Sexbierum combines a distinctive landscape feature with a historical connection: the village was established on a terp on a ridge of dwelling mounds along the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. Admiral Tjerk Hiddes de Vries was also born here. The village’s history and landscape can therefore be explored through different themes—from his birthplace to the routes through the surrounding area.
Terp and ridge of dwelling mounds
Its origins on a terp and its location on the ridge of dwelling mounds shape Sexbierum’s geographical character. Its connection to the Wadden Sea is part of the landscape itself, not just the village name: the ridge runs along the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Anyone interested in the development of Frisian villages and their landscapes will find a tangible starting point here for exploring the two together.
Birthplace and historical traces
Admiral Tjerk Hiddes de Vries was born in a house in Sexbierum on 6 August 1622. This precise date links the village’s history to a specific person and a particular life event. De Hege Wier offers another perspective on the village: the Stinswier is on Ottemaleane and affords views of Sexbierum.
Another cultural landmark is the Sixtuskerk, with its finely carved wooden work by George Hempel. Molen De Korenaar, in turn, is a romantic monument with a beautiful garden and an official wedding venue in Sexbierum. Getswerdersyl is associated with the history of the Slachtedijk: the lock was its northernmost point, was demolished in 1982, and is now commemorated at its site by a large monument.
The gatehouse of Liauckemastate can also be identified by specific architectural details. It dates from the 17th century; the keystone on the entrance side bears the date 1604. These varied traces give visitors interested in culture more than one way to explore the region’s history.
Routes between Sexbierum and the landscape
The 42-kilometre “Genieten in Noardwest-Fryslân” route takes a detour at junction 31 to Molen De Korenaar near Sexbierum. This gives both the total distance and a specific destination in Sexbierum. Sexbierum is also on the Elfstedenroute. Check the signposting and route conditions before setting out.
A cycling route through the Bjirmen follows the Hoarnestreek to the vicinity of Sexbierum, then continues via the Latsmaleane and a shell path to the Singel of Liauckema State. This offers a different kind of guidance from the 42-kilometre distance: the focus here is on the route and its connection to Liauckema State. The gatehouse there bears a keystone with the year 1604.
The Bjirmen consists of several small areas around Oosterbierum, Sexbierum and Pietersbierum. They cannot be reached on foot; from a bicycle, they can be seen from the Sedyk and from Roptazeil behind Koehool. Check current access conditions before setting out. This lets you choose between a route with a stated total distance and a landscape ride with specific route sections, without assuming that both are the same kind of outing.
Choose the focus of your stay
When looking for a hotel in Sexbierum, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: local history, Molen De Korenaar, or cycling and the landscape. When considering a particular property, compare its location and amenities with your plans. The route information offers different kinds of guidance: a stated total distance, a described route through the Bjirmen, and Sexbierum’s connection to the Elfstedenroute.
Discover more destinations: Peins, Tzummarum, Franeker, Dongjum, Hitzum, Firdgum, Achlum
For the broader travel overview: Franekeradeel.
