Visitors drawn to Aldtsjerk by its architectural history will find traces spanning from the 12th century to buildings from the 1920s. There is also a historic route through the village centre and opportunities to explore the surrounding area on foot, by bike or by boat. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can then decide whether local history or regional exploration should be the focus of your stay.
Architectural landmarks
De Klinze is a historic country estate northeast of the village centre. The complex includes a main building, a historic garden and a park. Hessel van Aysma had the main building constructed in 1655 under the name Aysmastate. Another building is Bosk-Ein: the gardener’s house was built in 1890 in the chalet style and originally belonged to Sminiastate.
The Oudkerkermolen is also part of Aldtsjerk’s architectural history. A group of farmers established the mill in 1864. The dates place these landmarks in chronological order: the construction of De Klinze’s main building in 1655 was followed by the establishment of the mill in 1864; Bosk-Ein was built in 1890.
Church, art and skating history
The Sint-Pauluskerk was built in the mid-12th century; its west tower dates from the early 13th century. Inside are a richly carved pulpit from 1630 and the Sminiabank, an elaborately decorated lord’s pew with a family coat of arms held by angels. The church building and its furnishings therefore offer different points of reference for the village’s history.
Since 1989, Galerie Bloemrijk Vertrouwen has exhibited contemporary abstract and stylised art. The specific exhibitions change. At Dorpshuis Oerein on Van Sminiaweg, there is a professional audio and slide presentation about the culture, nature and history of Aldtsjerk and its surroundings. Check the presentation times in advance if you would like to include it in your plans.
The IJsbaangebouw Aldtsjerk is a monument built in 1925 that commemorates former speed skating races on the Aldtsjerkster Mar. The IJsclub Oudkerk has existed since 1865 and continues to hold competitions on the Oudkerkster Meer. If you would like to include a competition in your travel plans, check the dates in advance.
Routes and regional exploration
The historic route through Oentsjerk and Aldtsjerk is 6.9 kilometres long. As a walk, it passes through Aldtsjerk’s historic village centre and by numerous monuments. Check local conditions before setting out. For the Rondje Aldtsjerk – Wyns – Bartlehiem route, navigation is particularly important: it is not signposted, so use the map or a downloaded GPX file to find your way.
The Stukje Elfsteden route starts in Aldtsjerk, at the foot of the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden. The Toeristisch Overstappunt Trynwâlden serves as a starting point for exploring the surrounding region: from there, you can explore the area on foot, by bike or by boat. You can park at the TOP and travel there by public transport; sometimes a boat can also moor there.
There are cafés and restaurants and toilets near the TOP. The cycling and walking junction networks are also nearby. This lets you choose between a walking or cycling tour and exploring by boat when planning your trip, without confusing these options with the village routes.
Discover more destinations: Noardburgum, Hardegarijp, Burgum, Sumar, Eernewoude, Ryptsjerk, Wyns, Oostermeer.
For the wider travel overview: Tytsjerksteradiel.
