Saaxumhuizen combines a medieval settlement history with opportunities for cycling and walking tours. The village developed at a junction of three roads; several routes pass through Saaxumhuizen, and a cycling route can start here. When planning your trip, consider whether you want to include the village as a starting point or as part of a tour.

Roads, dwelling mounds and churches

In the Middle Ages, Saaxumhuizen developed as a komdorp at a junction of three roads: the Dikemaweg, also known as Saaxumhuizerweg, met the Nienhuisweg there. Two house mounds stood at the same spot and were later incorporated into the early sea dike. The layout of the roads, the house mounds and the dike are therefore tangible elements of the village’s history. The later incorporation of the mounds in particular links the settlement’s history with the development of the dike landscape.

The Jacobus Church in Saaxumhuizen was built in the 13th century. The organ is also part of the history of this church: Petrus van Oeckelen built it, and it was completed in September 1851. The church building and organ thus mark different historical periods and bring together architectural and musical history. For travellers interested in either subject, the Jacobus Church offers a tangible cultural connection to the village.

Cycling and walking routes

The 41-kilometre Westelijke Hogeland cycling route can start in Saaxumhuizen; it reaches the village via the Oudeweg. Saaxumhuizen is therefore relevant both as a possible starting point and as part of the route. The “Van haver tot gort op het Hogeland” cycling route also passes through the village. This distinction is useful when choosing a route: a tour can start here or include Saaxumhuizen along the way. Route conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Saaxumhuizen is part of four walking routes. Of the local walking routes, all except the third can also be used as cycling routes. The exception has relatively long unpaved sections. If you are choosing between walking and cycling, the surface on this third route is a practical planning consideration; seasonal conditions may also play a role.

As a walking option, the 16-kilometre Warffum–Baflo route heads south to Saaxumhuizen. From the village, it runs mostly under trees. The distance, direction and character of the route offer different points of reference: the distance applies to the entire walking route, while the reference to trees describes the section from Saaxumhuizen. The 16 kilometres of this walk and the 41 kilometres of the Westelijke Hogeland cycling route refer to different types of tours and therefore are not a direct measure of the same amount of travel time.

The “Weed villages and Wadden Sea coast” cycling route offers another perspective in the nearby area: it runs from Westernieland towards the Wadden Sea, a unique and species-rich natural area. Westernieland is therefore the starting point for this route; its direction differs from that of routes that start in or pass through Saaxumhuizen.

Discover more destinations: Tinallinge, Winsum, Garnwerd, Rasquert, Adorp, Baflo

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