A memorial stone set into a farmhouse wall offers a tangible connection to Boksum’s local history: it commemorates the Andreae farmstead, which the occupying forces set on fire during the Second World War. Alongside it are the history of the dwelling mound, a memorial plaque in the church and paths with literary connections, each relating to different historical themes. Together, they show how Boksum can be explored through individual places, dates and links to the landscape.

Dwelling mound and Middelzee

Boksum developed on a dwelling mound west of the former Middelzee; part of it was removed in the 19th century. Boksum’s origins by the former Middelzee are also part of the village’s history. The dwelling mound and the Middelzee represent two different aspects: the specific place where the village began and its wider historical landscape context. The partial removal adds a later change.

Memorial sites from two periods

On the Buorren in Boksum, the memorial stone at the Andreae farmstead is set into the wall of a farmhouse. In 1947, it was built into the wall of the living quarters of the new Andreae farmstead; it commemorates 28 September 1944. The year of installation and the date being commemorated serve different purposes: 1947 marks when the stone was built into the wall, while 1944 is the day the memorial recalls. It commemorates the farmhouse that the occupying forces set on fire during the Second World War.

In the Sint-Margaretakerk, a 17th-century memorial plaque commemorates those killed in the 1586 Battle of Boxum. Boksum therefore has two distinct historical commemorative contexts: the plaque for the battle and the Andreae farmstead stone, which commemorates the Second World War. Their different purposes help distinguish the two memorial sites.

Church paths on foot

The first stage of the Elfstedenpad runs from Leeuwarden to Mantgum via old towpaths and church paths through the terp villages of Deinum, Boksum and Jellum. The section passing through Boksum is waymarked with the internationally recognised yellow-and-red markings for multi-day circular walks.

The Haitze Holwerda rûntsje has a different focus. The route honours the writer Ulbe van Houten, who was born in Boksum and wrote the novel “De sûnde fan Haitze Holwerda” in 1938. It follows old church paths to churches described in the novel. While the Elfstedenpad section places Boksum among the villages between the stage endpoints of Leeuwarden and Mantgum, the Haitze Holwerda rûntsje connects the church paths with an author and his novel. The routes therefore differ in their focus: one follows a stage route through villages, while the other centres on literature and churches.

Cycling and views of Boksum

The “De boorden van de Middelzee” cycling route invites you to ride through Boksum and enjoy expansive views. At route point 14, there is a bench in the square by the bakery in Boksum; from there, you can look at the Sint-Margaretakerk on the dwelling mound. The church thus appears in two different contexts: as the site of the memorial plaque and as a landmark viewed from the bench.

Ambachtsbakkerij Sybesma is right next to the cycle path that runs through the meadows towards Hilaard. This connection to the path complements the cycling route’s expansive views with a specific direction through the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Menaldum.

Go to the wider travel overview: Menaldumadeel.