly ever slept at home anymore.
From January 1945 onwards, the situation became explosive. After the discovery of weapons on a farm in Aalsum, the Germans became fanatical. They relentlessly hunted down resistance fighters and used any means to make those who were caught talk. The name "Jaap Klok" was also mentioned during these interrogations. Sufficient reason to leave then and there, with his whole family. The children stayed with relatives. He and his wife went into hiding elsewhere.
During the last weeks of the war, Jaap was very busy. Much had to be organised and discussed within the resistance to expel the Germans and prepare for the arrival of the Canadians. Just before Dantumadeel was liberated, the inhabitants were already beside themselves with joy. They raised the flag and took to the streets en masse to celebrate. Because of his resistance work, Jaap knew exactly what the situation was with regard to the liberation. He climbed onto the balcony of the town hall and addressed the people. After all, the danger had not yet passed. Even when that was the case shortly thereafter, he ensured that peace was maintained among the population of Dantumadeel and thus prevented the molestation of a number of NSB members.
After the war, he held many administrative positions in the province of Friesland. In 1984, Jaap Klok died at the age of 91. Fifteen years later, a statue of him was erected in Akkerwoude, which was then called Damwoude, as a tribute.
From the book "De oorlog een gezicht geven" (deel 6) – Dantumadeel in de periode '40 - '45 by Yvonne te Nijenhuis and Reinder H. Postma
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Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal
Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal
On both sides of the Sylster Ryd, in the oldest part of Kollum's historic centre, lie the Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal.
These embankments, locally known simply as the Wallen, are already mentioned in the earliest historical records of Kollum. The Sylster Ryd connected here with the major waterways to the north and south of the village.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Kollum was a thriving centre of trade and commerce. Its town centre played an important logistical role in regional trading activities. Development along the Wallen began after this waterway was excavated in the early 16th century. Businesses that depended on water transport for the delivery of raw materials and the shipment of goods established themselves here. Historical records mention pottery workshops, a brewery, a tannery and a shipyard. Several windmills also stood along the Wallen, although mills could be found elsewhere in the village as well. Today, the Wallen form part of Kollum's protected historic townscape.
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Former Courthouse
Former Courthouse
This building, now used as a shop, recalls the time when justice was administered in Kollum. It was purchased by the municipality in 1609 and has served a variety of purposes ever since. The Old Courthouse (Oude Rechthuis) played an important role during the Kollum Uprising of 1797.
The building was bought by the municipality of Kollumerland in 1609 and converted into a courthouse. It can be recognised by the statue of Lady Justice, which still watches over the street from the façade. The Rechthuis is the oldest stone building in Kollum.
Kollum was given its own courthouse because the distance between Groningen and Leeuwarden was too great to travel in a single day. The ground floor was used as an inn and even included stables for horses and cattle. To this day, the space has continued to serve a variety of purposes.
The Rechthuis played a significant role during the Kollum Uprising of 1797. In February of that year, the arrest of the Orangist supporter Abele Reitzes sparked an uprising in which a crowd stormed the courthouse in an attempt to free him. The revolt resulted in extensive damage and was harshly suppressed, with 168 people being arrested. You can learn more about these events at the statue of Jan Binnes further along this route. The prison cell in the building's basement has been preserved. From the bridge, you can still clearly see the small barred window of the former jail cell.
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Food and beverage
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The Philippusfenne – Kollum's Notary Garden
The Philippusfenne – Kollum's Notary Garden
The Philippusfenne, better known as Kollum's Notary Garden, is a beautiful historic garden created in the 19th century as an oasis of peace and greenery.
The Philippusfenne is a garden with a story. In 1847, the notary Daniel Hermannus Andreae commissioned the construction of a country house here, surrounded by an elegant garden designed in the English landscape style. The garden was created by the renowned landscape architect Lucas Pieters Roodbaard, who also designed the park surrounding Fogelsangh State in Veenklooster. Its winding paths, ornamental ponds and impressive mature trees create a unique combination of nature and history in the heart of Kollum.
One of the garden's most distinctive features is its abundance of stinzen plants—traditional spring-flowering bulbs associated with historic estates in the northern Netherlands. In early spring, snowdrops, crocuses and other rare flowers bloom in profusion, creating a fairy-tale landscape even during the colder months.
