For a trip to Oudeschoot, historical routes, architectural history and an annual market day offer concrete starting points. The Schoterschans, on the grounds of a former monastery, the Skoattertsjerke on the Bonifatius Kloosterpad, and Woutersbergje on the border with Oranjewoud each offer a different focus. The story of the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting and the Skoattermerke, with its horse market, are also part of the picture. This gives you the chance to decide in advance whether you are more interested in historic buildings, routes or a fixed event date.

Historical Routes and Places

The former Schoterschans, also known as Tjongerschans, was built in 1580 on the foundations of the abandoned monastery in Oudeschoot. The 58-kilometre Friese Waterlinie II cycling route passes it at junction 25 and includes a stop at the former Schoterschans. This route therefore has both a specific length and a historical stop. If you plan to follow it, it is worth checking the latest route details.

Stage 12 of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad also passes the Skoattertsjerke in Oudeschoot. The church stands on the site of the former monastery. The two routes offer different starting points for planning your trip: the Friese Waterlinie II is defined by its cycling route, its length and its planned stop, while the Bonifatius Kloosterpad offers a numbered stage and a church along the way.

Woutersbergje lies on the border between Oudeschoot and Oranjewoud. The historic grounds of the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting preserve Woutersbergje and a straight water-lined avenue leading to a pond. Its position on the border provides a clear point of reference, while the avenue adds another clearly described feature to the landscape. You can therefore take into account both the location of Woutersbergje and the layout of the historic grounds.

Architectural and Foundation History

The main building of the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting was built in 1901 in the Neo-Renaissance style. It was constructed on the cellar and parts of the foundations of the former country house Veenwijk. The interior features an Art Nouveau design. The year of construction, the earlier foundations and the interior design each reflect a different aspect of the building’s history: its connection to the former country house, the construction of the main building and its interior.

The foundation’s history also includes a testamentary provision. Julia Hartsinck-Wouters stipulated that the capital should be used primarily to provide unmarried, needy women of respectable and educated standing with lifelong accommodation and full board at the country house Veenwijk. The women had to be at least 45 years old and born in the province of Friesland. Age, place of birth, marital status and financial need were therefore all part of this specific provision.

Skoattermerke and Skoattertsjerke

The Skoattermerke in Oudeschoot takes place every year on the second day of Pentecost. A local account traces the event back to the 15th century. The horse market is a key feature and is what the Skoattermerke is particularly known for. If you are planning to travel specifically for the market, use the second day of Pentecost as your reference point and check the exact date for the year in question.

The Skoattertsjerke also has an annual schedule: several special services are held at the church every year. Together with its location on the grounds of the former monastery and its role as a landmark on stage 12 of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad, this gives it a particular appeal for travellers interested in religious and historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Heerenveen, Oranjewoud.

Return to the main travel overview: Heerenveen.