Uithuizen has a distinct cultural and historical focus. Alongside its churches, it offers a borg with historic gardens, farmyard and windmill architecture, as well as dedicated pilgrimage and cycling routes. You can therefore tailor your stay to different interests: architectural history, garden culture or outdoor activities.
Churches, Borg and Layers of History
The Jacobikerk, also known as the Dionysiuskerk, was built in its present form between 1225 and 1250. Its chancel vault features 15th-century paintings. The construction and vault paintings therefore date from different centuries. The Arp Schnitger organ in Uithuizen has 28 stops, adding a musical dimension to the cultural and historical experience.
Menkemaborg was built in the 14th century. Its western garden was reconstructed based on the original garden plan from around 1705. These details represent different historical periods: the garden plan is much more recent than the medieval borg. Anyone interested in landscape design will find not only architectural history here, but also the reconstruction of a garden based on a historic plan.
Farmhouse Architecture and Windmill History
Huize Tocama is probably a 19th-century cross-house farmstead with a neck barn, main barn and outbuilding. A renovation in 1914 gave the building its present eclectic design. Its presumed construction date and later alterations are two distinct stages in its architectural history. Huize Tocama is currently being reinforced and restored; check before travelling whether a visit is possible.
The windmill De Liefde also tells a story of architectural change. The present mill was built in 1866, when an earlier post mill was dismantled and replaced by a new gallery Dutch mill. Unlike Huize Tocama, whose present design dates from a renovation, De Liefde centres on the replacement of an older type of mill. This makes it possible to distinguish between different kinds of historical change in Uithuizen.
On Foot or by Bike
There are two different options for a walk. The Jacobspad, which begins in Uithuizen, is fully signposted; check the current route markings before setting out, as they may change. Uithuizen also has a pilgrimage walk where you can visit at least one medieval church. The Jacobspad is characterised here by its route markings, while visiting churches is the focus of the pilgrimage walk.
The cycling routes also offer different experiences. The “Wealth as far as the eye can see” route starts and finishes at Menkemaborg in Uithuizen. Along the way, it passes impressive farmhouses, medieval churches and stately borgen. By contrast, the first stage of the “Mini-fietsvakantie Oost-Groningen” runs from the borg in Uithuizen to the Wadden Sea. The comparison highlights their different focuses: a circular route that starts and ends at the borg, and a stage heading towards the Wadden Sea.
Plan Your Journey and Accommodation
There is a specific reference point for getting to Menkemaborg: it is a ten-minute walk from Uithuizen railway station. Check current route information before setting out, as travel information may change. Tickets for Menkemaborg can be purchased at the door.
If Uithuizen is the main focus of your trip, you can search specifically for hotels in Uithuizen. This lets you make your choice based on your actual travel interests, without presupposing a fixed order for your visits.
Discover more destinations: Warffum, Uithuizermeeden, Eemshaven, Roodeschool, Oudeschip.
Back to the main travel overview: Eemsmond.