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The Former Weigh House
The Former Weigh House
A look at old photographs reveals that the building looks even more attractive today than its predecessor. The people of Kollum have taken good care of this historic landmark. The weigh house was a public building where goods could be officially weighed. Its presence was particularly important for trade in butter and cheese.
A public weigh house in Kollum is first mentioned in the 16th century. That original building stood next to the Rechthuis (courthouse). In 1779, a new weigh house was built here on the Westerdiepswal, at the heart of the bustling waterfront. The wide entrance to the former weighing hall, where two weighing scales were once installed, can still be clearly recognised in the façade.
The pediment above the façade bears the coats of arms and names, added in 1779, of grietman (district magistrate) Martinus van Scheltinga, his deputy Focke Hijlckes Eskes, and Albert Luitjens, who served together with Eskes as church warden. The building was owned by the Dutch Reformed Church, which leased out the weigh house. In 1871 it was sold to a private owner, after which an official weighmaster appointed by the municipality supervised its operation. With the rise of the dairy industry in Friesland, the weigh house gradually lost its function. In 1895, the building was converted into a private residence.
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Headmaster Jakob Klok in the resistance
Headmaster Jakob Klok in the resistance
During the war, Jakob (Jaap) Klok ended up in the resistance in Dantumadeel, where he played an important role. At the time, he lived with his wife and four children in Akkerwoude, where he was headmaster of the school at Hearewei 13. He stayed there until 1947 and will always be remembered as "Headmaster Klok."
Jaap Klok was active socially and in politics as a member of the Dutch Social Democratic Labour Party (SDAP). When party meetings were banned by the German occupiers, Jaap imperceptibly became ever more involved in resistance activities. He passed on party information, distributed illegal newspapers, and looked for addresses for people in hiding. Jaap Klok joined the LO, the National Organisation for Aid to people in Hiding, and became the Akkerwoude village commander.
Although people did not know exactly what he did, it was known that he was in the resistance. Despite the fact that his name circulated among NSB members, he decided not to go into hiding, but instead tried to be even more careful and to sleep at home more often than not.
As the war drew to a close, Jaap became very busy. The Dutch government in exile was calling on railway workers to go on strike. The resistance arranged for the hiding. On 15 December 1944, a group of about sixty refugees from Arnhem arrived at his school. Jaap was indirectly involved in the evacuation committee, which was looking for addresses for the unfortunate Arnhem residents.
Shortly thereafter, he was warned at the schoolhouse that during a raid in Murmerwoude, explicit questions were asked about schoolmaster Klok. Jaap did not hesitate a second and quickly left the house. And not a moment too soon, as ten minutes after his departure the Germans were already on his doorstep. From that moment on, Jaap knew that he had to be very careful. He hardly ever slept at home anymore.
From January 1945 onwards, the situation became explosive. After the discovery of weapons on a farm in Aalsum, the Germans became fanatical. They relentlessly hunted down resistance fighters and used any means to make those who were caught talk. The name "Jaap Klok" was also mentioned during these interrogations. Sufficient reason to leave then and there, with his whole family. The children stayed with relatives. He and his wife went into hiding elsewhere.
During the last weeks of the war, Jaap was very busy. Much had to be organised and discussed within the resistance to expel the Germans and prepare for the arrival of the Canadians. Just before Dantumadeel was liberated, the inhabitants were already beside themselves with joy. They raised the flag and took to the streets en masse to celebrate. Because of his resistance work, Jaap knew exactly what the situation was with regard to the liberation. He climbed onto the balcony of the town hall and addressed the people. After all, the danger had not yet passed. Even when that was the case shortly thereafter, he ensured that peace was maintained among the population of Dantumadeel and thus prevented the molestation of a number of NSB members.
After the war, he held many administrative positions in the province of Friesland. In 1984, Jaap Klok died at the age of 91. Fifteen years later, a statue of him was erected in Akkerwoude, which was then called Damwoude, as a tribute.
From the book "De oorlog een gezicht geven" (deel 6) – Dantumadeel in de periode '40 - '45 by Yvonne te Nijenhuis and Reinder H. Postma
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Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal
Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal
On both sides of the Sylster Ryd, in the oldest part of Kollum's historic centre, lie the Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal.
