Rows of trees, reed beds, pastureland and small water hollows shape the landscape around Burgum and Burgumermeer. There are also opportunities for walking, cycling and boating, as well as historical connections to the Kruiskerk and Bergklooster. Parking is free in the centre of Burgum. Nature watching, outdoor activities and monastery history therefore offer a range of ways to shape your stay.

Waterscapes and Birdwatching

Burgumer Mar is a freshwater lake with extensive reed beds and marshes. Numerous waterbirds and marsh birds can be spotted there, including bitterns, bearded reedlings and great egrets. The extensive wetlands give birdwatching a particular focus and set them apart from open water.

The Soestpolder–Hege Diken birdwatching hut offers another perspective for observing birds. From there, you can look out over a sand martin nesting bank and the surrounding meadows, where black-tailed godwits and lapwings can be spotted. Green clubtails are also found in the area. Compared with Burgumer Mar, the hut focuses on the nesting bank and meadows and the species found there, while the lake is a place to watch waterbirds and marsh birds.

Exploring the Landscape

The water-rich area around Burgum and Burgumermeer is suitable for walking, cycling and boating. One specific walking option is the Wandeling rond Burgum route. It is easily accessible for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs; all paths are paved and wide enough. Check the path conditions before setting out.

Kruiskerk, Monastery and Archaeological Themes

Kruiskerk Burgum was used as an abbey church by Augustinian canons in the 13th century and belonged to the adjoining Bergklooster. It also lies directly on the second stage of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad pilgrimage route. The church therefore brings together a medieval monastic connection and a specific section of a pilgrimage route.

A medieval exhibition at the Observeum archaeological information centre explains life in and around the monastery. It draws on archaeological excavations at the former monastery site between Kruiskerk and the Observeum, as well as near Hurdegaryp. It therefore focuses both on monastic life and on the archaeological traces that help put it into context.

An interactive exhibition on the Mesolithic explores the hunter-gatherers who lived at Burgumer Mar, also known as Bergumermeer. Together with the medieval exhibition, it invites visitors to compare different periods: one focuses on the lives of earlier inhabitants by the water, the other on life in and around the monastery in the Middle Ages.

Market, Parking and Ice Rink

A farmers’ market is held in Burgum every Friday. If you want to plan your visit around it, check the date again before setting off. The ice rink in Burgum is open on weekdays from 13:00 to 17:00 and from 18:30 to 21:30. At weekends and during school holidays, opening hours are 10:00 to 17:00 during the day and 18:30 to 21:30 in the evening. As opening hours can change, check the schedule before your visit. Free parking in the centre may also be useful when planning a market day or a stay in Burgum.

Discover more destinations: Wyns, Oostermeer, Hardegarijp, Sumar, Ryptsjerk, Eernewoude, Jistrum, Noardburgum

For the regional travel overview: Tytsjerksteradiel.