The Hoofdstraat in Beetsterzwaag is lined with listed buildings and gardens that are at least three and a half centuries old. They are regarded as evidence of the village’s aristocratic residents in the 18th and 19th centuries. Different eras can be traced through individual gardens, houses and churches—from medieval predecessors to changes in the 19th century.
Gardens and houses through the ages
After 1832, the Overtuin of Lyndenstein was transformed from a formal 18th-century garden into a landscaped garden. The design is by L. P. Roodbaard. This makes it possible to distinguish the older garden from its later design: the Overtuin represents a change in garden style, not a design from a single construction phase.
The history of the Tropische Kas also comprises two clearly distinct phases. It was built in 1869 as a cold greenhouse, or orangery, and converted into a tropical greenhouse in 1930. Its original building and later transformation can therefore be considered separately.
The Lycklamahûs was built around 1825 by Catharina Aebinga van Humalda, the widow of Lynden. On 8 July 1837, it was the birthplace of Tinco Lycklama. This places an approximate construction date alongside a precisely dated biographical event.
Harinxmastate in Beetsterzwaag is neoclassical in style and has an adjoining park in the English landscape style. The estate is private and not open to visitors. Check the access status again before planning a visit.
Churches and historical layers
The St. Martenskerk (Dorpskerk) was built in 1803–1804 on the foundations of an older medieval church. The building’s listed features include a saddleback tower. The construction dates therefore do not mark the beginning of the church’s history at this site, but rather a later church building on older foundations.
The Sint Martens Dorpskerk also contains a 17th-century pulpit from the previous church. Three time periods can thus be distinguished: the medieval predecessor, the 17th-century pulpit and the 1803–1804 building. This sequence makes it possible to understand the older furnishings and the later church building as distinct historical layers.
Walking trails, cycling routes and golf
There are several marked walking trails and walking junctions in the area around Beetsterzwaag. Cycling routes also lead through the landscape: the listed routes include woods, heathland and pastureland. The surrounding woods are rich in wildlife, with many different bird and mammal species.
One specifically named tour is the “Fietsrondje De Veenhoop – Beetsterzwaag – Drachten”, which passes through Beetsterzwaag. If you plan to take this route, check the current route conditions in advance; they may change.
The Rolstoelroute Lyndenstein starts at Schuinpad (Skeanpâd), directly behind Revalidatiecentrum Lyndenstein in Beetsterzwaag. Revalidatie Friesland’s P2 car park can be used for this route. Follow the signs on site when you arrive.
Golf is another possible activity. The Golfclub Lauswolt course covers 100 hectares, is located in the Frisian woods, borders the Koningsdiep and has several bodies of water. The club’s golf professionals give lessons either at the driving range or on the golf course.
Discover more destinations: Olterterp, Tijnje, Jonkerslan, Hemrik, Wijnjewoude, Lippenhuizen, Gorredijk, Frieschepalen.
For the overview of the wider area: Opsterland.