These embankments, locally known simply as the Wallen, are already mentioned in the earliest historical records of Kollum. The Sylster Ryd connected here with the major waterways to the north and south of the village.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Kollum was a thriving centre of trade and commerce. Its town centre played an important logistical role in regional trading activities. Development along the Wallen began after this waterway was excavated in the early 16th century. Businesses that depended on water transport for the delivery of raw materials and the shipment of goods established themselves here. Historical records mention pottery workshops, a brewery, a tannery and a shipyard. Several windmills also stood along the Wallen, although mills could be found elsewhere in the village as well. Today, the Wallen form part of Kollum's protected historic townscape.
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Former Courthouse
Former Courthouse
This building, now used as a shop, recalls the time when justice was administered in Kollum. It was purchased by the municipality in 1609 and has served a variety of purposes ever since. The Old Courthouse (Oude Rechthuis) played an important role during the Kollum Uprising of 1797.
The building was bought by the municipality of Kollumerland in 1609 and converted into a courthouse. It can be recognised by the statue of Lady Justice, which still watches over the street from the façade. The Rechthuis is the oldest stone building in Kollum.
Kollum was given its own courthouse because the distance between Groningen and Leeuwarden was too great to travel in a single day. The ground floor was used as an inn and even included stables for horses and cattle. To this day, the space has continued to serve a variety of purposes.
The Rechthuis played a significant role during the Kollum Uprising of 1797. In February of that year, the arrest of the Orangist supporter Abele Reitzes sparked an uprising in which a crowd stormed the courthouse in an attempt to free him. The revolt resulted in extensive damage and was harshly suppressed, with 168 people being arrested. You can learn more about these events at the statue of Jan Binnes further along this route. The prison cell in the building's basement has been preserved. From the bridge, you can still clearly see the small barred window of the former jail cell.
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Stay
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The Philippusfenne – Kollum's Notary Garden
The Philippusfenne – Kollum's Notary Garden
The Philippusfenne, better known as Kollum's Notary Garden, is a beautiful historic garden created in the 19th century as an oasis of peace and greenery.
The Philippusfenne is a garden with a story. In 1847, the notary Daniel Hermannus Andreae commissioned the construction of a country house here, surrounded by an elegant garden designed in the English landscape style. The garden was created by the renowned landscape architect Lucas Pieters Roodbaard, who also designed the park surrounding Fogelsangh State in Veenklooster. Its winding paths, ornamental ponds and impressive mature trees create a unique combination of nature and history in the heart of Kollum.
One of the garden's most distinctive features is its abundance of stinzen plants—traditional spring-flowering bulbs associated with historic estates in the northern Netherlands. In early spring, snowdrops, crocuses and other rare flowers bloom in profusion, creating a fairy-tale landscape even during the colder months.
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The Former Weigh House
The Former Weigh House
A look at old photographs reveals that the building looks even more attractive today than its predecessor. The people of Kollum have taken good care of this historic landmark. The weigh house was a public building where goods could be officially weighed. Its presence was particularly important for trade in butter and cheese.
A public weigh house in Kollum is first mentioned in the 16th century. That original building stood next to the Rechthuis (courthouse). In 1779, a new weigh house was built here on the Westerdiepswal, at the heart of the bustling waterfront. The wide entrance to the former weighing hall, where two weighing scales were once installed, can still be clearly recognised in the façade.
The pediment above the façade bears the coats of arms and names, added in 1779, of grietman (district magistrate) Martinus van Scheltinga, his deputy Focke Hijlckes Eskes, and Albert Luitjens, who served together with Eskes as church warden. The building was owned by the Dutch Reformed Church, which leased out the weigh house. In 1871 it was sold to a private owner, after which an official weighmaster appointed by the municipality supervised its operation. With the rise of the dairy industry in Friesland, the weigh house gradually lost its function. In 1895, the building was converted into a private residence.
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-
Headmaster Jakob Klok in the resistance
Headmaster Jakob Klok in the resistance
During the war, Jakob (Jaap) Klok ended up in the resistance in Dantumadeel, where he played an important role. At the time, he lived with his wife and four children in Akkerwoude, where he was headmaster of the school at Hearewei 13. He stayed there until 1947 and will always be remembered as "Headmaster Klok."
Jaap Klok was active socially and in politics as a member of the Dutch Social Democratic Labour Party (SDAP). When party meetings were banned by the German occupiers, Jaap imperceptibly became ever more involved in resistance activities. He passed on party information, distributed illegal newspapers, and looked for addresses for people in hiding. Jaap Klok joined the LO, the National Organisation for Aid to people in Hiding, and became the Akkerwoude village commander.
