The Elfstedenpad stage to Sneek starts in Mantgum; the route leads to the Zwette and continues through open pastureland. The Mariakerk also offers specific architectural and furnishing details, complemented by other historic buildings. The landscape and architectural history are therefore key considerations when choosing a destination.
Hiking, cycling and art
The Mantgum–Sneek stage of the Elfstedenpad starts in Mantgum. From there, it leads to the Zwette and follows the watercourse through open pastureland. If you are planning this route, check the current route conditions before setting off.
The Wind in de rug cycling route uses Mantgum station for the return journey with bicycles on the Arriva train. For this particular tour, the return journey is part of the route. Plan the train section in accordance with the current conditions for trains and bicycles.
At Mantgum’s ice rink, the IJsbaankeunstrûte features a work of art by Hendrik Elings. A phone is required for this digital route. The options therefore differ in terms of activity and planning: a walking stage through open pastureland, a cycling route with a return journey by train, or an art route with digital access.
Terp history and protected village character
Mantgum developed on a terp on the western bank of the Middelzee. Part of the original terp was later removed. Mantgum is also designated as a protected village conservation area. These aspects complement the themes of routes and landscape with the village’s origins and its protected status.
The Mariakerk: architecture and furnishings
The Mariakerk dates from the early fifteenth century. It was raised, plastered and fitted with pointed-arch windows. A new tower with a tall spire also replaced the old saddle-roof tower. Both alterations to the building and the shape of the tower are therefore among the church’s features.
The furnishings include pieces from around 1780, with carvings by master craftsman Hermannus Berkebijl. Another precisely identifiable detail is a round pulpit with a round sounding board. The organ was built in 1879 by L. van Dam & Zn. The Mariakerk combines its architectural history dating back to the early fifteenth century with furnishings from around 1780 and its organ, built in 1879.
Other buildings with their own architectural history
Two other buildings in Mantgum also offer contrasting features. The residence at Dokter Fokkewei 1 was built in 1910 to a design by the architect D. Meintema. Its brick architecture is influenced by the Amsterdam School. The building at Seerp van Galemawei 4 was built around 1870 as a rentier’s house: its eclectic style features predominantly neoclassical elements.
The two buildings can be distinguished by their year of construction, use and style: one is a residence with brick architecture influenced by the Amsterdam School; the other is an older rentier’s house with predominantly neoclassical elements. Together with the Mariakerk, they form an architectural history theme spanning from the early fifteenth century to buildings from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In addition to the landscape route described, Mantgum offers specific historical and architectural highlights to help you choose a destination.
Discover more destinations: Weidum, Reahus, Kûbaard, Bozum, Easterein, Easterlittens, Wommels
For the broader travel overview: Littenseradiel.