Although people did not know exactly what he did, it was known that he was in the resistance. Despite the fact that his name circulated among NSB members, he decided not to go into hiding, but instead tried to be even more careful and to sleep at home more often than not.
As the war drew to a close, Jaap became very busy. The Dutch government in exile was calling on railway workers to go on strike. The resistance arranged for the hiding. On 15 December 1944, a group of about sixty refugees from Arnhem arrived at his school. Jaap was indirectly involved in the evacuation committee, which was looking for addresses for the unfortunate Arnhem residents.
Shortly thereafter, he was warned at the schoolhouse that during a raid in Murmerwoude, explicit questions were asked about schoolmaster Klok. Jaap did not hesitate a second and quickly left the house. And not a moment too soon, as ten minutes after his departure the Germans were already on his doorstep. From that moment on, Jaap knew that he had to be very careful. He hardly ever slept at home anymore.
From January 1945 onwards, the situation became explosive. After the discovery of weapons on a farm in Aalsum, the Germans became fanatical. They relentlessly hunted down resistance fighters and used any means to make those who were caught talk. The name "Jaap Klok" was also mentioned during these interrogations. Sufficient reason to leave then and there, with his whole family. The children stayed with relatives. He and his wife went into hiding elsewhere.
During the last weeks of the war, Jaap was very busy. Much had to be organised and discussed within the resistance to expel the Germans and prepare for the arrival of the Canadians. Just before Dantumadeel was liberated, the inhabitants were already beside themselves with joy. They raised the flag and took to the streets en masse to celebrate. Because of his resistance work, Jaap knew exactly what the situation was with regard to the liberation. He climbed onto the balcony of the town hall and addressed the people. After all, the danger had not yet passed. Even when that was the case shortly thereafter, he ensured that peace was maintained among the population of Dantumadeel and thus prevented the molestation of a number of NSB members.
After the war, he held many administrative positions in the province of Friesland. In 1984, Jaap Klok died at the age of 91. Fifteen years later, a statue of him was erected in Akkerwoude, which was then called Damwoude, as a tribute.
From the book "De oorlog een gezicht geven" (deel 6) – Dantumadeel in de periode '40 - '45 by Yvonne te Nijenhuis and Reinder H. Postma
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Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal
Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal
On both sides of the Sylster Ryd, in the oldest part of Kollum's historic centre, lie the Oosterdiepswal and Westerdiepswal.
These embankments, locally known simply as the Wallen, are already mentioned in the earliest historical records of Kollum. The Sylster Ryd connected here with the major waterways to the north and south of the village.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Kollum was a thriving centre of trade and commerce. Its town centre played an important logistical role in regional trading activities. Development along the Wallen began after this waterway was excavated in the early 16th century. Businesses that depended on water transport for the delivery of raw materials and the shipment of goods established themselves here. Historical records mention pottery workshops, a brewery, a tannery and a shipyard. Several windmills also stood along the Wallen, although mills could be found elsewhere in the village as well. Today, the Wallen form part of Kollum's protected historic townscape.
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Former Courthouse
Former Courthouse
This building, now used as a shop, recalls the time when justice was administered in Kollum. It was purchased by the municipality in 1609 and has served a variety of purposes ever since. The Old Courthouse (Oude Rechthuis) played an important role during the Kollum Uprising of 1797.
The building was bought by the municipality of Kollumerland in 1609 and converted into a courthouse. It can be recognised by the statue of Lady Justice, which still watches over the street from the façade. The Rechthuis is the oldest stone building in Kollum.
Kollum was given its own courthouse because the distance between Groningen and Leeuwarden was too great to travel in a single day. The ground floor was used as an inn and even included stables for horses and cattle. To this day, the space has continued to serve a variety of purposes.
The Rechthuis played a significant role during the Kollum Uprising of 1797. In February of that year, the arrest of the Orangist supporter Abele Reitzes sparked an uprising in which a crowd stormed the courthouse in an attempt to free him. The revolt resulted in extensive damage and was harshly suppressed, with 168 people being arrested. You can learn more about these events at the statue of Jan Binnes further along this route. The prison cell in the building's basement has been preserved. From the bridge, you can still clearly see the small barred window of the former jail cell.
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